
Cognition and Conspiracy Theories
Andreas Musolff(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Will be published approx. on 4. December 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
75 pages
978-1-009-66063-1 (ISBN)
Description
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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight
139 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-66063-1 (9781009660631)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Andreas Musolff
Cognition and Conspiracy Theories
Book
approx. 12/2025
Cambridge University Press
€75.10
Not yet published
Person
Content
1. Introduction: what makes conspiracy theories attractive to know?; 2. How do CTs function?; 3. What makes CTs 'successful'??aspe; 4. How can CTs be countered?; References.