The psychology of conspiracy theories / Jan-Willem van Prooijen.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Prooijen, Jan-Willem van, 1975- author.

Series:

Psychology of everything

The psychology of everything

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Conspiracy theories.

Physical Description:

ix, 108 pages ; 20 cm.

Place of Publication:

Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2018.

Summary:

Who believes in conspiracy theories, and why are some people more susceptible to them than others? What are the consequences of such beliefs? Has a conspiracy theory ever turned out to be true? The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories debunks the myth that conspiracy theories are a modern phenomenon, exploring their broad social contexts, from politics to the workplace. The book explains why some people are more susceptible to these beliefs than others and how they are produced by recognizable and predictable psychological processes. Featuring examples such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and climate change, The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories shows us that while such beliefs are not always irrational and are not a pathological trait, they can be harmful to individuals and society.

Contents:

Preface

Psychology of conspiracy theories

When do people believe conspiracy theories?

The architecture of belief

The social roots of conspiracy theories

Conspiracy theories and ideology

Explaining and reducing conspiracy theories

Further reading

Notes

References.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Other Format:

Online version: Prooijen, Jan-Willem van, 1975- Psychology of conspiracy theories.

ISBN:

9781138696099

1138696099

9781138696105

1138696102

OCLC:

1008982816