Nonsense on Stilts

People believe in pseudoscientific beliefs and practices for various reasons, including fake news, alternative facts, and a desire to embrace fringe science. In this revised second edition, noted skeptic Massimo Pigliucci separates fact from fantasy and explores the nature of science, the borderlands of fringe science, and the nonsense on stilts. He presents case studies on controversial topics and cuts through the ambiguity surrounding science to look at how it is conducted, disseminated, interpreted, and what it means to society. The result is a taxonomy of bunk that explores the intersection of science and culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Recent polls suggest that fewer than 40 percent of Americans believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, despite it being one of science's best-established findings. Parents still refuse to vaccinate their children for fear it causes autism, though this link has been consistently disproved. And about 40 percent of Americans believe that the threat of global warming is exaggerated, including many political leaders. In this era of fake news and alternative facts, there is more bunk than ever. But why do people believe in it? And what causes them to embrace such pseudoscientific beliefs and practices? In this fully revised second edition, noted skeptic Massimo Pigliucci sets out to separate the fact from the fantasy in an entertaining exploration of the nature of science, the borderlands of fringe science, and--borrowing a famous phrase from philosopher Jeremy Bentham--the nonsense on stilts. Presenting case studies on a number of controversial topics, Pigliucci cuts through the ambiguity surrounding science to look more closely at how science is conducted, how it is disseminated, how it is interpreted, and what it means to our society. The result is in many ways a taxonomy of bunk that explores the intersection of science and culture at large. No one--neither the public intellectuals in the culture wars between defenders and detractors of science nor the believers of pseudoscience themselves--is spared Pigliucci's incisive analysis in this timely reminder of the need to maintain a line between expertise and assumption. Broad in scope and implication, Nonsense on Stilts is a captivating guide for the intelligent citizen who wishes to make up her own mind while navigating the perilous debates that will shape the future of our planet.

Recent polls suggest a concerning trend: Recent polls indicate that a significant portion of Americans, less than 40 percent, do not believe in Darwin's theory of evolution, despite its widespread acceptance as a scientific fact. This disbelief persists despite the overwhelming evidence supporting the theory, which has been meticulously researched and documented over the past centuries.
Fear of autism and vaccination: One of the most perplexing aspects of this situation is the continued reluctance of some parents to vaccinate their children due to unfounded fears that vaccines cause autism. Despite numerous scientific studies and medical associations debunking this link, many individuals remain skeptical and choose to put their children's health at risk by avoiding vaccination.
Global warming skepticism: Another area of concern is the widespread belief that the threat of global warming is exaggerated. Despite the overwhelming consensus among scientists and climate experts that human activities are contributing to climate change, a significant portion of Americans believe that the effects are not as severe as portrayed. This skepticism is often fueled by misinformation and alternative facts propagated by certain media outlets and political figures.
The impact of fake news and alternative facts: In the age of social media and the internet, the spread of fake news and alternative facts has become a major concern. These false narratives often exploit people's biases and fears, leading them to embrace pseudoscientific beliefs and practices. The lack of fact-checking and verification mechanisms on social media platforms has further exacerbated this problem.
Why do people believe in bunk?: The reasons behind people's belief in bunk are complex and multifaceted. Some may be influenced by personal experiences, cultural beliefs, or a desire to reject mainstream science. Others may be susceptible to the persuasive power of charismatic individuals or the allure of conspiracy theories.
The consequences of pseudoscientific beliefs: The consequences of pseudoscientific beliefs can be severe. They can lead to misguided policies, public health risks, and a lack of scientific progress. For example, the refusal to vaccinate children can result in outbreaks of preventable diseases, while global warming skepticism can hinder efforts to address climate change.
Separating fact from fantasy: In the face of this challenge, it is crucial to maintain a critical perspective and seek out reliable sources of information. Educating oneself about the scientific method, critical thinking, and the importance of evidence-based decision-making is essential. Skeptical individuals should be encouraged to question claims, seek out multiple perspectives, and rely on reputable scientific institutions and journals.
The role of public intellectuals: Public intellectuals, including scientists, journalists, and educators, have a crucial role to play in promoting scientific literacy and debunking pseudoscientific beliefs. They can engage in public debates, provide accurate information, and challenge misinformation.
Conclusion: The belief in bunk poses a significant threat to our society. It undermines the credibility of science, hinders progress, and can have negative consequences for individuals and the planet. By promoting scientific literacy, challenging pseudoscientific beliefs, and maintaining a critical perspective, we can work towards a more informed and evidence-based world.

Weight: 432g
Dimension: 156 x 228 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226495996
Edition number: 2 ed