Political Implications of Conspiracy Theory (and Religious) Discourse in Digital Contexts

Project D3 examines the socio-political implications of conspiracy theory discourse in digital contexts from a theological and socio-ethical perspective.

The aim of the project is to develop an understanding of conspiracy theory discourse that encompasses both its epistemological and political dimensions and highlights its socio-ethical aspects, as compared with religious discourse. A connection between conspiracy theories and forms of post-truth (e.g. alternative facts) is assumed.

The key questions are as follows:

1. What is the epistemological status of conspiracy theories and how do they relate to alternative facts (and other forms of post-truth)?
2. To what extent does conspiracy theory discourse influence political negotiation processes in a democratic public sphere?
3. To what extent is a comparison between conspiracy theory and religious discourse helpful in this respect?

The project picks up on social science, philosophical and (theological) ethical theories, engages in a broad-based societal debate on conspiracy theories and democracy and, in tandem with the two other projects in the cluster, contributes a specific theological/socio-ethical perspective.