Inquiry with Kelly Chase Truth Crisis: The Deliberate Collapse of Shared Reality with Philosopher James Madden
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Apr 7, 2026 James Madden, philosopher and author known for work on mind, culture, and epistemic crises, joins to probe our crumbling shared reality. They discuss complacent indifference after scandals. They explore conspiracy thinking as a response to lost authority. They examine institutional mistrust, information warfare, and how to keep trying to live well amid pervasive uncertainty.
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When Skepticism Becomes Rational
- Trusting senses is rational until you have specific reasons to suspect deception or internal failure.
- James Madden's sheep/bandits example shows skepticism is warranted only when you have external evidence of trickery or compromised perception.
Conspiracy Thinking Answers The Need For A Big Other
- Conspiracy thinking fills the human need for a 'big other' who explains and orders events; it's emotionally relieving even when implausible.
- Madden and Chase note some conspiracies contain kernels of truth, complicating dismissal of all such theories.
Conspiracies Run On Training Not Micromanaged Scripts
- Conspiracies likely operate via trained actors following implicit scripts, not perfectly pre-planned orders; institutions rely on practiced responses.
- Madden suggests coverups work through culture, training, and local judgment rather than explicit step-by-step commands.
