The Psychology of Persuasion and Conspiracy Theories

Colin Marshall’s course, “Respect, Rhetoric, and the Psychology of Persuasion,” examines how ethically permissible persuasion can be accomplished, with particular attention to (a) issues of moral respect, (b) the ethics of rhetoric, and (c) relevant work in social sciences. Unlike traditional philosophy seminars, this course largely focuses on public-facing work. Students will analyze and propose interventions in other people and organizations’ attempts to persuade.

Download a PDF of the syllabus for “Respect, Rhetoric, and the Psychology of Persuasion.”

Ian Schnee’s course, “Conspiracy Theories, Propaganda, and Epistemic Vice,” considers the following: Do conspiracy theories appeal to our epistemic vices? Is it ever rational to believe a conspiracy theory? Are conspiracy theories forms of political propaganda? What is propaganda and is it always manipulative? How are we easily influenced and manipulated by technology, media and misinformation? Course topics include the epistemology and ethics of disagreement, ethical and aesthetic frameworks for analyzing propaganda, philosophical views of conspiracy theories, and the ethics of persuasive technology.

Download a PDF of the syllabus for “Conspiracy Theories, Propaganda, and Epistemic Vice.”