Skeptic Project

I have an idea on teaching critical thinking to conspiracy theorists which I call the conspiracy challenge. It goes like this.

You compile a list of known conspiracy theories (and the specific assertions made by each). And compile some links to evidence in favour of, and against each theory. You ask your subject to take a look at the evidence for and against each, and take a position for or against each. Hopefully the list is large enough that there are some contradictory theories (heck, we could even invent a few conspiracies), so that the subject must reject at least one in order to be logically consistent.

Then, you ask the subject to provide general principles as to why they reject certain theories, and ask them to apply those principles (or give reasons why those principles do not apply) to the theories they do support. This should lead in some contradiction.

Of course, it's easy to find reasons why this would never pan out as intended... sigh

At the very least I think it would be awesome to create my own wild conspiracy theory, see how many people will buy it, and then expose the whole jig some time later. I'd like to hear others' ideas on what would make a really great conspiracy theory.

I've had that video on my youtube page for months, I had no clue you were the one who made it haha.

In my personal experience they will indeed just go on believing whatever it is you tell them, I've done things like it before, where I simply make something up.

Priceless CT quotes include, "that's what MSM want you to believe!" and "shill!" and my favourite "yeah, well, you're obviously an idiot"