Shermer argues that science is the best lens through which to view the world, but recognizes that it's often difficult to tell where valid science leaves off and borderland, or fuzzy science begins. He examines where real science, borderline science - and just plain nonsense collide.

Developing effective analysis and argument.

An introduction to thinking clearly and rationally for oneself, which equips students with the skills to tell a good argument from a bad one.

Offering an introduction to the basis of critical analysis, this book shows how to evaluate evidence, isolate facts, and use sound reasoning skills in everyday situations. It focuses on: The Importance of Clear Thinking; The Nature of Facts; The Reasoning Process; Language and Reasoning; Common Errors in Reasoning; Conflicting Opinions; and more.

Practical reasoning and clear thinking are essential for everyone if we are to make sense of the information we receive each day. This title lays the foundation for critical reasoning by showing many ways in which our thinking goes awry. It also examines poor reasoning, and why we should be concerned with finding the truth.

Irrational beliefs and behaviour are virtually universal. This title draws on research to examine why we are irrational, the different types of irrationality, the damage it does us, and the possible cures. It also argues that we could significantly reduce irrationality and its effects - but only if we recognize just how irrational we really are.

This text, aimed at teachers of any discipline, should be of use as a resource for designing interest-provoking writing and critical-thinking activities for their students. The author integrates the critical-thinking movement and the writing-across-the-curriculum movement.

This new and expanded edition of The Logic of Real Arguments explains a distinctive method for analysing and evaluating arguments.

This title offers lively, clear explanations of the most widely held astronomy myths and misperceptions, from why the sky is blue to the reasons we have seasons. It steers clear of the false astronomy that has been glamorized in the media, movies, and even in school.

Introducing critical thinking, this book looks at general ways in which people can be helped to become critical thinkers, and also reviews opportunities for developing critical thinking in specific contexts.

Intuition is not some magical property that arises unbidden from the depths of our mind. This book shows us how we can hone our instinctive ability to know in an instant, helping us to bring out the best in our thinking and become better decision-makers in our homes, offices and in everyday life.

Focuses on the importance of reason in understanding life's realities. This book shows that the popular evangelical notion of 'a personal relationship with Jesus Christ' is utterly without any scriptural basis.

The portraits of Freud, Shakespeare, Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci on the cover symbolize a major theme of How We Knowthat the creative imagination plays a role in the sciences no less than in the arts, and that scientific discoveries have an aesthetic beauty of their own that can be enjoyed by the nonscientist. Written to be understood by readers without proper scientific training, the main ..

A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques.

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With 20 different ways to think better, and an introduction, this work is an examination of contemporary thought or lack of it in our society. It explains the problem of fuzzy thinking in detail, and optimistically proposes necessary remedies to 'dumbth' in the 101 rules for good thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and, reasoning.

This text offers one of the most clear and accessible introductions to logic and engages students with the basics of logic through practical examples and important arguments in both the history of and contemporary philosophy.

Has been an enduring source of inspiration and discussion for more than forty years.

Presents an examination of the social, economic, and political forces that elicit or support flawed or fake science and sustain it in the face of overwhelming contrary evidence. This book includes pseudoscience, or irrational beliefs dressed up in scientific garb, the misuse of science to deliberately mislead, and pathological science.