* Why People Believe Weird Things by Michael Shermer

Why People Believe Weird Things

Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of our Time
Submitted by Kahalachan
22nd July 2007

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Shermer prefaces Why People Believe Weird Things with a brief anecdotal tour of his pseudoscientific and mystic encounters along with an introduction of what his book will entail. Science and skepticism is defined, not as an object, but as a process of discovering provisional and tentative truth. Science and pseudoscience is contrasted by their methods of change and manner in which ideas are supported. Ubiquitous logical fallacies and problems in pseudoscience are presented and defined.

Pseudoscientific concepts and superstitions are exposed as products of natural phenomena, chance, group think, and dogmatism. Near death experiences, alien encounters, and cult-like behavior are among the issues explored. The evolution and Creation controversy is given attention, not as scientific rivals, but as different modalities in supporting conclusions. The remarkable paralells drawn between Creationism and holocaust denial offer an avenue for a transition to the next section of the book.

Shermer investigates holocaust denial and describes the differences between history and pseudohistory. Photographic and documental evidence is provided within the book to serve as powerful evidence, in conjunction with the historical narratives and statistics, to support the notion that the holocaust happened as reported. Shermer's book closes with a discussion on how even highly intelligent individuals can still fall prey to irrational thinking; yet he provides an optimistic conclusion that hope can be channeled with reason to provide a better future.

One of the main strengths of Why People Believe Weird Things is that it can be digested by a wide audience, spanning from the layperson to the scholar. Shermer clears up misunderstandings concerning the naive opinions about science and history, as well as the misconceptions skeptics may possess about proponents for pseudoscientific and pseudohistoric claims. His non-confrontational but intellectually honest approach to many of these issues is likely to appeal to both the skeptic and believer. The book's greatest strength lies in the unbiased and rational assessment of differing convictions.

Conversely, the book's greatest weakness is that it primarily answers the "what" and not the "why" of weird beliefs, with the exception of the beginning and the end. An initial glance at the title might presuppose one to assume that a comprehensive psychological or sociological evaluation will be presented, when this is not the case. Shermer provides sufficient, but not an in depth, analysis of why people believe in weird things. Depending on one's expectations, this book may fall within the range of moderate to excellent.

Overall, one would be remised if they did not read this book and gain from its enlightening and informative content. I consider Why People Believe Weird Things to be such a triumph, that it is the closest possible text to serve as a skeptic's manual.