Conspiracy

Ironically, the lack of appropriate thinking by many conspiracy theory creators and supporters, enables more deceptions to take place than would otherwise be possible. Busted covert operations only adds fuel to the many fantasies out there. It thus becomes easier to avoid the fewer exposed truths by dismissing them (like many fantasies) with the same goofball conspiracy theory label.

Take the Apollo moon landings. The alleged conspiracy is based on a number of data points, including:

• There are no stars in the backgrounds of pictures taken on the lunar surface
• There's no dust on the lunar module's footpads
• Shadows are pointing in different directions
• The flag is fluttering in no atmosphere
• Camera cross hairs on lunar surface pictures sometimes appear behind objects

These indisputable facts, without analysis, could lead some to conclude that the moon landings were a hoax. Yet any basic analysis would yield plausible explanations for each fact. (see here)

That's not to say that refuting the above claims alone, proves that the moon landings did happen - just that these claims are not proof that the landings were a hoax. Often confused, there is a profound difference, between these two conclusions.

The lesson for us is to not jump to conclusions, verify information, look for alternative explanations, ask disconfirming questions and keep an open, critical mind.