ABSTRACT
The media routinely treats belief in conspiracy theories as a form of irrationality. I argue that this is a mistake. Not only is it perfectly rational to believe in conspiracy theories, it would be positively irrational not to believe in conspiracy theories. This is due to the simple fact that there really are conspiracies, the existence of which is common knowledge. Conspiracy is, and always have been, a common form of human behaviour which has had a profound impact on history and current social arrangements. Arguments to the contrary are the product confusion and/or ignorance.
The media also routinely treats belief in the deep state (especially the American deep state) as a form irrationality. Again, I argue that this is a mistake. There really is a deep state and its activities are largely conspiratorial. So, not only is there nothing wrong with believing conspiracy theories; there is nothing wrong with believing in conspiracy theories about the (American) deep state. I illustrate the dangers of scepticism about belief in conspiracy by the deep state by considering Qanon as a case study. I go on to make recommendations about how the media should treat these issues.
