Conspiracy beliefs fundamentally function to delineate and locate evil

Evidence

The essence of conspiracy beliefs lies in attempts to delineate and explain evil. At their broadest, conspiracy theories “view history as controlled by massive, demonic forces.” The locus of this evil lies outside the true community, in some “Other, defi ned as foreign or barbarian, though often … disguised as innocent and upright.” The result is a worldview characterized by a sharp division between the realms of good and evil. — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy, 71

Categorization

• DEFINE: Gives the core definitional claim that conspiracy theory is at root an attempt to name and locate evil in an Other
• XREF: connects to: Conspiracy theories function mainly to identify enemies, not narrate coherent plots — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 64; Conspiracism is the belief that hidden evil powers control human destinies — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic…, 65; Conspiracy belief offers psychological reassurance by making the world meaningful and purposive — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy: Apocalyptic…, 78 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Conspiracy theories satisfy epistemic, existential, and social needs #corroborates (0.85) — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof, 179