Conspiracy Theories and Miracles

Conspiracy theories exhibit a paranoid epistemology—assuming intrigue and cover-up for which there can be no evidence, rather than seeking evidence to establish suspicion. A form of collective rationalization, they derive their appeal not from their explanatory power, but from their emotional and existential benefits. Like miracles, conspiracy theories are not failed attempts at genuine explanation, but the corruption of explanation masquerading as explanation. Thus, the standard liberal recipe—greater openness and better access to information—might exacerbate the problem rather than ameliorate it.