General seminar in psychology, with Melina Tsapos
Seminar
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 14.00 – 15.00
Location: Seminar room Jordgubbe (Strawberry), Albano, and online in Zoom
On Wednesday, 28 May, 2025, 14:00-15:00, PhD Student Melina Tsapos, Lund University, will speak on the subject "What is Interesting about Conspiracy Theories?"
The seminar will take place in seminar room Jordgubbe (Strawberry), House 4, 3rd floor, Albano, and online in Zoom.
Zoom-link: stockholmuniversity.zoom.us/j/61225976410
Organizer of this seminar is the Centre for Cultural Evolution.
Contact: Director Anna Jon-And
Language: English
Abstract
A central debate in conspiracy theory research concerns how to conceptualize conspiracy theories in a way that advances our understanding of the phenomena and those who believe in them. This debate remains unresolved, with researchers adopting widely different positions: while some argue for a purely descriptive understanding, others seem strongly committed to the view that conspiracy theories are, or can be shown to be, inherently irrational.
This paper reconstructs the controversy, arguing that it stems from two distinct scholarly motives: to attain objective knowledge of the phenomena in question versus to defend beliefs and norms that are part of the researcher’s own cultural context.
By examining the epistemological and methodological challenges in this field, I highlight how competing frameworks—normative cultural biases versus objective scientific inquiry—shape our understanding of rational belief. When cultural biases influence research, they risk narrowing its scope and undermining the development of a comprehensive understanding of conspiracy theories. Ultimately, even proponents of normative cultural approaches can acknowledge that such perspectives fail to capture the full complexity and significance of these phenomena.
Finally, I consider the challenge of how we can study conspiracy theories without falling into the trap of prima facie judging them and relying on problematic definitions. I present the Dimensions framework—which accounts for motivations for believing in conspiracy theories and their content—as a possible way forward.
About the General seminars in psychology
This series of seminars is a collaboration between the six research divisions at the Department of Psychology. Local, national and international researchers are invited to speak of current research subjects.
The seminars are held on Wednesdays at 14:00–15:00 onsite in Albano and/or online in Zoom. Extra seminars can also be held on other weekdays or hours, among these the so called half-time seminars in the Doctoral Program in Psychology.
Last updated: May 20, 2025
Source: Department of Psychology