Impossible knowledge: conspiracy theories, power, and truth (1st)

Conspiracy theorists claim impossible knowledge. Yet they accept this impossible knowledge as truth. Knowledge without power is powerless. And the impossible knowledge claimed by conspiracy theorists is rigorously excluded from the regimes of truth and power.

Yet conspiratorial knowledge is potent enough to be studied by researchers and recognized as a risk by experts and authorities.

Therefore, in order to understand conspiracy theories, we need to think of truth beyond knowledge and power.

Fortunately, critical theory has developed tools able to conceive of truth beyond knowledge and power, and hence to make sense of conspiracy theories.

This book organizes them into a toolbox which will enable students and researchers to analyze conspiracy theories as practices of the self geared at self-empowerment, a sort of political self-help.