Thank you for an interesting reply.
I think the way you use "conspiracy theory" is quite a good one*, but somewhat non-standard. In particular, you state that ideas described as "conspiracy theories" are sometimes correct. I think Brillyant (to whom I was originally replying) gives a much more standard description when he calls them "ludicrous" and "absurd." For example, wiki states that the phrase:
has acquired a derogatory meaning, implying a paranoid tendency to see the influence of some malign covert agency in events. The term is often used to dismiss claims that the critic deems ridiculous, misconceived, paranoid, unfounded, outlandish, or irrational.
If the ordinary connotation of "conspiracy theory" was "low-probability hypothesis involving a conspiracy" I would not have objected to its use.
*although I think that the "evil" part needs work.
It looks to me as if Brillyant is using the term to mean something close to "ludicrous, absurd theory involving a conspiracy". I remark firstly that this isn't so far from "low-probability hypothesis involving a conspiracy" and secondly that it's entirely possible that Brillyant hasn't sat down and thought through exactly what shades of meaning s/he attaches to the term "conspiracy theory", and that on further reflection s/he would define that term in a way that clearly doesn't amount to "theory I want to make fun of"...
If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.
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