Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time

Shermer, Michael

3.86 out of 5 stars

9,958 ratings by Goodreads

ISBN 10: 0716733870 ISBN 13: 9780716733874

Published by W H Freeman & Co, New York, New York, U.S.A., 1998

Language: English

Condition: Used - Very good Soft cover

Save for Later

Sold by Defunct Books, Nashville, TN, U.S.A.

AbeBooks Seller since June 16, 2003

Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars

View this seller's items

View all copies of this book

Used - Soft cover

Condition: Used - Very good

Price: US$ 6.00 Convert Currency

US$ 4.99 shipping within U.S.A. Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Free 30-day returns

Save for Later

About this Item

Cover has edge wear, minor creases, minor scratches, small bent/rubbed cover/page corners, rubbed spine. No writing. Very good.

Seller Inventory # 022884

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title

Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time

Publisher

W H Freeman & Co, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Publication Date

1998

Language

English

ISBN 10

0716733870

ISBN 13

9780716733874

Binding

Soft cover

Condition

Very Good

Seller catalogs

About this title

Synopsis

Argues that the search for meaning and spiritual fulfillment often results in the embracing of extraordinary claims and controversial ideas

Review

Few can talk with more personal authority about the range of human beliefs than Michael Shermer. At various times in the past, Shermer has believed in fundamentalist Christianity, alien abductions, Ayn Rand, megavitamin therapy, and deep-tissue massage. Now he believes in skepticism, and his motto is "Cognite tute--think for yourself." This updated edition of Why People Believe Weird Things covers Holocaust denial and creationism in considerable detail, and has chapters on abductions, Satanism, Afrocentrism, near-death experiences, Randian positivism, and psychics. Shermer has five basic answers to the implied question in his title: for consolation, for immediate gratification, for simplicity, for moral meaning, and because hope springs eternal. He shows the kinds of errors in thinking that lead people to believe weird (that is, unsubstantiated) things, especially the built-in human need to see patterns, even where there is no pattern to be seen. Throughout, Shermer emphasizes that skepticism (in his sense) does not need to be cynicism: "Rationality tied to moral decency is the most powerful joint instrument for good that our planet has ever known." --Mary Ellen Curtin

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

The store is located in Five Points, Nashville. We're open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Other times by appointment. If you're in the area, come on by to browse through the bookshelves.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Defunct Books
TN, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Satisfaction guaranteed. If you're not satisfied with a purchase within 14 days (of receipt), we'll refund the purchase price of the book minus shipping and handling, provided the book is returned in the same condition it was purchased. If we make an error with your order, we will refund all fees upon return of your order. For international orders, we will always upgrade to Global Priority Mail for no additional charge from economy rate if the item(s) fit within a flat-rate envelope. If you are ...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 4.99	US$ 10.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.