The Borderlands of Science

Where Sense Meets Nonsense

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, History
Cover of the book The Borderlands of Science by Michael Shermer, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Shermer ISBN: 9780190286637
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: May 17, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Michael Shermer
ISBN: 9780190286637
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: May 17, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

As author of the bestselling Why People Believe Weird Things and How We Believe, and Editor-in-Chief of Skeptic magazine, Michael Shermer has emerged as the nation's number one scourge of superstition and bad science. Now, in The Borderlands of Science, he takes us to the place where real science (such as the big bang theory), borderland science (superstring theory), and just plain nonsense (Big Foot) collide with one another. Shermer argues that science is the best lens through which to view the world, but he recognizes that it's often difficult for most of us to tell where valid science leaves off and borderland science begins. To help us, Shermer looks at a range of topics that put the boundary line in high relief. For instance, he discusses the many "theories of everything" that try to reduce the complexity of the world to a single principle, and shows how most fall into the category of pseudoscience. He examines the work of Darwin and Freud, explaining why one is among the great scientists in history, while the other has become nothing more than a historical curiosity. He also shows how Carl Sagan's life exemplified the struggle we all face to find a balance between being open-minded enough to recognize radical new ideas but not so open-minded that our brains fall out. And finally, he reveals how scientists themselves can be led astray, as seen in the infamous Piltdown Hoax. Michael Shermer's enlightening volume will be a valuable aid to anyone bewildered by the many scientific theories swirling about. It will help us stay grounded in common sense as we try to evaluate everything from SETI and acupuncture to hypnosis and cloning.

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

As author of the bestselling Why People Believe Weird Things and How We Believe, and Editor-in-Chief of Skeptic magazine, Michael Shermer has emerged as the nation's number one scourge of superstition and bad science. Now, in The Borderlands of Science, he takes us to the place where real science (such as the big bang theory), borderland science (superstring theory), and just plain nonsense (Big Foot) collide with one another. Shermer argues that science is the best lens through which to view the world, but he recognizes that it's often difficult for most of us to tell where valid science leaves off and borderland science begins. To help us, Shermer looks at a range of topics that put the boundary line in high relief. For instance, he discusses the many "theories of everything" that try to reduce the complexity of the world to a single principle, and shows how most fall into the category of pseudoscience. He examines the work of Darwin and Freud, explaining why one is among the great scientists in history, while the other has become nothing more than a historical curiosity. He also shows how Carl Sagan's life exemplified the struggle we all face to find a balance between being open-minded enough to recognize radical new ideas but not so open-minded that our brains fall out. And finally, he reveals how scientists themselves can be led astray, as seen in the infamous Piltdown Hoax. Michael Shermer's enlightening volume will be a valuable aid to anyone bewildered by the many scientific theories swirling about. It will help us stay grounded in common sense as we try to evaluate everything from SETI and acupuncture to hypnosis and cloning.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Investigations by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Sovereignty and the Law: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Buddhist Extremists and Muslim Minorities by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Economic and Institutional Transparency by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book The Myth of American Religious Freedom by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book From Conditioning to Conscious Recollection by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Balkan Idols by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book King of Ragtime by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Neuropsychological Assessment by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Syntax by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book City Girls by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Maghrebs in Motion by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Night Call by Michael Shermer
Cover of the book Cathedrals of Science by Michael Shermer
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