Why people believe weird things - Michael Shermer

A survey of a range of
irrationalisms, with explanations of their empirical and logical flaws, this
book describes the differences between science and pseudo-science, and goes
on to describe and critique popular contemporary irrationalisms.
Why do smart people believe weird things?Why
do so many people believe in mind reading, past-life regression therapy,
extra-terrestrial abduction and ghosts? What is behind the rise of
'scientific creationism' and Holocaust denial? In an age of supposed
scientific enlightenment why do we appear more impressionable than
ever?Scientific historian, and director of the Skeptics Society, Michael
Shermer debunks these extraordinary claims in a no-holds-barred assault on
the popular superstitions and confused prejudices of our time. Exploring the
very human reasons behind otherworldly phenomena, conspiracy theories and
cults Shermer explains why are they are so appealing to so
many."Skepticism is the agent of reason against organized irrationalism
-and is therefore one of the keys to human social and civic
decency."Stephen Jay Gould, from his forewordShermer reveals the darker
side of wishful thinking, through the recovered memory movement, satanic
rituals and other modern witch hunts, and ideologies of racial superiority.
Confronting those who take advantage of the gullibility of other people to
advance their own, self-serving agendas Why People Believe Weird Things is
compelling and often disturbing. It is a perceptive portrait of the human
capacity for self-delusion and a celebration of the scientific spirit.