What to Believe Now

David Coady is a lecturer in philosophy at the University of Tasmania, Australia. He has published widely on topics in applied epistemology, including expertise, conspiracy theory, rumor, and the blogosphere. He is the editor of Conspiracy Theories: The Philosophical Debate (2006) and he has also published on metaphysics, the philosophy of law, police ethics, the ethics of horror films, and the ethics of cricket.

“With the possible exception of some of the introductory material, however, everything in What To Believe Now is accessible without a background in epistemology. Since it addresses topics of considerable importance, it should command, if not a mass audience, then one that reaches well outside the narrow confines of academic philosophy. Those particularly likely to find it useful include political theorists, students of social networks, and perhaps some policy makers.”  (Danube Law & Economics Review, 1 December 2014)“All in all, an intelligent, accessible, and provocative book that will encourage epistemologists to examine the real-world implications of their theories.”  (Philosophy in Review, 1 October 2014)“Overall, Coady’s book is a well-organised and well-conceived piece of philosophy that constitutes a powerful case for the legitimacy of applying epistemology to contemporary issues.”  (Journal of Applied Philosophy, 22 October 2013)“This book implements an excellent idea. The idea is that applied epistemology is worth pursuing. Applied epistemology, like applied ethics, employs philosophical resources toward solving real-world problems.  What To Believe Now defends provocative views…  If the book encourages further work in applied epistemology, then it will have accomplished considerable good.”  (Earl Conee, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews, 1 January 2013) “Undoubtedly, this book will interest contemporary epistemologists.  Summing Up: Highly recommended.  Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty.”  (Choice, 1 November 2012)“Since it addresses topics of considerable importance, it should command, if not a mass audience, then one that reaches well outside the narrow confines of academic philosophy. Those particularly likely to find it useful include political theorists, students of social networks, and perhaps some policy makers.”  (Danny Yee's Book Reviews, 2012)

• Preface ix1 Introduction 12 Experts and the Laity 273 Epistemic Democracy 594 Rumors and Rumor-Mongers 865 Conspiracy Theories and Conspiracy Theorists 1106 The Blogosphere and the Conventional Media 1387 Conclusion 169Postscript: Government Surveillance and Privacy 175References 188Index 197