Conspiracy theories and reasonable pluralism

• Published in: European journal of political theory Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 445 - 465
• Main Authors: Cíbik, Matej, Hardoš, Pavol
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.07.2022; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Conspiracy; Containment; Criteria; Epistemology; Equality; Ethics; Freedom of speech; Public policy; Rawls, John (1921-2002); Social cohesion; Theory; Conspiracy theories; Nussbaum; epistemology; freedom of speech; Rawls

The popularity of conspiracy theories poses a clear challenge for contemporary liberal democracies. Conspiracy theories undermine rational debate, spread dangerous falsehoods and threaten social cohesion. However, any possible public policy response, which would try to contain their spread, needs to...