Many of us carry beliefs that seem weird to others. Some grounded in science, others not so much. In the realm of Historical studies, we have been inundated with revisionist inquiry. Much of this has provided a renewed perspective (the psychological pains of Lincoln) where as other revisionists have given way to purely inaccurate propaganda (most Oliver Stone works).
Holocaust denial is a prime example of such nonsense. More recently, the 9-11 truth movement has recycled the same cognitive processes of those who originally fathomed the JFK conspiracy theories. Why do people believe such strange things? The answer for this is not all that different to the question of why do people believe in things like psychics, Dowsing, Astrology, and other humbug. Michael Shermer's explanation seems appropriate, "In the absence of science incomplete information combines with the power of suggestion." The perfect explanation to that "back and to the left magic bullet theory."Michael Shermer constantly addresses these issues in his skeptic publications, which is a fun read if nothing else. It should be noted that he may have a slight bias in debunking issues as it has made him a living. Still, Today's lecture is fun and very applicable to modern education.
Why people believe strange things
what.conspiracy.are.you.talking.about.
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