The Nature of Conspiracy Theories. Michael Butter

      

      Contents

      1  Title page

      2  Copyright page

      3  Acknowledgements

      4  Introduction, or: What’s the plan? Notes

      5  1 ‘Everything is planned’, or: What is a conspiracy theory? Characteristics Typologies Conspiracy theories and real conspiracies The term as a means of delegitimization Conspiracy theories as theories Notes

      6  2 ‘Nothing is as it seems’, or: How do conspiracy theorists argue? Structure and strategies of argumentation Evidence Countering the official version Case study: Daniele Ganser Metaphors and more Notes

      7  3 ‘Everything is connected’, or: Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? Functions Are conspiracy theories for losers? Propaganda and commerce Case study: Alex Jones Notes

      8  4 The story so far, or: How have conspiracy theories evolved historically? Emergence and development up to the twentieth century Delegitimization and stigmatization after 1945 Case study: the myth of the global Jewish conspiracy Conspiracy theories and populism Notes

      9  5 Current trends, or: How is the internet changing conspiracy theories? The ‘truth’ is just a Google search away Relegitimization in the echo chamber From conspiracy theories to conspiracy rumours Case study: Donald Trump Notes

      10  Conclusion: When are conspiracy theories dangerous and what can we do about them? Notes

      11  Index

      12  End User License Agreement

      Guide

      1  Cover

      2  Contents

      3  1 ‘Everything is planned’, or: What is a conspiracy theory?

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