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Originally Posted by driveway
For a pattern-finding, sense-making brain like the one we've evolved, that, to motivate self-preservation, considers itself the most important entity in existence this is intolerable. Sense must be made.
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Absolutely. Those who fall prey to conspiracy theories are desperately seeking control in a chaotic world. They prefer to believe bad things happen because the powerful have malign agendas, than to recognize the awful truth that nobody is really in charge and bad things often happen without intent or agency.
Quote:
Originally Posted by driveway
Conspiracy theories are religions (and yes, the corollary is also true).
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They meet some of the same needs, but religions typically have some positive utility as well. They transmit useful social values, and can give people meaning, solace, and a sense of community. Conspiratorial thinking does not. It’s religion shorn of all wisdom and positive social value.