Antropologicheskij forum, 2015, no. 27

ANTHROPOLOGY AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Alexander A. Panchenko

Institute of Russian Literature (Pushkinskiy Dom), Russian Academy of Science
4 Makarova Emb., St Petersburg, Russia
St Petersburg State University
7–9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg, Russia
European University at St Petersburg
3 Gagarinskaya Str., St Petersburg, Russia
apanchenko2008()gmail.com

Abstract: This introductory essay deals with problems and prospects in the study of conspiracy theories by anthropologists and other social scientists. Epistemologically, conspiracy theories do not in fact differ from any other theories. However, conspiratorial narratives are notable for their particular emotional suggestibility that makes them efficacious tools of socialisation.

Keywords: conspiracy theories, collective imagination, knowledge and power, emotional communities.

To cite: Panchenko A., 'Antropologiya i konspirologiya' [Anthropology and Conspiracy Theories], Antropologicheskij forum, 2015, no. 27, pp. 89–94.

URL: http://anthropologie.kunstkamera.ru/files/pdf/027/panchenko1.pdf