Skeptics vs. Conspiracy Theorists

By Virginia Prescott on Wednesday, October 21, 2009.

From President Obama’s birth certificate to the 9/11 attacks, conspiracy theorists flock to the internet to compare notes and rally against the status quo. While long-relegated to the darker and more obscure corners of the web, conspiracy theories are growing in popularity.

Now, a group of skeptics are taking it upon themselves to organize and fight back against unfounded rumors using science and reason. They convened in London earlier this month to plot their attack. Freelance writer Arran Frood was there for BBC News Online and joins us to discuss the conspiracy backlash.

BBC News Magazine: When Skeptics Fight Back

(Photo by bruno bollaert via Flickr/Creative Commons)

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Way to get the local angle from the Granite State Sketpics. I was at the US TAM in Las Vegas where these issues also came up.

Submitted by Travis Roy on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 12:31.

This is just another reason why I will not contribute any money to NHPR. Yet again another knee jerk program that doesn't in any way look into the truth or falsehoods of "Conspiracy Theorists" , as they are categorized. The "official" investigation into 9/11 created a ridiculous conspiracy theory that does not stand up to even the slightest scrutiny. So you present this little blurb about the Amazing Meeting in London that does nothing to inform the public nor promote any discussions concerning the details of the events of 9/11, but instead just creates another pathetic opportunity for "skeptics" to gloat over themselves while doing magic tricks, telling jokes to explain how "conspiracy theorists " fool us. For god's sake, why can't the media acknowledge there are many very educated and highly respected scholars, teachers, scientists who very thoughtfully disagree with the official story of 9/11
http://www.st911.org/

Submitted by Denny White on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 19:06.

Idea Smackdown: Round III

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Word of Mouth is all about what's new. Online and on-air, the show looks at our fascinating and ever-changing world, and puts the latest ideas under a microscope. Word of Mouth investigates everything from science and technology, to health and the environment, to new trends in popular culture. The show airs Monday through Thursday at noon and is hosted by Virginia Prescott.