Cognition and conspiracy theories / Andreas Musolff.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Musolff, Andreas, author.

Series:

Cambridge elements. Elements in cognitive linguistics

Cambridge elements. Elements in cognitive linguistics, 2633-3325

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Belief and doubt.

Cognition.

Conspiracy theories--Psychological aspects.

Conspiracy theories.

Critical thinking.

cognition.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Edition:

1st edition.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2025.

Summary:

"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"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction : what makes conspiracy theories attractive to know?

How do CTs function?

What makes CTs “successful”?

How can CTs be countered?.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Online resource; title from PDF title page (Cambridge University Press, viewed November 14, 2025).

Other Format:

Print version: Musolff, Andreas. Cognition and conspiracy theories

ISBN:

9781009660662

1009660667

OCLC:

1550454409

Publisher Number:

CIPO000301481

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license