This book provides a comprehensive review of numerous areas of pseudoscience and related pathological science. It not only describes the factual bases for rejecting pseudoscientific claims, but also emphasizes the psychological processes that lead to the acceptance of such claims. This book is timely, given the increase in misinformation over the past decade.
Using three principles of cognitive psychology, this book helps explain why people are hard-wired to accept and continue to believe in pseudoscientific claims. It provides up-to-date discussions of numerous paranormal and pseudoscientific topics, including the usual suspects—UFOs and alien abductions, astrology, cryptozoology, and more—but also belief in conspiracy theories, laboratory parapsychology, bogus forensic science techniques, the pseudopsychologies of Freud, medical fraud, and the unethical practices of Big Pharma. Older research that was foundational in the critical examination of several topics is woven throughout to situate them in a historical context.
Excellent up-to-date book about pseudoscience and science denial, with an in-depth look at how human psychology promotes these problems. An engaging and comprehensive critical review of a wide range of pseudoscientific topics which explores the underlying psychological factors behind paranormal and related beliefs.
Arvustused
Terence Hines is one of the worlds foremost authorities on the science of pseudoscience. Hes also a hero of mine. Like his engaging contributions to Skeptical Inquirer magazine, I learned so much from this book, and I believe all readers will benefit from thinking about whats believable (and whats unbelievable) using key principles of cognitive psychology. From historical hogwash to modern malarkey, Hines superbly helps sifts through the silliness toward a better understanding of the human mind. * Stephen Hupp, Editor, Skeptical Inquirer: The Magazine for Science and Reason *
Muu info
Excellent up-to-date book about pseudoscience and science denial, with an in-depth look at how human psychology promotes these problems. An engaging and comprehensive critical review of a wide range of pseudoscientific topics which explores the underlying psychological factors behind paranormal and related beliefs.
Preface
Chapter 1: The Nature of Pseudoscience
The Paranormal
Pathological Science: N Rays, Polywater, and Cold Fusion
Conspiracy Theories
Why Study Pseudoscientific Claims?
Chapter 2: Psychics and Psychic Phenomena
Spiritualism
Psychic Readings
Psychic Predictions of the Future
Psychic Crime Detection
Prophetic Dreams and Hunches
Chapter 3: Life after Death
Ghosts
Poltergeist
Near-Death and Out-of-Body Experiences
Reincarnation
Vampires and Zombies
Chapter 4: Laboratory Parapsychology
The Nature of the Evidence
Early Research: J. B. Rhine and S. C. Soal
The Uri Geller Episode
Remote Viewing
Ganzfeld Studies
Random Events and Reaction Time Studies
Bems Studies
Neuroimaging Studies
Psi Theory
Belief in Psi
Chapter 5: Pseudopsychologies
Freudian Theory
The Psychology of Jung
Humanistic Psychology
Chapter 6: Astrology and the Lunar Effect
Astrology and Astronomy
Testing Astrological Predictions
Moon Madness
Chapter 7: UFOs I: Close Encounters of the First Kind
The Constructive Nature of Human Perception
Close Encounters of the First Kind
Chapter 8: UFOS II: Photographs, Physical, Evidence, and Abductions
Photographic Evidence
Physical Evidence
The Tunguska Event
Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Alien Abductions
The End of the World, the Hollow Earth, and Cattle Mutilation
The Great UFO Cover-Up
Chapter 9: Ancient Astronauts and the Bermuda Triangle
Ancient Astronauts
Pyramid Power, Pyraminds, and Mummies
Von Däniken in Peru
The Bermuda Triangle
Chapter 10: Faith Healing
Faith Healers Techniques
Psychic Surgery
The Dangers of Faith Healing
The Role of Shrines
Chapter 11: Alternative Medicine
Homeopathy
Energy Medicine: Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, and Aura Reading
Naturopathy
Herbal Remedies, Vitamins, and Supplements
Other Alternative Treatments
Chiropractic
Big Pharma
Chapter 12: Mass Hysteria, Sick Buildings, and Environmental Health Scares
Asbestos
Microwaves and Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic and Chemical Hypersensitivity
Roundup Glyphosate
Chemical Phobia
Silicone Breast Implants and Connective Tissue Disease
Chapter 13: Special Topics in Pseudoscience
Brain Pseudoscience
Autism and Vaccines
Creationism and Intelligent Design
Criminal Profiling and Other Forensic Junk Sciences
Cryptozoology
Dowsing and the Magic Pendulum
Firewalking
Polygraphy and Lie Detection
The Shroud of Turin
References
Index
About the Author
Terence Hines has been professor of Psychology at Pace University since 1981 and is adjunct professor of Neurology at New York Medical College. After graduate school he had a one-year post-doctorate position at the Boston Veterans Administration studying the cognitive effects of normal aging. Following that he moved to the Neurology Department of the Cornell University Medical School for two years, doing research on split brain individuals and Parkinsons disease. His major research interests include bilingual memory, representation of number in memory, and the causes of belief in things paranormal.
