Stanley Fish has an interesting piece on conspiracy theorists on the left posted in the today’s Times. His general point is that the belief in hidden conspiracies is held across the political spectrum, not only among those who believe that Obama is Muslim and not an American citizen. I suppose he is right. He is underscoring an important fact which highlights a significant challenge to democratic life. Conspiracy theories are the ultimate form of political cynicism. They are the opposite of criticism. They undermine the capacity for democratic deliberation, as they explain everything and justify not taking into account those who have different understandings and interests. This is why I often declare: As a matter of principle I am the last one to recognize a conspiracy.
]]>Stanley Fish has an interesting piece on conspiracy theorists on the left posted in the today’s Times. His general point is that the belief in hidden conspiracies is held across the political spectrum, not only among those who believe that Obama is Muslim and not an American citizen.
I suppose he is right. He is underscoring an important fact which highlights a significant challenge to democratic life. Conspiracy theories are the ultimate form of political cynicism. They are the opposite of criticism. They undermine the capacity for democratic deliberation, as they explain everything and justify not taking into account those who have different understandings and interests. This is why I often declare: As a matter of principle I am the last one to recognize a conspiracy.
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