# The Skeptical Libertarian **URL:** **By** Daniel Bier, Aaron Ross Powell, Trevor Burrus **Published:** May 13, 2016 --- Daniel Bier joins us for a discussion about conspiracy theories and skepticism's place in libertarianism. What counts as a conspiracy theory? Why do people have a natural tendency to see intent and design, even when there is none? Are there any conspiracy theories particularly prevalent among libertarians? Daniel Bier of [The Skeptical Libertarian](http://blog.skepticallibertarian.com/) joins us this week to talk about belief in conspiracy theories as a social phenomenon and the damage they can do to the perception of libertarianism and the credibility of libertarian arguments. **Show Notes and Further Reading** Listeners may also be interested in [the podcast episode we recorded with Jesse Walker](https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/free-thoughts/the-united-states-of-paranoia-a-conspiracy-theory) on his book, _The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory_.