ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that conspiracy theories pose a uniquely potent skeptical threat. Following a brief review of the philosophical debate concerning the definition of conspiracy theory, a definition according to which conspiracy theories are theories alleging conspiracies and that conflict with the consensus claims of relevant epistemic authorities is adopted. It is then argued that the skeptical threat of conspiracy theories is contingent upon their scope, such that certain conspiracy theories pose an extremely comprehensive skeptical threat. This threat arises from the fact that such theories distort the perception of evidence offered by epistemic authorities and evidence more widely. Finally, it is argued that mere improvements to individual reasoning and intellectual character are not sufficient to address the skeptical threat of conspiracy theories.
