Episode 27: Epistemic Establishment

** Time codes to be updated shortlyThe term “conspiracy theory” is often used to discredit accusations of elite political criminality and to silence opposition to the machinations of the powers that be. In this episode we discuss the definition of the term “conspiracy theory” and how it was weaponized by the CIA to deflect criticisms of the of the dubious conclusions drawn by the Warren Commission regarding the assassination of former US President Kennedy. Introduced also in this episode is the concept of the ‘epistemic establishment’, which includes knowledge giving institutions and authorities that are trusted by the general public to provide them with truthful information about the world. It is often assumed that since we live in a so-called ‘open society’, corruption of epistemic authorities is unlikely. However, as we illustrate in considerable detail, there are good reasons to distrust our current secular epistemic authorities, and to treat their pronouncements with a healthy degree of skepticism. We provide concrete suggestions about how to find truth in a society characterized by a failing, compromised and corrupt epistemic establishment. Finally, we discuss how framing elite political crimes in terms of “State Crimes Against Democracy” (SCADs)--as suggested by Professor Lance deHaven-Smith--removes the negative stigma associated with the term ‘conspiracy theory’ while facilitating a fresh look at patterns of elite criminality that would otherwise go unnoticed.Episode Timeline & Notes0:00:00 - Opening Segment0:00:00 - The Not Conformed Salute!GraceLife supporters call on more churches to reopen as Pastor James remains in custody - Rebel NewsReligious freedom office replaced with new 'office of human rights' | CBC News(35) Edmonton pastor arrested for overcrowded sermons - YouTubeLegal Advocacy in Canada | Justice Centre for Constitutional FreedomsRisking COVID to live a normal life: JCCF Lawyer James Kitchen - Rebel NewsPoland fights Big Tech with push to block social media censorship | Fox NewsPoland Proposes $13.5 Million Fines for Tech Giants Engaging in Ideological CensorshipBOOM! Poland Will Fine Big Tech $13.5 Million Per Case For Removing Ideological Content: “Poland spent 45 years under Communism…It taught us the value of free speech”0:00:00 - New Hypocrat AwardWATCH: Conservative MP calls out 'feminist' Trudeau for not recognizing China's Uyghur genocide | The Post MillennialMPs pass motion declaring genocide against Uighurs in China, despite cabinet abstentions | CTV NewsStatus / Gab SocialTop Pension Fund Head Beat Canada’s Covid-19 Vaccine Queue by Getting a Shot in Middle East - WSJCPP Investments CEO Mark Machin resigns after travelling to UAE for COVID-19 vaccine | The Star0:00:00 - Definition of Conspiracy Theory0:00:00 - A basic definitionCoady, David. Conspiracy Theories: The Philosophical Debate.. Routledge, 2018.Sunstein, C. R., & Vermeule, A. (2009). Conspiracy Theories: Causes and Cures. Journal of Political Philosophy , 17 (2), 202–227. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9760.2008.00