The Demonology of Populism: Conspirativism as Pseudo-Political Science

This paper will argue that the main attraction of conspiracy theories that are popular nowadays and influence many voters in democratic countries is their pseudo-scientific demonology. The non-falsifiable accounts of most theories of conspiracy meet strong biases that hinder criticism and objectivity. The gnostic roots of conspiracy theories and the origin of conspirativism in both Europe and the United States will also be considered, as well as the main elements of modern and contemporary conspiracy theories. Finally, the paper will inquire into the ideological profile (conservative or progressive) of the most known supporters of conspiracy theories.