Preface, Carl F Graumann. and Serge Moscovici
Graumann, Carl F. and Moscovici, Serge , Preface in Changing Conceptions of Conspiracy, eds. Graumann, Carl F. and Moscovici, Serge, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1987
p. vii - ‘The obsession with conspiracy has spread to such an extent that it continuously crops up at all levels of society. The following paradox must be striking to anyone: In the past, society was governed by a small number of men, at times by one individual, who, within traditional limits, imposed his will on the multitude. Plots were effective: By eliminating these individuals and their families, one could change the course of events. Today this is no longer the case. Power is divided among parties and extends throughout society. Power flows, changes hands, and affects opinions, which no one controls and no one represents entirely. The coup, which upsets an individual or a clan, does not overthrow or even have a significant impact upon the power at which it is aimed. Society, which cannot be destabilized by such a plot, is affected even less. Economic interests, political alliances, and public opinion have an autonomous existence and depend on their own laws.’
p. ix - ‘To oppose these theories with proof and argument, to point out the inanity of each taken separately seems futile. Belief in conspiracy is not based on fact or reason, and is thus affected by them. But there will certainly be no harm in stubbornly fighting such beliefs. We may, in the long run, succeed in transforming social conscience so that it will no longer be receptive to such theories.’
