A survey of a range of irrationalisms, with explanations of their empirical and logical flaws, this book describes the differences between science and pseudo-science, and goes on to describe and critique popular contemporary irrationalisms.
Why do smart people believe weird things?Why do so many people believe in mind reading, past-life regression therapy, extra-terrestrial abduction and ghosts? What is behind the rise of 'scientific creationism' and Holocaust denial? In an age of supposed scientific enlightenment why do we appear more impressionable than ever?Scientific historian, and director of the Skeptics Society, Michael Shermer debunks these extraordinary claims in a no-holds-barred assault on the popular superstitions and confused prejudices of our time. Exploring the very human reasons behind otherworldly phenomena, conspiracy theories and cults Shermer explains why are they are so appealing to so many."Skepticism is the agent of reason against organized irrationalism -and is therefore one of the keys to human social and civic decency."Stephen Jay Gould, from his forewordShermer reveals the darker side of wishful thinking, through the recovered memory movement, satanic rituals and other modern witch hunts, and ideologies of racial superiority. Confronting those who take advantage of the gullibility of other people to advance their own, self-serving agendas Why People Believe Weird Things is compelling and often disturbing. It is a perceptive portrait of the human capacity for self-delusion and a celebration of the scientific spirit.
eBook - ePub
Why People Believe Weird Things
Pseudoscience, Superstition and Other Confusions of Our Time
- 384 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
Why People Believe Weird Things
Pseudoscience, Superstition and Other Confusions of Our Time
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FilosofĂaTable of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Foreword The Positive Power of Skepticism by Stephen Jay Gould
- Introduction to the Paperback Edition
- Prologue Next on Oprah
- PART 1 SCIENCE AND SKEPTICISM
- 1. I Am Therefore I Think
- 2. The Most Precious Thing We Have
- 3. How Thinking Goes Wrong
- PART 2 PSEUDOSCIENCE AND SUPERSTITION
- 4. Deviations
- 5. Through the Invisible
- 6. Abducted!
- 7. Epidemics of Accusations
- 8. The Unlikeliest Cult
- PART 3 EVOLUTION AND CREATIONISM
- 9. In the Beginning
- 10. Confronting Creationists
- 11. Science Defended, Science Defined
- PART 4 HISTORY AND PSEUDOHISTORY
- 12. Doing Donahue
- 13. Who Says the Holocaust Never Happened, and Why Do They Say It?
- 14. How We Know the Holocaust Happened
- 15. Pigeonholes and Continuums
- PART 5 HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
- 16. Dr. Tipler Meets Dr. Pangloss
- 17. Why Do People Believe Weird Things?
- 18. Why Smart People Believe Weird Things
- Bibliography
- Index
- Copyright
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Yes, you can access Why People Believe Weird Things by Michael Shermer in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in FilosofĂa & FilosofĂa y Ă©tica en la ciencia. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.