Stephen_Law-Believing_BullshitThis book identifies eight key mechanisms that can transform a set of ideas into a psychological flytrap. The author suggests that, like the black holes of outer space, from which nothing, not even light, can escape, our contemporary cultural landscape contains numerous intellectual black-holesÔÇöbelief systems constructed in such a way that unwary passers-by can similarly find themselves drawn in. While such self-sealing bubbles of belief will most easily trap the gullible or poorly educated, even the most intelligent and educated of us are potentially vulnerable. Some of the worldÔÇÖs greatest thinkers have fallen in, never to escape.

This witty, insightful critique will help immunize readers against the wiles of cultists, religious and political zealots, conspiracy theorists, promoters of flaky alternative medicines, and various other nutcases by clearly setting out the tricks of the trade by which such insidious belief systems are created and maintained.

REVIEW

“Everyone who values truth, reason, and evidence over sophistry should buy this book.” –Chris French, professor and head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit, Goldsmiths, University of London and editor of The Skeptic magazine.”Stephen Law offers us not only a primer on how not to believe but about why so many people do believe-bullsh*t, despite the lack of evidence for such beliefs, or even in the face of disconfirmatory evidence. It is a roadmap to a promised land free of undue credulity, where the best ideas win and ‘intellectual black holes’ no longer suck people in.Believing Bullsh*t should be read by every college freshman and every person seeking public office, and its strategies memorized and put to use by every critical thinker.” –D. J. Grothe, President of the James Randi Educational Foundation and host of For Good Reason

“Sadly, the people who would benefit most from Believing Bullsh*t are the least likely to read it. We all get taken in by bullsh*t sometimes, though, and if you think you don’t,you definitely should buy this book. But you should anyway.” –Nigel Warburton, senior lecturer in philosophy, The Open University (London) and author of Philosophy: The Basics.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen Law (Oxford, England) is ┬áa senior lecturer in philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London; provost for the Centre for Inquiry UK; and the editor of Think: Philosophy for Everyone (a journal of the Royal Institute of Philosophy). He is the author of numerous books for adults as well as children, including The Greatest Philosophers, Companion Guide to Philosophy, The War for ChildrenÔÇÖs Minds, and Really, Really Big Questions, among other works.