Weirdness!

What Fake Science and the Paranormal Tell Us about the Nature of Science

By: Taner Edis

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Paperback | 9 November 2021

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In a world where science faces challenges from creationists and climate change deniers, and where social media is awash with wild conspiracy theories, it is no longer enough for scientists, pundits, and activists to simply ask the public to trust science. Rather, all must better understand how science works, and why science is essential. By exploring many of the odd beliefs embraced by large sections of the public that are rejected by the scientific mainstream, Weirdness! makes a case for science that goes beyond popular slogans. It takes seriously claims that paranormal phenomena, such as psychic abilities and mythical creatures, might be real, but demonstrates how such phenomena would extend beyond the laws of nature. It rejects a sharp boundary between science and religion, while explaining how to negotiate their real differences. Denials of science cause no end of trouble, but so too does placing blind trust in science. As Weirdness! reminds readers, science should not be seen as a mechanism that takes in data and spits out truth-indeed, what we get wrong about how the world works is often as interesting as what we get right.

Industry Reviews

"You can teach science by hammering in the results: the heart is a pump, E=mc (2) and genes are made up from DNA. Or you can avoid dullness, discuss weird and dubious claims, and ask the right questions: Is this scientific? How to think about this? Can we do an experiment? This turns science into what it really is: an exhilarating and insightful way to explore the wonders of reality. Taner Edis is the science teacher we all need and deserve. The next best alternative is this book." -- Johan Braeckman, Professor of Philosophy, Ghent University
"With erudite detail physicist Taner Edis shares insights on best practices gained from many years of teaching critical thinking to undergraduates, and ... takes the reader on an intellectual journey wherein the probing of weirdness shines a bright philosophical light on the foundations, and importance of, science." -- Raymond Hall, PhD, Professor of Physics, California State University, Fresno
"This timely book is filled with illuminating examples drawn from Edis's 'Weird Science' class and his observations of current cultural trends. Highly recommended!" -- Stuart Vyse, PhD, author, Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition
"There's much to agree with, and much to disagree with in this book. But that's what makes it worth reading." -- Eugenie C Scott, Ph.D., Founding Executive Director, National Center for Science Education, Inc.

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