Implausible Beliefs

In the Bible, Astrology, and UFOs

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Social Psychology
Cover of the book Implausible Beliefs by Allan Mazur, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Allan Mazur ISBN: 9781351513210
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Allan Mazur
ISBN: 9781351513210
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Why do people accept ideas that are contradicted by science or logic? In Implausible Beliefs, Allan Mazur offers a comparative look at the nature of irrational belief systems, their social roots, and their cultural and political impact. He begins by providing standards for judging beliefs implausible and assessing the impact of such belief systems onpolitics and social policy in the US. Mazur describes and defends commonsense criteria for establishing that certain views should not be sustained in the face of present-day understanding. He presents a statistical portrait of implausible beliefs rampant in the US, and who tends to accept them.Mazur applies criteria for implausibility to the Bible, astrology, and visitation to Earth of intelligent beings from other worlds. Pointing out that everyone "knows" the Bible but few actually read it, the author scrolls through the first five books of the text, noting points that undermine the scripture's natural history and moral guidance. Working on the assumption that implausible religious views are fundamentally no different from implausible secular views, he critiques secular beliefs in astrology and UFOs. Mazur concludes the volume with an attempt to explain why most people accept implausibility‘some more than others despite evidence and logic that refute them.Looking to mainstream sociology and psychology, Mazur shows how children are socialized into such beliefs, and how adults are influenced by spouses and friends. Personality is also a factor, sometimes abetted by stressful or lonely life situations. Lucidly written, this is a provocative and informative contribution to social psychology, sociology, religion, political science, and American studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Why do people accept ideas that are contradicted by science or logic? In Implausible Beliefs, Allan Mazur offers a comparative look at the nature of irrational belief systems, their social roots, and their cultural and political impact. He begins by providing standards for judging beliefs implausible and assessing the impact of such belief systems onpolitics and social policy in the US. Mazur describes and defends commonsense criteria for establishing that certain views should not be sustained in the face of present-day understanding. He presents a statistical portrait of implausible beliefs rampant in the US, and who tends to accept them.Mazur applies criteria for implausibility to the Bible, astrology, and visitation to Earth of intelligent beings from other worlds. Pointing out that everyone "knows" the Bible but few actually read it, the author scrolls through the first five books of the text, noting points that undermine the scripture's natural history and moral guidance. Working on the assumption that implausible religious views are fundamentally no different from implausible secular views, he critiques secular beliefs in astrology and UFOs. Mazur concludes the volume with an attempt to explain why most people accept implausibility‘some more than others despite evidence and logic that refute them.Looking to mainstream sociology and psychology, Mazur shows how children are socialized into such beliefs, and how adults are influenced by spouses and friends. Personality is also a factor, sometimes abetted by stressful or lonely life situations. Lucidly written, this is a provocative and informative contribution to social psychology, sociology, religion, political science, and American studies.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Fabian Socialism by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Psychomythics by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book International Handbook of Community Services for the Mentally Retarded by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book AIDS: Women, Drugs and Social Care by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book The Female Body by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book (S)electing the President by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Cities in Translation by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Disgust in Early Modern English Literature by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Postwar Urban America by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Radio's Digital Dilemma by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Development, Modernism and Modernity in Africa by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Dreams of Glory by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Reflective Equilibrium and the Principles of Logical Analysis by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book Shakespeare, The Movie II by Allan Mazur
Cover of the book The I Ching by Allan Mazur
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy