Ihab Salloum[ad_1]
Postmodernism and its Relationship with Conspiracy Theory
Postmodernism is a broad intellectual, social, and literary movement that is difficult to define due to the intentional enigmatic nature desired by some of its proponents. There are clear intersections between Postmodernism, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences, as many Postmodernists challenge the existence and propagation of universal theories based on “truth”. The subjects of knowledge and the outcomes of research and literature are areas where Postmodernism plays a significant role. The use and application of theory are not only essential to epistemological inquiries but also have profound implications for conceptions of reality.
The Connection Between Conspiracy Theory and Postmodernism
One aspect that is often overlooked is the link between Conspiracy Theory and Postmodernism. Postmodernism requires a framework that moves beyond the universal rationalism of the Enlightenment period in order to analyze knowledge, society, and ontology. The Enlightenment marked the birth of Modernity, but it is now considered obsolete. Thus, a post-modern theory is necessary to break free from the constraints of the Modern period. Contextual sensitivity and relativism are typically embraced in postmodern theories, as opposed to universalism and absolute truth.
Although Conspiracy Theories have existed throughout history, the modern-day phenomena is thought to have begun with the JFK assassination. This event sparked the inception of a Meta Conspiracy Theory that challenged the appearance of political phenomena. Behind what seemed like an established order, there was believed to be a ruling elite – individuals acting as puppet masters, hidden from public view. Over the past forty years, Meta conspiracy theories have expanded to encompass concepts such as the Illuminati, The Bilderberg Group, The Freemasons, and the New World Order. These theories propose that not only do these entities control various aspects of politics, economics, and social activities, but also that their actions have been deliberately executed throughout history. This shifts the dimension of modern conspiracy theories from being merely Meta causal to being all-encompassing in terms of historical influence. This expansion has raised new questions not just about current affairs, but about the nature and validity of history itself.
The Role of Postmodernism in Modern Conspiracy Theories
This example illustrates one aspect of modern conspiracy theories that aligns with the Postmodern tradition. Contemporary conspiracy theorists advocate for a philosophy and conceptual framework that go beyond the Enlightenment period’s ideas of Liberalism and representative Government, as these paradigms are seen as evidentially fallacious in their world. Instead, conspiracy theories offer a better explanation for the complexities of the postmodern world.
Ironically, conspiracy theory falls victim to its own claim of finding “truth” through its self-created discourse, paralleling the discourse of Liberal Government. Postmodernism, as espoused by scholars like Foucault and Derrida, asserts that “truth” and “reality” are inseparable from the narratives and discourses that construct them in a circular and interlocking manner. Conspiracy theory narratives apply this framework by rejecting established explanations and scientific facts, instead relying on open interpretation and the formation of their own discourse to establish their own version of “truth” and “reality”. Thus, the foundations of modern conspiratorial phenomena can be traced back to Postmodernism.
[ad_2]
