Conspiracy theories aren't just "interesting". They're dangerous.

Quassim Cassam, professor of philosophy at Warwick, writes in clear and simple terms about how conspiracy theories aren't created for the purpose of finding truth but for furthering an economic or political agenda. The ones with the most to gain from conspiracy theories are those selling them and those benefiting from the political confusion or panic such theories can sew.

This book doesn't detail any modern conspiracy theories or lend credence to those theories by giving them space on the page. Instead, he describes common aspects of conspiracy theories and how those aspects are designed to keep conspiracy theories engaging. They make the believer feel special, like they're in on a secret only few people are privileged enough or smart enough to figure out - and we are all so susceptible to that kind of thinking, even if we aren't conspiracy theorists ourselves.

I was most intrigued with the prevalence of Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and how such theories played a role in the Holocaust and are still in the manifestos of present day terrorist groups such as Hamas. Conspiracy theories can and do cost lives and lending any credence to any conspiracy theory lends credence to them all because those who believe one conspiracy theory are more likely to believe more and more conspiracy theories, even about unrelated topics.

Cassam presents this book as a simple call to action to debunk conspiracy theories in ways that fit the psychology of conspiracy theorists. When logical appeals and evidence aren't enough, we have to get to the heart of attacking the politics behind the propaganda. Cui bono? That's the question.

We can't afford to ignore conspiracy theories. There's simply too much at stake.