Books matching: pseudoscience
98 result(s)
'The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark' by Carl Sagan explores the importance of critical thinking, skepticism, and the scientific method in a world filled with pseudoscience, superstition, and misinformation. Sagan delves into topics such as alien encounters, faith healing, witchcraft, and religion, advocating for a rigorous application of scientific principles to combat ignorance and irrational beliefs. Through a series of essays, Sagan challenges readers to question popular myths and encourages a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world around us.
It was a blustery fall day in 1939. In the streets outside the apartment building, fallen leaves were swirling in little whirlwinds, each with a life of its own. It was good to be inside and warm and ..."Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science" by Martin Gardner is a seminal work critiquing various forms of pseudoscience that have persisted over time. Gardner delves into debunking myths surrounding topics like Dianetics Scientology, homeopathy, creationism, and organic farming, highlighting the dangers of pseudo science in medicine and the societal impact of flawed scientific beliefs. The book, first published in 1952 and revised in 1957, stands the test of time by shedding light on the persistence of these fallacies despite advancements in scientific knowledge.
SINCE THE BOMB exploded over Hiroshima, the prestige of science in the United States has mushroomed like an atomic cloud. In schools and colleges, more students than ever before are choosing some bran...- #3
Save:'Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time' by Michael Shermer delves into debunking various bizarre beliefs such as alien abductions, creationism, Holocaust denial, and psychics. The author presents facts without mocking individuals holding these beliefs, emphasizing that skepticism does not equate to cynicism. Shermer explores the psychology behind peculiar beliefs, highlighting that even highly educated individuals can subscribe to unfounded notions. The book covers a wide array of topics, from cults to alien abductions, providing a critical analysis of why people hold onto such beliefs.
Shermer's writing style is informative, friendly, and engaging, making complex subjects like superstitions and strange beliefs accessible to readers. The book is a blend of lively commentary, humor, and personal anecdotes, offering insights into mass follies of our time. Through chapters on creationism, Holocaust denial, and more, Shermer navigates the reader through the world of skepticism, encouraging critical thinking and exploration of one's own belief systems.
On the opening page of his splendid little book To Know a Fly, biologist Vincent Dethier makes this humorous observation about how children grow up to be scientists: “Although small children have tabo... "Broca's Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science" by Carl Sagan is a collection of essays that touch upon different aspects of science, ranging from the wonders of scientific exploration to debunking pseudoscience and exploring the history of science. The book presents a mix of topics, including the joy of discovering how the world works, skepticism, the current state of astronomy, and reflections on the beauty of the universe. Sagan's writing style is described as informative, readable, and usually awe-inspiring, showcasing his talent for careful logic, elegant argument, and an innate appreciation of the universe.
The book is a series of essays that are both exuberant and cheerful, reflecting on the wonders of scientific exploration while also delving into the serious examination of pseudoscience and credulity. It provides insights into the expansion of the universe, the dangers of pseudoscience, short biographies of scientific figures, and the history of American astronomy. Sagan's writing is known for making complicated topics easy to read and relate to, although some passages may vary in difficulty. Despite some essays being considered a bit dry or long, the book overall offers a fascinating exploration of various scientific topics.
“They were apes only yesterday. Give them time.” “Once an ape—always an ape.”… “No, it will be different.… Come back here in an age or so and you shall see.…” The gods, discussing the Earth, in the mo...'Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything' by Lydia Kang is a non-fiction book that delves into the bizarre and often gruesome history of quackery throughout the ages. The book is described as a humorous and witty exploration of the outlandish remedies and treatments that people have used in the past, ranging from mercury and bloodletting to more modern practices. Readers found the writing style to be engaging and accessible, with a conversational tone that made the historical content entertaining and informative.
The book is structured in a way that presents various toxic substances and treatments used in history, offering insights into the absurd lengths people went to in attempts to cure ailments. Despite the dark and sometimes disturbing subject matter, the authors manage to infuse the narrative with humor and sarcasm, making it a delightful yet morbid adventure into the world of medical history.
