The magician's hat: Conspiracy narratives’ potentiality for cultivating collective memory.

The seminar will be held as part of the Semiotics of Memory course (Master's Degree in Semiotics) and is valid for the doctoral teaching cycle SEMIOTICS, TRAUMA AND MEMORY (for students in the PhD in Philosophy, science, cognition, and semiotics PSCS).

ABSTRACT

This lecture explores the complex interplay between memory, strategic conspiracy narratives, and interpretive communities through the advancements in Juri Lotman's cultural semiotics. Lotmanian perspective challenges the traditional view of memory as merely passive storage, emphasizing its active, creative role in generating new meanings and values within culture. Central to this exploration is the concept of the code-text, a pivotal framework for understanding the construction and reception of strategic narratives, especially those veering into the realm of conspiracy theories.

An analysis of textual strategies in strategic conspiracy narratives reveals how themes, language, and stylistic choices merge to forge compelling narratives. These strategies are crucial for articulating the contours of perceived conspiracies and for engaging and mobilizing interpretive communities around shared beliefs and values.

Additionally, the lecture includes a case study that demonstrates the application of these theoretical models to real-world conspiracy narratives, providing tangible insights into the dynamics at play. This case study highlights the significant influence of George Orwell's '1984' within contemporary conspiracy theories, illustrating how literary texts intertwine with political discourse and collective memory.

BIO

Mari-Liis Madisson is a Research Fellow at the Department of Semiotics at the University of Tartu. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Semiotics and Culture Studies, obtained from the University of Tartu in 2016, and postdoctoral research conducted at Queen`s University Belfast, UK. Madisson’s research interests are centered on online culture, with a specific focus on conspiracy theories, information influence activities, and extreme right communication. She is the author of a monograph “Strategic Conspiracy Narratives: A Semiotic Approach” (2021, with Andreas Ventsel).