[Simon Green]

It is false to assert that all conspiracy theories are by nature “non-existent” or trigger by “fear”.

When a prosecutor works to make a criminal case, he has to piece together evidence and find a way to tie it all together. Not all prosecutors arrive at the correct conclusion.

“conspiracy” is a charge that several parties coordinate to commit a crime.

From the article;

A conspiracy theory is not simply a conspiracy. Barkun writes that conspiracies are "actual covert plots planned and/or carried out by two or more persons". A conspiracy theory, on the other hand, is "an intellectual construct", a "template imposed upon the world to give the appearance of order to events". Positing that "some small and hidden group" has manipulated events, a conspiracy theory can be local or international, focused on single events or covering multiple incidents and entire countries, regions and periods of history. Conspiracy theorists see themselves as having privileged access to special knowledge or a special mode of thought that separates them from the masses who believe the official account

[a fool in paradise]

a batsh!tcrazy conspiracy theory is not the only sort of conspiracy theory.

a scientific theory is a theory whether or not it is scientific in its approach

a conspiracy theory is not itself a conspiracy. It is a THEORY

[Windflier]

Conspiracy theorists see themselves as having privileged access to special knowledge or a special mode of thought that separates them from the masses who believe the official account

Reminds me of a certain quasi religious cult right here on Free Republic.