Editing Conspiracy (section)

== Conspiracies and conspiracy theories ==

The relationship between conspiracies and [[conspiracy theories]] remains contentious. A conspiracy theory is an explanatory narrative that asserts the existence of a conspiracy, often without definitive proof. While some conspiracy theories are later validated as true conspiracies (e.g., [[COINTELPRO]]), others remain speculative or are debunked.

Proponents argue that conspiracy theories serve as tools to question official narratives and identify potential abuses of power. They claim that dismissing all conspiracy theories as baseless overlooks proven cases, such as the [[Tuskegee syphilis experiment]]. Critics, however, contend that conspiracy theories often rely on selective evidence, and their widespread adoption can erode trust in legitimate institutions.