Some effects of conspiracy thinking and paranoid labelling

Article

Harper, D. 2000. Some effects of conspiracy thinking and paranoid labelling. Clio's Psyche. 7, pp. 112-113.
AuthorsHarper, D.
Abstract

Discussions about conspiracy theories and paranoia always seem, to me, to be dualistic but what I want to argue here is that they are flip-sides of the same coin. When someone takes up a position where they feel they know what is really going on in the world, drawing on conspiracy theories, they will be seen by some as paranoid. Rather than develop an intentionalist view of this, however, I want to examine some of the effects of both taking on a conspiratorial position and of positioning the other (an individual, group, organisation, nation and so on) as paranoid. In other words, what do we do by believing in conspiracy theories and what do we do when we call others paranoid?

Keywordsconspiracy theories; Paranoia
JournalClio's Psyche
Journal citation7, pp. 112-113
ISSN1080-2622
Year2000
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY-ND
Web address (URL)http://www.cliospsyche.org
http://hdl.handle.net/10552/654
Publication dates
Print2000
Publication process dates
Deposited09 Mar 2010
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Citation:
Harper, D.J. (2000) ‘Some effects of conspiracy thinking and paranoid labelling’ Clio's Psyche [Special issue: The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories] 7, 112-113.

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