The analysis of topoi (patterns of argumentation) is an established method of text and discourse analysis. Following the ancient rhetoric and the modern theory of argumentation, this article elaborates on the essential aspects of the topos concept. In particular it will be discussed, how the complex topos concept was received in the linguistics and implemented as a method of discourse analysis. The discourse-orientated methods of topos analysis include a structure- and a content-related analysis of topoi. So far these two approaches have been in conflict with each other. However, as it will be shown below, they can be combined to analyze topological discourse formations in order to take a closer look at the discourse in the sense of Foucault. Using the example of legitimizing political action in times of economic and political crises, the added value of this integrative approach is demonstrated.

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ZusammenfassungDer vorliegende Beitrag nimmt die Spezifik verschwörungstheoretischer Erzählungen in den Blick. Insbesondere in Auseinandersetzung mit den Begriffen ›Erzählung‹ und ›Topos‹ sowie im Anschluss an interdisziplinäre Forschungsansätze zu Verschwörungstheorien wird herausgearbeitet, dass Verschwörungstheorien grundsätzlich argumentativ aufgebaut sind. Am Beispiel des Videos »Gates kapert Deutschland!« von Ken Jebsen wird der Zusammenhang zwischen Erzählung und Argumentation in Verschwörungstheorien veranschaulicht.