Conspiracy Theories, Jouissance, and the Aristotelian Enthymeme

Abstract

This article examines the rhetoric of Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump through a psychoanalytic reading of the Aristotelian enthymeme to highlight how conspiracy theories are underwritten by an absence that appeals to the desires and fantasies of audiences. It explores how conspiracy theories that seem irrational are often highly successful enthymematic appeals designed to capitalize on the suasive qualities of libidinal satisfaction, or jouissance. Instead of dismissing them, scholars should embrace an expanded theory of conspiracist discourse that accounts for the role of satisfaction in determining which claims audiences find convincing.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 I would like to thank RR reviewers, James Kimball and Michael Lee, as well as Editor Elise Hurley and the friends and colleagues who contributed time, labor, and generous feedback to this article

2 This article contains references to fictionalized accounts of sexual assault and necrocoitus that might be disturbing to some readers.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew Ridgeway

Andrew Ridgeway is a PhD candidate in the composition and cultural rhetoric program at Syracuse University.