#12338
Mentioned in 3 episodes
Why People Believe Weird Things
Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time
Book • 1997
In this book, Michael Shermer critically examines various forms of pseudoscience, superstition, and paranormal beliefs.
The book is divided into five segments and fifteen chapters, covering topics such as UFO sightings, alien abductions, creationism, Holocaust denial, and cult behaviors.
Shermer uses the scientific method to refute these beliefs and explains how cognitive biases and cultural influences lead people to believe in unproven claims.
The foreword by Stephen Jay Gould underscores the importance of skepticism in combating organized irrationalism.
The book is divided into five segments and fifteen chapters, covering topics such as UFO sightings, alien abductions, creationism, Holocaust denial, and cult behaviors.
Shermer uses the scientific method to refute these beliefs and explains how cognitive biases and cultural influences lead people to believe in unproven claims.
The foreword by Stephen Jay Gould underscores the importance of skepticism in combating organized irrationalism.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 3 episodes
Mentioned by 
Michael Shermer as a book where he added a section on why smart people believe weird things.
Michael Shermer as a book where he added a section on why smart people believe weird things.
Psychology of Conspiracy Theories & The Limits of Science ~ Michael Shermer
Mentioned by 
Julia Galef in relation to his book "Why Smart People Believe Weird Things", which explores why intelligent individuals can hold irrational beliefs.
Julia Galef in relation to his book "Why Smart People Believe Weird Things", which explores why intelligent individuals can hold irrational beliefs.
Rationally Speaking #68 - Applied Rationality
