Conspiracy Theories: Belief or Make-Believe? | Binge Thinking

Schedule

Wed May 27 2026 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Mighty Squirrel Taproom & Kitchen | Boston, MA

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Do conspiracy theorists truly believe—or are they playing make-believe? Explore how imagination can blur into belief and reshape reality.
About this Event

Welcome to Binge Thinking! We host professors and experts at local pubs to give talks on fascinating topics.
Join us and grab a drink as a philosophy professor exaplisn the psychology behind conspiracy theories...
Some conspiracy theories are so bizarre, it’s hard to believe anyone actually believes them.

And yet — millions say they do.

But look closer, and something doesn’t add up:

They don’t always act like true believers.

So what’s going on?

In this talk, Professor Daniel Munro explores a surprising idea:

What if many conspiracy theorists aren’t fully believing — but instead playing a kind of make-believe?

Using insights from philosophy and cognitive science, he’ll break down:

  • The difference between real belief and make-believe
  • Why conspiracy theories can feel compelling without full belief
  • And how imagination can slowly blur into reality

Because here’s the risk:

What starts as “just a theory”…
can turn into something much more real.

About the Speaker

Daniel Munro is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Boston University whose research focuses on how we think, imagine, and form beliefs.

His work explores the psychology of conspiracy theories, religious belief, and artificial intelligence.

He received his PhD from the University of Toronto and previously held a postdoctoral fellowship at York University.
🕒 Agenda

7:00 PM – Doors open: find a seat and order some drinks
7:30 PM – Host introduction
7:35 PM – Lecture begins
8:15 PM – Audience Q&A
8:30–9:00 PM – Mingle with the speaker and other guests

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Where is it happening?

Mighty Squirrel Taproom & Kitchen, 1 David Ortiz Drive, Boston, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 32.95

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