Resource person: Pam Petrie

Description:

Conspiracies – or at least, claims of conspiracies – seem everywhere. While many conspiracies are generally accepted (9/11, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, regrettably frequent sexual abuse coverups) many alleged conspiracies are “theories” in the worst sense of that term: just wild accusations and speculations of immense and intricate plans of evil. Is there any distinction between these? How can we navigate a world filled with conspiratorial ideas? I’ll be your guide to understanding what philosophers are currently thinking about conspiracy thinking, and how it might differ from reasonable thinking.

Instructor: Dr. McDermid is a philosopher with expertise in critical thinking, epistemology (the study of the nature of knowledge), and philosophy of science.  He moved to the Island in 2024, having taught at Montclair State University in northern New Jersey and the University of Western Ontario for 20 years, and is currently teaching at Camosun College in Victoria.

Mandatory membership(s):

• Volunteer Membership 2026-27
• Life Membership
• Individual Membership 2026-27

Available spots: 12 out of 12

Price: $42.00 Taxes not included

Prerequisites: Handouts provided as PDF files.

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