Conspiracy theories are non-scientific theories that attempt to explain the complex power relations of groups, typically by assigning malicious intent to groups and individuals. It is not that people don’t conspire, it is that one can’t properly put a jigsaw puzzle together without understanding the pieces. Often, the blank spaces are filled in with paranoid half-truths, resulting in a convincing, but ultimately misleading theory.

You can read all about the general truth behind conspiracy theories here.

Factoids tagged with "Conspiracy Theories"

Hitler Was a Socialist Myth

The idea that “Hitler was a socialist” is a myth. Hitler was a Fascist. Fascism has some socialist roots, but it is a unique authoritarian and nationalist ideology separate from socialism.

Fake News is Real Fact

“Fake news”, news meant to influence rather than provide pure information, it is real and as old as the printing press. However, only some of what is getting labeled as “fake news” is actually “fake”.

Voter Fraud is Real Fact

Voter fraud is real and so is voter suppression. However, widespread voter fraud is very unlikely to occur, and convicted voter fraud in the United States is very uncommon.

Eugenics Has Historically Been a Popular Theory Fact

Eugenics (including positive eugenics which breeds traits, and negative eugenics which prevents breeding) has been practiced since the Greeks, but rose to popularity in the west starting in the late 1800’s.

Fluoride is Bad For You Myth

Fluoride is a name for several fluorine compounds. Fluoride is good for oral hygiene in small doses, but extremely dangerous and toxic in large doses.

432 Hz is Better than 440 Hz Myth

It’s theorized that using a starting pitch of A=432 Hz and a “just intonation” tuning method (scientific tuning) is more natural and mathematically symmetric than using A=440 Hz and “equal temperament” tuning (concert tuning).

The Earth Isn’t Flat Fact

The Earth is not flat; the Earth is an oblate spheroid (a bumpy sphere with a fat equator and skinny poles). There are many ways to prove the earth’s geometry.

Caesar Said “Et tu, Brute?” Myth

Evidence suggests Julius Caesar may have said a variation of the phrase, “Et tu, Brute?” preceding his assassination. However, the quote is from Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar”.

Humans Impact Climate Change Fact

Humans impact climate change. Since the industrial revolution the burning of oil, coal, and gas has had an increasing effect on climate.

Blog Posts tagged with "Conspiracy Theories"

Words that Mean the N-Word

You can’t say the N-Word anymore, but that doesn’t stop people from using vaguely racist code words. Here is a discussion on racial code words used in “dog-whistle” politics in America.

The Birth of Modern Banking

Modern banking originated in Italy around 1150 as Jews fleeing persecution brought new practices, including “discounting”, to the merchant banks of the Italian piazzas.

The 2007 – 2009 Financial Crisis Explained

We explain the Financial Crisis / Great Recession of 2007 – 2009 that began with the 2006 housing bubble, led to a recession in the U.S. by December 2007, and became a global crisis by 2009.

The Secret Life of Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton produced many well-known works in math, astronomy, and physics, but he produced about as many unpublished works which dealt with theology, alchemy, and the occult.

What is “the Invisible Hand”?

“The invisible hand” is a term used by Adam Smith to describe the theory that self-interest leads to social and economic benefits in a free-market.

Is America an Oligarchy?

The United States of America is a Federal Republic that some say contains a growing corporatocracy (a type of oligarchy) as a subsystem.

What Does “Politically Correct” Mean?

Political Correctness (PC) generally describes the debate surrounding tolerance, sensitivity, and self-or-state censorship. More specifically, it refers to the “correct” treatment of groups, in the context of current politics, regarding language and policies.

Wealth and Income Inequality

We explain economic inequality from a historical perspective, and then consider the effects of wealth inequality and income inequality in America today.

What is a Useful Idiot?

“Useful Idiot” is a political term describing a person who spreads propaganda for a group (useful), whose goals they aren’t fully aware of (idiot).

Conspiracy Theories Explained

We explain the concept of conspiracy theories, including why people formulate them, using examples of famous conspiracy theories from history.