The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories
London; New York: Routledge (2018), ix, 108 pp.
Contains bibliogr. pp. 103-108
ISBN 978-1-315-52541-9 (ebook); 978-1-138-69610-5 (pbk)
"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 hese 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." (Publisher description)
1 Psychology of conspiracy theories, 1
2 When do people believe conspiracy theories? 19
3 The architecture of belief, 35
4 The social roots of conspiracy theories, 49
5 Conspiracy theories and ideology, 65
6 Explaining and reducing conspiracy theories, 81
2 When do people believe conspiracy theories? 19
3 The architecture of belief, 35
4 The social roots of conspiracy theories, 49
5 Conspiracy theories and ideology, 65
6 Explaining and reducing conspiracy theories, 81
