dear colleagues,
We invite papers for our EASA panel (p121), titled:* Conspiracy theories
and conspiracy practices: Moving between rationalities*. To post your
proposals please visit this
<https://nomadit.co.uk/easa/easa2018/conferencesuite.php/panels/6336>link.
*short abstract*:
Conspiracy theory is a vehicle for both the powerless and the powerful.
This panel seeks contributions examining conspiratorial hyperrationality,
from political elites seeking support, social movements trying to speak
truth to power, or fringe groups who 'trust no one'.
*long abstract*:
The continued vitality (and possible growth) of conspiracy theories, here
understood as secret plots by actors intent on political domination, is an
intellectual practice popular among both elites and masses. Conspiracy
theories are promoted by Trump and his supporters condemning 'the deep
state', by contemporary social movements of the left and right, and by
on-line communities intent on 'unmasking' secret plots or explaining
disasters by assembling evidence and 'connecting the dots'. Seen
anthropologically, conspiracy theories are alternative paths to knowledge
whose actors see themselves as 'truth-tellers' in a milieu which may be
ignorant or hostile to their message. In the mainstream culture, most
conspiracy theories have remained marginal or at best entertaining, but
this has only made the truth-tellers more determined. This combination of
vitality and marginality, of outlandish reason, truth-searching and
political critique, lends itself to an anthropological inquiry into
conspiratorial discourse and practice.
Our panel aims at understanding ethnographic practices branded as
conspiracist, and we include here both the truth tellers among the
population, but also political regimes, scientists and politicians who use
conspiracy as a mobilizing tactic. We view the vitality of conspiratorial
practice as more than just a psychological safety valve, or a refuge for
the marginal or the alienated. Conspiracism is a vehicle for both the
powerless and the powerful. The panel seeks contributions examining
conspiratorial hyperrationality, from political elites seeking support,
social movements trying to speak truth to power, or fringe groups who
'trust no one' and are trying to 'connect the dots'.
* convenors*:
Theodoros Rakopoulos, University of Oslo
Steven Sampson, University of Lund
with best wishes,
Theo and Steve
Theodoros Rakopoulos
Associate Professor, SAI, University of Oslo
<http://www.sv.uio.no/sai/english/people/aca/theodoros-rakopoulos/index.html>
Book: From Clans to Co-ops
<http://www.berghahnbooks.com/title/RakopoulosFrom>
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