Conspiracy Theories and the Problem of Disappearing Knowledge | Quassim Cassam | TEDxWarwick

TEDx Talks14 minutes read

Self-trust is crucial for actions based on memory, with doubts from others eroding knowledge and confidence. Exposure to conspiracy theories can lead to doubt and uncertainty, requiring engagement with facts to protect knowledge and truth.

Insights

  • Doubts implanted by others can erode self-trust, leading to a loss of knowledge and confidence in one's beliefs, highlighting the critical role of self-trust in maintaining confidence in one's memory and actions.
  • Engaging with conspiracy theories and rebutting them with facts and evidence is crucial to protecting knowledge and truth, emphasizing the importance of countering misinformation by relying on expert knowledge rather than dismissing challenging beliefs.

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Recent questions

  • Why is self-trust important?

    Self-trust is crucial for knowing whether an action was taken based on confidence in memory. Doubts from others can erode self-trust, leading to a loss of knowledge and confidence in beliefs.

  • How can fake news erode knowledge?

    Fake news and conspiracy theories aim to undermine confidence in one's ability to know, eroding knowledge by eroding self-trust. Exposure can lead to doubt and uncertainty.

  • What can Holocaust denial cause?

    Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories can cause individuals to question established historical events, leading to doubt and uncertainty. Engaging with and rebutting them is crucial.

  • Why is expertise important in countering conspiracy theories?

    Lack of expertise can hinder individuals from effectively countering conspiracy theories. Relying on experts is crucial in protecting knowledge and truth.

  • How should one respond to challenging theories?

    When faced with theories challenging established beliefs, the motto should be to rebut them with facts and evidence rather than ignoring them. Engaging with and countering them is essential.

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Summary

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Challenging Conspiracy Theories: Rebut with Facts

  • Self-trust is crucial in knowing whether an action was taken, like switching on a burglar alarm, based on confidence in one's memory.
  • Doubts implanted by others can erode self-trust, leading to a loss of knowledge and confidence in one's beliefs.
  • The problem of disappearing knowledge can occur even if the facts remain unchanged, solely due to psychological changes.
  • Fake news and conspiracy theories aim to undermine confidence in one's ability to know, eroding knowledge by eroding self-trust.
  • Exposure to conspiracy theories can lead individuals to doubt established facts, transitioning from belief to uncertainty.
  • Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories can cause individuals to question established historical events, leading to doubt and uncertainty.
  • Engaging with conspiracy theories and rebutting them with facts and evidence is crucial to protecting knowledge and truth.
  • Lack of expertise in certain fields can hinder individuals from effectively countering conspiracy theories, emphasizing the importance of relying on experts.
  • In a world inundated with conspiracy theories, ignoring them is not a viable solution; engaging with and rebutting them with expert knowledge is essential.
  • The motto when faced with theories challenging established beliefs should be to rebut them with facts and evidence, rather than ignoring them.
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