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Pseudoscience: A Critical Encyclopedia
More than just a collection of factual entries, this rich resource explores the difference between scientific and pseudoscientific pursuits in a way that spurs readers to ask questions and formulate answers.
What makes science science? How do we tell which assertions, beliefs, and methods are scientifically sound, and which are not? Brian Regal's authoritative, entertaining new reference, A Critical Encyclopedia gets at the heart of these questions by helping readers understand how the scientific method works, how to critically analyze all kinds of "evidence," and how to sort through long-running myths and current pseudoscience controversies.
Ranging from the dawn of history to the present and across world cultures, Pseudoscience uses a field of endless fascination as a means of driving home the importance of solid scientific reasoning. The encyclopedia spans the full spectrum of scientific and nonscientific pursuits, from chemistry, biology, psychology, and medicine to eugenics, religion, cryptozoology, the occult, and paranormal activities. Specific entries focus on general concepts of science, the lives of individuals, and claims of abilities. Throughout, these entries go beyond simply stating facts by constantly engaging readers in a discussion about the very nature of true scientific discovery.
What makes science science? How do we tell which assertions, beliefs, and methods are scientifically sound, and which are not? Brian Regal's authoritative, entertaining new reference, A Critical Encyclopedia gets at the heart of these questions by helping readers understand how the scientific method works, how to critically analyze all kinds of "evidence," and how to sort through long-running myths and current pseudoscience controversies.
Ranging from the dawn of history to the present and across world cultures, Pseudoscience uses a field of endless fascination as a means of driving home the importance of solid scientific reasoning. The encyclopedia spans the full spectrum of scientific and nonscientific pursuits, from chemistry, biology, psychology, and medicine to eugenics, religion, cryptozoology, the occult, and paranormal activities. Specific entries focus on general concepts of science, the lives of individuals, and claims of abilities. Throughout, these entries go beyond simply stating facts by constantly engaging readers in a discussion about the very nature of true scientific discovery.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 13, 2020
Essentially a light reference for the various people and topics in pseudoscience. For the majority of the topics it has a very brief overview, though about half a dozen or so entries go into some depth.
It's a dry, academic read (which, to be fair it's a reference work) and I can't really say I'd recommend for a general read through.
It's a dry, academic read (which, to be fair it's a reference work) and I can't really say I'd recommend for a general read through.
December 18, 2024
Енциклопедія псевдонауки, звідки можна почерпнути цікаві факти й критичні погляди на гомеопатію, снігову людину та різні інші вигадки, помилки і шахрайства.
З недоліків - інформація подана нерівномірно (то дуже коротко, то забагато "води") і багато тем близькі лише західним читачам.
З недоліків - інформація подана нерівномірно (то дуже коротко, то забагато "води") і багато тем близькі лише західним читачам.
April 9, 2022
Decent encyclopedia. Most topics are related to cryptozoology, creationism, and alternative medicine.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews