In recent years, so-called conspiracy theories have become very widespread. Without entering into a discussion of whether some of them are true, the term “conspiracy theory” implies that they are theories, therefore unproven claims. Despite this, they easily find their way into people’s minds and convince many advocates of their truth.
Conspiracy theories are not a phenomenon of our time. At the end of World War I, a theory spread that the Spanish flu virus was a German biological weapon intended to gain an advantage on the battlefield. Although Germany was also affected by the same virus, people found it easier to accept the idea that it was their secret weapon rather than a natural virus finding fertile ground in weak human immunity due to famine and war. If we go back even further in the past, witch hunts were the result of conspiracy theories: the widespread belief in the influence of the Devil on people. Those who identified witches in their neighbors were usually ordinary but uneducated and superstitious people who truly believed in their accusations. Throughout the history of mankind, people have always tried to find the causes of the hardships they have faced. In the past, it was angry gods and witches, while today it is the interests of evil people who want to dominate the world. What sets our time apart from the past is the technological advances that have enabled these conspiracy theories to quickly spread through social media and attract a large number of followers. However, what connects our time to the past is the fear from which these conspiracy theories arise. On the surface, it may seem easier to live if we can identify a culprit; the world appears clearer and more understandable, and we feel like we have control over our own lives. It is harder to accept that life is unpredictable and that, despite all technological advancements, we are still filled with ignorance about the nature and laws of life.
Fear is a destructive emotion that affects our way of thinking; by evoking doubts and mistrust, fear makes the explanations of self-proclaimed authorities more acceptable than scientific evidence. Due to fear, I see in others the need to rely on conspiracy theories as a way to explain the uncertainties and complexities of life. against enemies with hidden intentions, who want to deceive us, exploit us, enslave us… Even identifying the real culprit for some misfortune does not bring true relief because we usually have no influence over these culprits, and therefore we still have no control over the situation. Moreover, the world seems even more terrifying because… who knows what else is happening, who else is controlling our lives…
Psychologists advise that the cure for conspiracy theories is knowledge. However, not all of us can embark on a medical study to verify the truthfulness of vaccination theories, nor delve into the study of electrical engineering to draw an expert conclusion about 5G networks. So how can we assess what is true?
Traditional teachings say that humans have two types of minds that determine their understanding of reality. One is the mind that Tibetans call “sem” and compare it to a monkey jumping from branch to branch because it is incapable of staying in one place, thinking, evaluating, and arriving at an objective answer. It is conditioned by external events and seeks immediate The first mind is the mind of emotions, which is influenced by a person’s emotional reactions to them; therefore, rational arguments do not affect this mind. If we seek confirmation of our doubts and fears, this mind will always find numerous “arguments” that will prove their justification.
The second mind is the mind of contemplation, intelligent assessment of the true and false, or, as the Stoics would say, the cold analysis unburdened by desires and feelings. We can also call it the philosophical mind because philosophy, by its definition, is a pursuit of wisdom and truth. To use this mind means not allowing fear to imprison us, consciously distancing ourselves from the influence of various “authorities,” and evaluating the probability of a theory and the possible motives of those who propagate them using common sense.
Every person has both minds; the question is which one prevails. In everyday life situations, the former is useful as it helps us solve everyday problems. However, for building relationships with other people, forming a worldview, and understanding life, the philosophical mind is necessary, the one that does not hastily accept the prevailing opinions and preconceptions but critically examines them. Despite our fears and desires, we persistently seek the truth. We may never find some answers, but then we should ask ourselves: are there any wiser questions and more necessary actions in our lives than futile thinking and seeking confirmation for some conspiracy theories?