Claims of pseudoscientific and paranormal phenomena have grown in recent years - each claim seemingly more outlandish than the last. Psychologist Terence Hines believes it's not enough to debunk or disprove these claims. In this book, he discusses the equally important issue of why people continue to believe in paranormal and occult claims in the face of clear evidence that they are invalid. Hines points to the constructive nature of human perception and memory as potent factors that encourage belief in these claims.
Pseudoscience and the Paranormal is a refreshing examination of the entire spectrum of pseudoscientific claims. Beginning with a definition of pseudoscience, Hines takes a penetrating look at belief in astrology, after-death experiences, faith healing, UFOs, creationism, and other areas of the paranormal, as well as the recent interest in firewalking, the Hundredth Monkey phenomenon, the Shroud of Turin and other controversies. In addition, Hines analyzes the most prevalent fraudulent techniques of psychics, including "cold reading" and the "multiple out."
Professor Hines emphasizes the concept of "nonfalsifiable hypotheses" as a tool for evaluating unusual claims. Because of the lack of accurate reporting on the subject, many people find it difficult to distinguish pseudoscientific claims from legitimate ones, especially in the critically important areas of health and nutrition. Pseudoscience and the Paranormal is a thoroughly indexed and comprehensive reference work that fulfills that need.
"A wealth of anecdotes and historical background . . . very readable as well as informative."
New Scientist