British Comedy Guide
The Infinite Monkey Cage. Image shows from L to R: Brian Cox, Robin Ince. Copyright: BBC
The Infinite Monkey Cage

The Infinite Monkey Cage

  • Radio factual
  • BBC Radio 4 / BBC Sounds
  • 2009 - 2024
  • 195 episodes (31 series)

Witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince. Also features Brian Cox.

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Series 21, Episode 2 - Conspiracy Theories

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Shazia Mirza, Dr David Robert Grimes and Prof Karen Douglas to look at conspiracy theories. Is fiction easier to believe than fact?

Further details

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Shazia Mirza, science writer and cancer researcher Dr David Robert Grimes and psychologist Prof Karen Douglas to look at the weird world of vonspiracy theories. From Flat Earth believers to people who refuse to accept that humans have ever been to the moon, why is fiction often so much easier to believe than fact - and does it matter? They discuss the psychology and profile of people who are more likely to believe in conspiracies and the devastating effect some, like the anti-vaccine movement, have had on public health. They ask whether being irrational is our default setting and how to convince the most hard-core believers with the power of evidence and critical thinking. Although they would say that wouldn't they?

Broadcast details

Date
Monday 20th January 2020
Time
4:30pm
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Brian Cox Host / Presenter
Robin Ince Host / Presenter
Guest cast
Shazia Mirza Guest
David Robert Grimes Guest
Karen Douglas Guest
Production team
Alexandra Feachem Producer
Eric Idle Composer

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