Philosopher's Zone Distributed intelligence and the problem with 'doing your own research'
Dec 10, 2025
In this discussion, Chris Fleming, an Associate Professor and expert on conspiracy theories, dives into the cultural allure of these narratives and why conventional views on conspiracy theorists miss the mark. He explores the concept of distributed intelligence, emphasizing that knowledge is shared across language and institutions rather than merely personal. Fleming critiques the media's framing of knowledge as a quiz-show type of fact-counting, revealing how this shapes public understanding and trust in expertise. Ultimately, he calls for a more nuanced approach to rebuilding epistemic ethics.
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Knowledge Is Socially Distributed
- Conspiracy belief is often treated as an individual pathology rather than a social phenomenon.
- Knowledge usually arises from networks of training, critique and accountability, not isolated minds.
Beyond Extending The Mind
- Clark and Chalmers argued the mind extends into tools like notebooks and phones.
- Fleming argues distribution is deeper: language and practices constitute cognition, not mere extensions.
Feedback Loops Make Or Break Knowledge
- Feedback loops shape how claims are revised and validated through conversation and institutions.
- The quality and openness of those loops determine whether correction occurs or pathological isolation persists.
