Coincidence theory

The term coincidence theory is used by skeptics who claim that people who dismiss claims of conspiracies are relying on too many coincidences.

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Skeptics argue that coincidence theory explains a complex or controversial historical event by oversimplifying its causes in such a way that most members of a target population will believe the simplified version of history. Such theories, they claim, hold any suspicious loose ends, anomalies or mysteries not explained by the theory to be the result of coincidence.

Related Topics:
Oversimplifying - Population - History - Anomalies - Mysteries - Coincidence

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Accordingly, skeptics (especially those who value explanations based on conspiracies), argue that coincidence theory is often disseminated by means of propaganda, especially when the theory is created by or in support of social or economic interests which have the means for effective media manipulation. Such theories, they claim, are often employed by parties in order to offer a plausible alternative explanation for a historical event that told otherwise would damage that party's credibility or public image, or would establish that party's guilt in an instance of crime or scandal.

Related Topics:
Propaganda - Media manipulation - Credibility - Public image - Guilt - Crime - Scandal

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Coincidence theories, according to skeptics, are often calculated to exploit the perceived gullibility and ignorance of those to whom they are communicated. They can make use of many propaganda tactics, including the scapegoating of a person or group to whom blame is shifted.

Related Topics:
Ignorance - Communicated - Tactics - Scapegoating

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Critics of the skeptical approach argue the term "coincidence theory" is employed by "conspiracy theorists" as a way to justify a "conspiracist" approach to explaining historic events. The term coincidence theory is a pun on the term "Conspiracy theory" which skeptics argue is a pejorative.

Related Topics:
Conspiracist - Pun - Conspiracy theory - Pejorative

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