The conspiratorial challenge
On the individual and social response to conspiracy theories
Keywords:
conspiracy theory, social psychology, sociology of knowledge, interpretive patterns, psychotherapy, transcendence
Abstract
The article reflects on the current social discourse on conspiracy theories and argues for a broader perspective that, in addition to individual or psychological causes of conspiracy thinking, takes a closer look at social and political factors. The social-psychological construct of a ‘conspiracy mentality’ is contrasted with a concept of conspiracy theories as social patterns of interpretation that is based on the sociology of knowledge. In conclusion, the article calls for a path in dealing with the social phenomenon of conspiracy theories, both individually and socially, that problematizes the negative aspects of conspiracy thinking without ignoring its positive potential.
