ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that conspiracy theorists are typically victims of a form of cognitive failure. It deals with a few words in favour of the conspiracy theorist. Conspiracy theorists, like creation scientists and astrologers, are advocates of ideas that are generally quite popular. No doubt history plays its part in explaining the hostility of intellectuals towards conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theorizing has long been favored by Populists, who are almost invariably anti-elitist, and therefore generally anti-intellectual as well. Because conspiracy theorists almost always wish to see conspiracies exposed, they are typically quite dedicated in their search for evidence relevant to their favourite conspiracy theory and are usually able to overwhelm philosophers with a deluge of evidence in favour of that theory. In some cases, conspiracy theorists may belong to a subculture of fellow theorists that acts to significantly affect their judgment. Most conspiracy theorists who manage to make the headlines these days produce theories that are harebrained and lacking in warrant.
