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365DaysOfPhilosophy 220 - Book Resource- Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science
Just as an experienced doctor is able to diagnose certain ailments the instant a new patient walks into his office, or a police officer learns to recognize criminal types from subtle behavior clues which escape the untrained eye, so we, perhaps, may learn to recognize the future scientific crank when we first encounter him. And encounter him we shall. If the present trend continues, we can expect a wide variety of these men, with theories yet unimaginable, to put in their appearance in the years immediately ahead. They will write impressive books, give inspiring lectures, organize exciting cults. They may achieve a following of one — or one million. In any case, it will be well for ourselves and for society if we are on our guard against them. — Martin Gardner.
Considered one of the classics in skeptical analysis, Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science by Martin Gardner is a series of essays of popular cults and fads, weird and dangerous, and despite the book being published in 1957 and updated a few times since then, it’s still highly relevant. While some cults, for example, might not be with us, the ideas and trends are still very problematic in their new and different guises.
Hollow-earth theories, dowsing and naturopathy, food fads and even Scientology, are investigated. With a keen sense of skeptical analysis, Gardner encourages a proactive approach towards understanding how these trends can allure and draw people in. While a broad approach is taken, the engaging style makes it an entertaining, if sobering read.
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Just as an experienced doctor is able to diagnose certain ailments the instant a new patient walks into his office, or a police officer learns to recognize criminal types from subtle behavior clues which escape the untrained eye, so we, perhaps, may learn to recognize the future scientific crank when we first encounter him. And encounter him we shall. If the present trend continues, we can expect a wide variety of these men, with theories yet unimaginable, to put in their appearance in the years immediately ahead. They will write impressive books, give inspiring lectures, organize exciting cults. They may achieve a following of one — or one million. In any case, it will be well for ourselves and for society if we are on our guard against them. — Martin Gardner.
Considered one of the classics in skeptical analysis, Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science by Martin Gardner is a series of essays of popular cults and fads, weird and dangerous, and despite the book being published in 1957 and updated a few times since then, it’s still highly relevant. While some cults, for example, might not be with us, the ideas and trends are still very problematic in their new and different guises.
Hollow-earth theories, dowsing and naturopathy, food fads and even Scientology, are investigated. With a keen sense of skeptical analysis, Gardner encourages a proactive approach towards understanding how these trends can allure and draw people in. While a broad approach is taken, the engaging style makes it an entertaining, if sobering read.