Keep in mind that more intelligent people are more likely to be clever arguers than unintelligent people, so their non-mainstream views will tend to sound more convincing. How convincing an intelligent person sounds when discussing a conspiracy theory on their own, without feedback from another intelligent person informed on the mainstream contrary position, is not a good way to judge their plausibility.
Ben Goldacre of Bad Science has addressed AIDS denialism, most prominently in his book, which I’d recommend checking out if you’re interested in this particular issue.
That’s what “AIDS denier” generally means.
Keep in mind that more intelligent people are more likely to be clever arguers than unintelligent people, so their non-mainstream views will tend to sound more convincing. How convincing an intelligent person sounds when discussing a conspiracy theory on their own, without feedback from another intelligent person informed on the mainstream contrary position, is not a good way to judge their plausibility.
Ben Goldacre of Bad Science has addressed AIDS denialism, most prominently in his book, which I’d recommend checking out if you’re interested in this particular issue.