The conspiracy theories of the pandemic: a philosophic dissection

REQUIRED VIEWING

Plandemic 2: Indoctornation 1 hour 16 minutes, video

OPTIONAL LISTENING & VIEWING

Certainty and Happiness 29 minutes, audio (from 0:00–29:10 only)
Presentation on the origins of COVID-19 21 minutes, video

INTRODUCTION
What is the epistemological status of conspiracy theories? Should they be dismissed out of hand? Do they require the same standards of proof as any other claims, or do they require higher standard and if so, what? And what are the standards of certainty and proof in general, and how do conspiracy theories fit within that framework?
In this Meetup, we will explore these epistemological questions, and then apply what we learn to evaluate some of the conspiracy theories from the era of the pandemic.
POINTS OF DISCUSSION

The four levels of knowledge: arbitrary, possible, probable, certain
The epistemological status of conspiracy theories
The public figures, policies, institutions and events that inspired conspiracy theories during the pandemic, including Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci, Government Health Organizations (NIH, CDC, WHO), The World Economic Forum, the media, and Event 201
The likely truth or falsehood of the conspiracy theories generated during the pandemic

Please note that viewing Plandemic 2: Indoctornation is a requirement for attending the event, as the conversation will revolve around its contents.

After the event, any interested guests will be invited to continue the conversation at a nearby restaurant.

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Our Meetup location, Le Pain Quotidien, is a private business; so that our group remains welcome, please don't arrive with beverages purchased from outside, and please be willing to purchase at least one beverage and/or menu item during the event.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING NO-SHOWS
Unfortunately, there is a longstanding problem in our group with large numbers of people who sign up frivolously and neither cancel nor show up, leading to large waiting lists of others who lose their opportunity to attend. Please note that going forward, those who sign up and neither cancel nor show up will be permanently removed from the group. Also, if you need to cancel, please have the courtesy to give at least 24 hours' advance notice rather than canceling immediately before the event, so those on the waiting list have an opportunity to attend.