Impossible Knowledge

Conspiracy Theories, Power, and Truth

Todor Hristov (University of Sofia, Bulgaria)

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English

Routledge
22 January 2019

Conspiracy theories

Series: Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theorists claim impossible knowledge, such as knowledge of the doings of a secret world government. Yet they accept this impossible knowledge as truth. In effect, conspiracy theories detach truth from knowledge.

Knowledge without power is powerless. And the impossible knowledge claimed by conspiracy theorists is rigorously excluded from the regimes of truth and power – that is not even wrong. Yet conspiratorial knowledge is potent enough to be studied by researchers and recognized as a risk by experts and authorities.

Therefore, in order to understand conspiracy theories, we need to think of truth beyond knowledge and power. That is impossible for any scientific discipline because it takes for granted that truth comes from knowledge and that truth is powerful enough to destroy the legitimacy of any authority that would dare to conceal or manipulate it. Since science is unable to make sense of conspiracy theories, it treats conspiracy theorists as individuals who fail to make sense, and it explains their persistent nonsense by some cognitive, behavioral, or social dysfunction.

Fortunately, critical theory has developed tools able to conceive of truth beyond knowledge and power, and hence to make sense of conspiracy theories. This book organizes them into a toolbox which will enable students and researchers to analyze conspiracy theories as practices of the self geared at self-empowerment, a sort of political self-help.

By: Todor Hristov (University of Sofia Bulgaria)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
Weight: 244g
ISBN: 9781138346826
ISBN 10: 1138346829
Series: Conspiracy Theories
Pages: 100
Publication Date: 22 January 2019
Audience: College/higher education , Primary , A / AS level
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Todor Hristov is a critical theorist based at the University of Sofia, Bulgaria.