Amen. ;)
Furthermore, the edge of the unknown, 50 or 100 years ago, is, in many instances and disciplines, now known. As are historical truths, once determined historical lies.

I agree that one must be careful, but one also shouldn't shy away from the fringe. The fringe is where change occurs, where one gets surprised, where promotion can occur unexpectantly. I propose that the arguments, if they are there, if they are valid, must be explored.

If they are not, then obviously, move on...

The word conspiracy comes from the french, it translates as "to breath together." As such, the modern negative connetations of the word are lost. In the past, one could conspire with ones family to survive the winter after a failed crop. Now one must conspire to do something clandestinely eeeevil, (like steal your nieghbors crops).

The combined concept of "conspiracy theory" is the more modern interpretation of the phenomenon. No one refers, for instance, to the "Gulf of Tonkin" incident as a conspiracy anymore. We've all accepted the incident and the creation of it as politically motivated, historical fact. But at the time, and for sometime afterward, it was a secret conspiracy.

Conspiracy theories must be validated in some form for the people who believe them to continue to do so. In order for the validation, said people must defer to  expertise. Where better to find expertise than in like minded academics?

Just be sure to get all sides of every theory, and exercise your assignee's prerogative.

As to the promotion of scientists being hindered by batting down conspiracy theories, there's obviously enough loony scientists to go around, those not so inclined should remain so, quietly.
(This is also a very conservative attitude that seems to me to be anti-science, presuming one isn't wasting one's time.)
Best Thoughts!

Let's also remember that the governments of the world are the most prone to use information to sway public opinion or support.  The purpose of propaganda is to misuse information for political gain.  Where does propaganda end and the truth begin?  What is the necessary perspective?

The easiest way for any government to keep secrets is to ensure that important information is made available with some exaggeration so that it can be ridiculed into the camp of "conspiracy theories".  Since it is virtually impossible to truly keep a secret, the next best thing is to ensure that it is ridiculed so that it isn't considered valid for examination.

There is no question that there are some real nutcases out there, but there are also plenty of reasons to distrust governments and their use of public information.

Double Amen!
I hereby adopt you Gerhad, as my wiser older brother.
Whether you like it or not...