Cognition and Conspiracy Theories

Andreas Musolff (Autor)

Buch | Hardcover

86 Seiten

2025
Cambridge University Press (Verlag)
978-1-009-66067-9 (ISBN)

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This Element deals with the relationship between cognition, understood as the process of acquiring and developing knowledge, and diverse types of conspiracy theories, or short, 'CTs'. The Element discusses four components of narrative argumentative framing in CTs, contemporary and historical 'hoax' and 'asserting' CTs, and more.

This Element deals with the relationship between cognition, understood as the process of acquiring and developing knowledge, and diverse types of conspiracy theories, or short, 'CTs'. Section 1 lays the groundwork for the analysis by determining four components of narrative argumentative framing in CTs, of which the first three are constitutive for all CTs, with a fourth representing the 'optional' collective action-guiding “scenario” component. Section 2 exemplifies manifestations of these components by discussing contemporary and historical 'hoax' and 'asserting' CTs and 'empowering' CTs. Section 3 takes a cognitive-evolutionist and pragmatic view at the conditions for the 'success' of CT scenarios. In conclusion. Section 4 formulates lessons for countering the effects of socially detrimental CTs by deconstructing them and by obstructing their dissemination.

1. Introduction: what makes conspiracy theories attractive to know?; 2. How do CTs function?; 3. What makes CTs 'successful'?ƒaspe; 4. How can CTs be countered?; References.

Erscheinungsdatum	25.11.2025
Reihe/Serie	Elements in Cognitive Linguistics
Zusatzinfo	Worked examples or Exercises
Verlagsort	Cambridge
Sprache	englisch
Gewicht	262 g
Themenwelt	Geisteswissenschaften ► Psychologie ► Verhaltenstherapie
Themenwelt	Geisteswissenschaften ► Sprach- / Literaturwissenschaft ► Sprachwissenschaft
ISBN-10	1-009-66067-5 / 1009660675
ISBN-13	978-1-009-66067-9 / 9781009660679
Zustand	Neuware