Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk

摘要: Recent polls suggest that fewer than 40 per cent of Americans believe in Darwin's theory evolution, despite it being one science's best-established findings. More and more parents are refusing to vaccinate their children for fear causes autism, though this link has been consistently disproved. And about the threat global warming is exaggerated, near consensus scientific community manmade climate change real. Why do people bunk? what them embrace such pseudoscientific beliefs practices? Noted skeptic Massimo Pigliucci sets out separate fact from fantasy entertaining exploration nature science, borderlands fringe - borrowing a famous phrase philosopher Jeremy Bentham nonsense on stilts. Presenting case studies number controversial topics, cuts through ambiguity surrounding science look closely at how conducted, disseminated, interpreted, means our society. The result many ways 'taxonomy bunk' explores intersection culture large. No not public intellectuals wars between defenders detractors nor believers pseudoscience themselves spared Pigliucci's incisive analysis. In end, "Nonsense Stilts" timely reminder need maintain line expertise assumption. Broad scope implication, also ultimately captivating guide intelligent citizen who wishes make up her own mind while navigating perilous debates will affect future planet.