See Michael Shermer debate Rupert Sheldrake at https://iai.tv/video/on-the-edges-of-...

In this intimate interview, Michael Shermer explores how conspiracy theories undermine objective truth or the generally accepted scientific, materialist paradigm. He covers everything from his most recent work to why conspiracy theories are so good at creating cult followings and what objective truth might look like.

#conspiracy #belief #michaelshermer

Michael Shermer is an American science writer, historian of science, executive director of The Skeptics Society, and founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a publication focused on investigating pseudoscientific and supernatural claims. The author of over a dozen books, Shermer is known for engaging in debates on pseudoscience and religion in which he emphasizes scientific scepticism.

The Institute of Art and Ideas features videos and articles from cutting edge thinkers discussing the ideas that are shaping the world, from metaphysics to string theory, technology to democracy, aesthetics to genetics. Subscribe today! https://iai.tv/subscribe?utm_source=Y...

00:00 Introduction
01:12 Why are people conspiracy theorists?
03:03 Conspiracies and intelligence
08:07 Real conspiracies
11:12 Charismatic leaders
13:00 Different levels of belief
16:02 How to approach conspiracy theorists
17:06 Conspiracies and identity
18:47 Expertise in conspiracies
22:00 Religious belief and conspiracies
24:58 Legitimate politics vs. conspiracies
25:45 The most damaging conspiracy in history

For debates and talks: https://iai.tv
For articles: https://iai.tv/articles
For courses: https://iai.tv/iai-academy/courses