Some believe the “black” part of its name evolved from the dark stools ejected, which were mistaken for purged bile. Allowing bile to “flow freely” was in harmony with keeping the body balanced and th...- #6
Save:"Bad Science" by Ben Goldacre is a compelling and informative exploration of how science is misrepresented in the media and manipulated by various industries. Goldacre debunks pseudoscientific claims and exposes the flaws in studies and reporting, covering topics such as homeopathy, vaccination scares, and misleading health claims. Through a mix of humor and sharp analysis, the author highlights the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy in navigating the barrage of misinformation in today's society.
Goldacre's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts and statistical tricks understandable to a wide audience. The book provides readers with the tools to distinguish between good and bad science, encouraging skepticism towards sensationalized headlines and dubious health claims. With a mix of outrage and humor, Goldacre challenges readers to question the validity of scientific information presented in the media and empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
This experiment involves electricity and water. In a world of hurricane hunters and volcanologists, we must accept that everyone sets their own level of risk tolerance. You might well give yourself a ... 'Flim-Flam!: Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions' by James Randi is a detailed exploration of various cases related to paranormal phenomena and pseudoscience. Randi debunks myths surrounding topics such as psychics, UFOs, Bermuda Triangle, and aliens, using a scientific and empirical approach. The writing style is informative and critical, aiming to expose fraudulent claims and pseudoscientific beliefs. covers experiments conducted by Randi to test paranormal powers under controlled conditions, revealing the lack of evidence to support such claims.
And the crowd was stilled. One elderly man, wondering at the sudden silence, turned to the Child and asked him to repeat what he had said. Wide-eyed, the Child raised his voice and said once again, "W...'Trick or Treatment: The Undeniable Facts about Alternative Medicine' by Simon Singh delves into the world of alternative therapies, dissecting practices like acupuncture, homeopathy, and chiropractic therapy. Through scientific investigation, the authors uncover the lack of scientific basis in these alternative treatments, challenging common beliefs and myths associated with them. The writing style is informative and evidence-based, presenting a critical analysis of complementary and alternative medicine while emphasizing the importance of rigorous clinical trials and the scientific method.
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Save:'Merchants of Doubt' by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway is a non-fiction book that explores the practices of scientists who have obscured scientific truths to serve political and corporate interests. The authors delve into how a small group of scientists, often non-experts in the field, have cast doubt on critical scientific issues like tobacco smoke dangers, acid rain, ozone depletion, and global warming. Through extensive research, Oreskes and Conway reveal how these tactics, coupled with media campaigns, have hindered public understanding of scientific issues, impacting policy decisions and public health. The book sheds light on the tactics employed by these scientists, such as creating uncertainty, using PR skills, and manipulating data to deny scientific facts.
The authors highlight the historical context of science denial, starting with the tobacco industry's efforts to manufacture doubt about the dangers of smoking. They connect the dots between various denial movements, including climate change denial, acid rain denial, and ozone depletion denial, showing how a handful of scientists have played a significant role in obstructing scientific progress. 'Merchants of Doubt' uncovers the deep political connections and anti-communist fervor behind these denial campaigns, emphasizing the need for public awareness and action against the manipulation of scientific truths.
On May 9, 1979, a group of tobacco industry executives gathered to hear about an important new program. They had been invited by Colin H. Stokes, the former chairman of R. J. Reynolds, a company famou... Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard delves into the foundational concepts of addressing the mind's impact on the body and aims to provide a means to overcome unwanted conditions without the use of medications. The book explains the theory behind talk therapy in great detail, offering readers a new perspective on understanding chronic conditions and the role of the mind in causing them. It presents a unique approach to mental health that promises life-changing results if followed correctly, as described by readers who have found the book enlightening and informative.
This is any kind of engram which lies across the dynamics and has no alignment with purpose: Fight between mother and father shortly after conception. Father strikes mother in stomach. She screams (fi...
