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Conspiracy Theories during the First Czechoslovak Republik (1918 - 1938)
Tesárek, Vojtěch ; Cebe, Jan (advisor) ; Knapík, Jiří (referee)
The thesis entitled Conspiracy Theories during the First Czechoslovak Republic (1918- 1938) deals with conspiracy theories, both in general and also specifically about those that were spread in the period from 1918 to 1938, known as the First Czechoslovak Republic. The author first characterizes conspiracy theories, divides them, introduces the readers to their main characteristics and describes why this theories are trusted by a large number of people. In the second part of this thesis the author deals specifically with periodicals from the First Czechoslovak Republic. These newspaper (Lidové noviny, Národní listy a České slovo) are examined by historical-comparative analysis and it is shown how on three specific cases (the mysterious death of Milan Rastislav Štefánik, the Gajda's affair and the alleged infection of Jiří Stříbrný with syphilis) conspiracy theories were spread during the First Czechoslovak Republic, what was the outcome, what was the motivation of those who spread them and how the state either opposed those theories or used them. In addition, for better understanding, this whole part is set in the historical context of the events. In the final part, the author examines whether the mentioned affairs and cases hold the characters of conspiracy theories or not.
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The role of the media in spreading conspiracy theories, fake news and hoaxes
Hamrník, Jan ; Cebe, Jan (advisor) ; Končelík, Jakub (referee)
This diploma thesis focuses on the dissemination of conspiracy theories, fake news and hoaxes and the role of media in this process. First, the basic concepts are explained and the topic of the thesis is put in a broader context. The functioning of disinformation media is described including the description of the local scene. Other channels used to deceive recipients include e-mails and applications, social networks, and word of mouth. Special attention is paid to the regular media and the rules according to which they should operate. The theory is followed by a practical part, which maps the spreading of specific misinformation not only through the media, but also fact-checking initiatives. Examples include conspiracy theories about the fire in Notre-Dame Cathedral, hoaxes about alleged refugees in Cheb, Czech Television journalist Marek Wollner and MP Olga Richterová, and the case of the dubious non-profit organization International Children's Cross. The analysis of these cases is conducted through a mixed research model: Data collection is carried out by a quantitative method, while working with them, qualitative methods associated with grounded theory are applied. The aim is to define and describe the forms that the media give to misinformation in their outputs, and to determine in which cases...
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Political, social and ethical aspects of conspiracy theories
HNÁTEK, Martin
The thesis deals with the concept of conspiracy theories in the context of society, psychology, political science and ethics. In connection with these areas there was created a framework of relevant subtopics that fall under the phenomenon of conspiracy theories. This thesis is divided into five parts. The firts part is dealing with connspiracy theories as a concept and presents its definition, typology and historical occurrence. Next chapter is devoted to the mutual relationship of conspiracy thinking and society, and how conspiracy theories acquiring its popularity. The following sections deals with the influence of psychological disorders on conspiracy belief, how conspiracies influence the political sphere and the last chapter deals with ethical evaluation of conspiracy theories impact.
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"The Grand Conspiracy: A Lacanian Reading of Contemporary Conspiracy Theories"
Bohal, Vít ; Armand, Louis (advisor) ; Vichnar, David (referee)
The numerous and varied conspiracy theories which circulate in the contemporary discourse are subject to hyperstition, insofar as they are grouped into wider, more elaborate structures. Some of them become hierarchic to such a degree, that they may, in Michael Barkun's typology, be labeled as "superconspiracy" constructs. No author is more prolific and systematic in the crafting of these constructs than the guru of anglophone conspiracy theory belief, David Icke. The work attempts to keep as its object of study the work of David Icke and his "reptoid hypothesis," as it is effectively one of the most elaborate and baroque conspiracy theories which populate contemporary political discourse. It is Icke's oeuvre which this thesis attempts to recontextualize within the confines of critical social theory and Žižekian psychoanalysis. The existence of a "paranoid style" as professed by Richard J. Hofstadter can be noted throughout the history of western culture, from the Homeric gods, scheming behind the scenes, to its modern incarnations culminating in the superconspiracy constructs of David Icke, Alex Jones, and others. The work focuses not on specific conspiracy theories and their claim to facticity, but rather attempts to trace the structural features of Icke's construct and establish their underlying...
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Causes of creation and impacts of conspiracy theories: a case study of the culture and the political environment of the USA
Scheiner, Miroslav ; Knotková, Vladimíra (advisor) ; Dubský, Zbyněk (referee)
Conspiracy theories make an impression of irrational constructs. Their origin and essence, however, have a highly rational explanation. Understanding conspiracy as a major motive force of the key historical events has its roots in a natural human perception of the world order. Such a view of reality is particularly widespread in the U.S. This thesis uses its example to identify sources of conspiracy beliefs stemming from culture, political environment and influence of new medias. The thesis also examines impacts of conspiracy theories in the U.S. It does so by pointing out their capability of determining players' actions, undermining the american government's activities, manipulating public opinion and instigating violence.
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The Life cycle of in information about extraordinary events
Šafránková, Klára ; Toman, Prokop (advisor) ; Sigmund, Tomáš (referee)
The awareness of people is a widely discussed topic nowadays. In recent years it became necessary to judge not only the content of an information source but its trustworthiness as well. However, determining the trustworthiness of information is a very difficult task and is the main goal of analysis in this thesis. This thesis deals with the biggest human tragedy and information manipulation. The goal of this thesis is the analysis of information published about the unique event, which happened on the 11th of September 2001. The thesis contains the analysis of interpretation and development of information about this event as published in printed and internet mass media. The first part of this thesis contains the explanation of basic terms and the description of said event. The bulk of this thesis deals with the analysis of said event and the analysis of the development from 11th September 2001 until now. News will be evaluated and compared based on its content, trustworthiness and most importantly its development.
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