Nature of Conspiracy Theories

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Michael Butter, Sharon Howe: Nature of Conspiracy Theories (2020, Polity Press)

210 pages

English language

Published Dec. 3, 2020 by Polity Press.

ISBN:
978-1-5095-4083-9
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Review of 'Nature of Conspiracy Theories' on 'Goodreads'

This is an academic book that stays away from sensationalistic claims but carefully examine the structure of conspiracy theories (as opposed to conspiracies, which are limited in scope, plan, actors, timeline).
The book also examines the historical change from conspiracy theories as legitimate knowledge (in the past but still present in non-Western countries) to illegitimate, despite their visibility thanks to social media.
This is why it is rather surprising that the book does not address the main platforms where conspiracy theories have flourished: reddit, 4chan, 8kun.
Because this is an academic book, it is a bit on the dry side.