While conspiracy theory is often characterized in terms of the collapse of objectivity and Enlightenment reason, Modern Conspiracy traces the important role of conspiracy in the formation of the modern world: the scientific revolution, social contract theory, political sovereignty, religious paranoia and mass communication media. Rather than seeing the imminent death of Enlightenment reason and a regression to a new Dark Age in conspiratorial thinking, Modern Conspiracy suggests that many characteristic features of conspiracies tap very deeply into the history of the Enlightenment: its vociferous critique of established authorities and a conception of political sovereignty fuelled by fear of counter-plots, for example. Perhaps, ultimately, conspiracy theory affords us a renewed opportunity to reflect on our very relationship to the truth itself.
Autorentext
Dr Emma A. Jane (previously Emma Tom) is a Senior Lecturer in the School of the Arts and Media at the University of New South Wales, Australia. She spent more than two decades working in the print, electronic and on-line media before commencing a full-time academic career, and is also the award-winning author of six books. Her current research interests include conspiracy theory, vitriol on the internet, the ethics of new media use, the characteristics of mob formation and behaviour on-line, the intersections between fetish theory and media studies, and cheerleading.
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Acknowledgements
Introduction - Running Dogs and the 'Rightness' of Conspiracy
Chapter One: Powerful Secrets
Chapter Two: Impossible Things
Chapter Three: A Short History of an Epistemic Ambience
Chapter Four: Pleasures, Sorrows, and Doubling
Chapter Five: Cultural Ramifications and Reflections
Chapter Six: Conspiracy and Theory
Conclusion: Where to Now?