The Aesthetics of Inquiry: Cryptic Crosswords, Knowledge-Based Videogames, and Conspiracy Theories
Thursday, 23 April 2026, 16:30-18:30
Senate House, Room 264
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The value of some aesthetic practices comes from working stuff out. Detective novels, cryptic paintings, and crosswords require cognitive engagement to deduce hidden content. I outline how various recent “knowledge-based” videogames also generate aesthetic value through inquiry. But our inquiry aims not just at uncovering hidden content, but at how we can interact with the game. Inquiring into how we interact with media is often aesthetically valuable. But I show how this appeal also lies behind conspiracy theories like QAnon, where innocuous objects and events are interpreted as conveying secret clues.
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Following NHS guidance, all attendees are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated (including boosters) against Covid-19, unless medically exempt. Our group is diverse; please continue to be considerate of those who wear face coverings and those who don’t. Thank you.