About the Book

Revised and Expanded Edition.In this age of supposed scientific enlightenment, many people still believe in mind reading, past-life regression theory, New Age hokum, and alien abduction. A no-holds-barred assault on popular superstitions and prejudices, with more than 80,000 copies in print, "Why People Believe Weird Things" debunks these nonsensical claims and explores the very human reasons people find otherworldly phenomena, conspiracy theories, and cults so appealing. In an entirely new chapter, "Why "Smart" People Believe in Weird Things," Michael Shermer takes on science luminaries like physicist Frank Tippler and others, who hide their spiritual beliefs behind the trappings of science.Shermer, science historian and true crusader, also reveals the more dangerous side of such illogical thinking, including Holocaust denial, the recovered-memory movement, the satanic ritual abuse scare, and other modern crazes. "Why People Believe Strange Things" is an eye-opening resource for the most gullible among us and those who want to protect them.

Product Details

Media: Paperback Book, 384 pages

Language: English

Publisher: Holt McDougal (Sep. 30th, 2002)

ISBN-10: 0805070893

ISBN-13: 9780805070897

Dimensions: 5.29 x 8.00 x 0.96 inches

Shipping Weight: 0.72 lbs

• Categories: Mythical Civilizations Philosophy & Social Aspects of Science