Fear of the Future: Causal Layered Analysis and Narrative Foresight Versus Conspiracy Theories
The work
| Authors | Thomas F. Connolly |
|---|---|
| Type | article |
| Year | 2025 |
| Citekey | connolly2025fear |
Where it appeared
| Published in | World Futures |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited |
| Volume | 81 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 579--592 |
Identifiers
| DOI | 10.1080/02604027.2025.2569012 |
|---|
Access
| Landing page | https://doi.org/10.1080/02604027.2025.2569012 |
|---|
Abstract
This essay addresses conspiracism using an interdisciplinary futures studies approach. Conspiracy theories can be reframed, rather than dismissed, via Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and narrative foresight. After the historical roots of conspiracy theory are traced, narratives that support conspiracies are discussed, and cognitive biases like the conjunction fallacy are examined. The effectiveness of CLA is demonstrated through case studies such as QAnon and The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. A survey of research on digital disinformation shows how futures literacy, as opposed to media literacy and critical thinking, can counter conspiracism and enable planning for inclusive, affirmative alternative futures.
A copy is held
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How it got here
| How it got here | agent via crossref |
|---|---|
| Added | 2026-08-27 00:00 UTC |
| Approved by | a person 2026-08-27 18:00 UTC |
Filed under
Cite it as
@article{connolly2025fear,
title = {Fear of the Future: Causal Layered Analysis and Narrative Foresight Versus Conspiracy Theories},
author = {Thomas F. Connolly},
year = {2025},
journal = {World Futures},
volume = {81},
number = {8},
pages = {579--592},
publisher = {Informa UK Limited},
doi = {10.1080/02604027.2025.2569012},
}
This record lives at https://refs.drheap.org/connolly2025fear/ and will keep doing so.