The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit

Bullshit is the foundation of contaminated thinking and bad decisions that leads to health consequences, financial losses, legal consequences, broken relationships, and wasted time and resources. It is how Bernie Madoff swindled billions of dollars from even the most experienced financial experts, and how the protocols of Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward resulted in the deaths of 36 million people from starvation. To protect yourself from everyday bullshit, John V. Petrocelli provides strategies to recognize and protect yourself from it, as well as to accept your own lack of knowledge about subjects and avoid engaging in it just for societal conformity. He also exposes the red-flag warning signs found in the anecdotal stories, emotional language, and buzzwords used by bullshitters that persuade our decisions. By using his critical thinking defensive tactics against those motivated by profit, we can stop the toxic misinformation spread from social media influencers, fake news, and op-eds.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: St Martin's Press

Bullshit is the cornerstone of polluted thinking and poor decisions that result in a range of negative consequences, including health problems, financial losses, legal troubles, broken relationships, and a waste of time and resources. Despite our perceived intelligence, we are all susceptible to bullshit and engage in it to varying degrees. While we may dismiss it as harmless marketing rhetoric or amusing exaggerations, the truth is that bullshit is far more dangerous and insidious than we realize. It has played a pivotal role in significant historical events such as Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme and the tragic consequences of Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward. Presented as facts by authority figures and credentialed experts, bullshit appears legitimate and we unquestioningly accept their words as gospel. However, if we fail to question the information we receive from these individuals, we allow these falsehoods to take root in our memories and beliefs, affecting our decision-making abilities and leading to regrettable life choices.
To combat the pervasive influence of bullshit, it is essential to develop critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills. This involves being skeptical of information, questioning its sources, and seeking out multiple perspectives before forming opinions. By doing so, we can distinguish between fact and fiction, and recognize the deceptive tactics employed by bullshit artists.
In his book "The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit," experimental social psychologist John V. Petrocelli offers invaluable strategies for recognizing and protecting ourselves from everyday bullshit. He provides practical tips and techniques for identifying false claims, detecting propaganda, and avoiding being taken advantage of. Petrocelli also encourages individuals to embrace their own lack of knowledge about certain subjects and to avoid engaging in bullshit simply for societal conformity.
Through real-world examples from individuals who work in industries such as used cars, real estate, wine, and diamonds, Petrocelli exposes the prevalence of bullshit and its impact on individuals and society. He highlights the importance of being aware of our own biases and assumptions, and of seeking out information from credible sources.
In conclusion, bullshit is a pervasive problem that affects our thinking, decision-making, and relationships. By developing critical thinking skills and being skeptical of information, we can protect ourselves from the harmful effects of bullshit and make more informed decisions. By embracing our own ignorance and seeking truth, we can contribute to a more informed and skeptical society.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 137 x 210 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250280152