Metafizyczna rozpacz
Metaphysical despair

Messianism and conspiracy theories in Polish media space

Summary/Abstract: The article represents an attempt to explain the relationship between the modern phenomenon of conspiracy theories and nineteenth-century messianism. This relationship is not confined exclusively to the diagnosis of a need to return to a symbolic and romantic style in political performance. Messianism, understood as a philosophical and religious project for redefining progress, makes use of the same compensatory and emancipatory functions as conspiracy theories. Both phenomena, supported by metaphysical schema, tellingly point to a crisis in the means of representing national identity and its instability in Polish society.

• Details
• Contents