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crackpot theories

Essays tagged “crackpot theories”. Follow an idea across the archive.

Essays on crackpot theories

2 essays

Aug 9, 2015SSC

Contrarians, Crackpots, and Consensus

Scott explores the nature of scientific contrarianism, discussing how ideas spread through the scientific community and the challenges faced by both crackpots and legitimate contrarians.

23 min read 3,495 words

Feb 12, 2013SSC

Abraham Lincoln, Ape-Man

Scott Alexander reviews a bizarre historical book claiming Abraham Lincoln had ape-like features and used spiritualism to become president.

10 min read 1,461 words

Abraham Lincoln Civil War crackpot theories