Conspiracy Theory
The academic, or intellectual, orientation of this web
site and my URI course on the JFK assassination compels us to step back and
examine the popularity of the conspiratorial explanation from a distance. This
topic is very different from just examining the 101 conspiracy theories that
have been advanced for the assassination. Rather, we must examine the act of
appealing to undocumented conspiracy and continuing to appeal to it even when
documentation remains absent for a span of time approaching four decades. The
importance of this kind of metaanalysis cannot be overestimated; it separates
the buffs from the scholars.
I am writing this page in early September 2000. During the
next few months, I will expand the section on conspiracy theory
irregularly, with the goal of having a complete package ready for the beginning
of class in January 2001. Keep your fingers crossed!
Introduction to conspiracy theory (including definitions)
Characteristics of conspiracy theory
Critique of conspiracy theory
History of conspiracy theory
What does conspiracy theory offer its practitioners?
Conspiracy theory in the JFK assassination
Broad conspiracy mentality in JFK conspiracists