Conspiracy Theories, Political Divides, & Misinformation

Virtual CLE on Thursday January 7th, 2021 at 12 PM
Course Number: 174108815
Approved for 1 hour MLCE including .25 ethics.
University of Miami Political Science Professor Joseph Uscinski will discuss why conspiracy theories are a part of the human condition. Everyone believes at least one, but given the number of conspiracy theories, it is more likely that everyone believes a few. Some people have a worldview defined by them. Conspiracy theories are just another reminder that people disagree about many things, including truth. These disagreements have always existed and always will. We have to live with conspiracy theories and with the people who believe them. The only way to do this is have compassion and tolerance for others, and to hold our own beliefs to high standards. His first book, The People’s News: Media, Politics, and the Demands of Capitalism (New York University Press, 2014) addresses how audience demands drive news content. His second book, American Conspiracy Theories (Oxford University Press, 2014) coauthored with Joseph Parent, examines why people believe in conspiracy theories. It is a must read for anyone interested in political misinformation in general, and American conspiracy theories in particular. His latest book, Conspiracy Theories - A Primer (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2020) introduces students to the research into conspiracy theories and the people who propagate and believe them. In doing so, it addresses the psychological, sociological, and political sources of conspiracy theorizing.
Uscinski will be joined in his presentation by Terry O'Rourke, Special Assistant Harris County Attorney and Head of the Harris County Election Security Committee. Terry will discuss the October 2020 HVAC repairman assault in Houston and the alarming details of the story behind it and the conspiracy theory that motivated it. Their discussion will include the ethical duties of lawyers dealing with conspiracy theories and misinformation.

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