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Conspiracy Theories

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Pseudoscience and Science Fiction

Part of the book series: Science and Fiction ((SCIFICT))

Abstract

There is a close relationship between conspiracy theory and pseudoscience. They are both products of the imagination which are presented as fact, and there is a high degree of overlap between their audiences, particularly on the internet. Like pseudoscience, conspiracy theories enjoy a two-way relationship with science fiction, prime examples being the Matrix movies and The X-Files TV series. SF is even invoked explicitly in what conspiracy theorists call “predictive programming”, whereby the mass media are used to indoctrinate the public to future social or technological changes. In one variation of the well-known theory that the Apollo moon landings were faked in a movie studio, the man behind the camera was none other than Stanley Kubrick, fresh from directing 2001: A Space Odyssey.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Crewkerne, UK

    Andrew May

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  1. Andrew May
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May, A. (2017). Conspiracy Theories. In: Pseudoscience and Science Fiction. Science and Fiction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42605-1_8

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