
Pseudoscience
A Critical Encyclopedia
Brian Regal(Author)
Greenwood Press
Published on 15. October 2009
Book
Hardback
191 pages
978-0-313-35507-3 (ISBN)
Description
More than just a collection of factual entries, this rich resource explores the difference between scientific and pseudoscientific pursuits in a way that spurs readers to ask questions and formulate answers.
What makes science science? How do we tell which assertions, beliefs, and methods are scientifically sound, and which are not? Brian Regal's authoritative, entertaining new reference, Pseudoscience: A Critical Encyclopedia gets at the heart of these questions by helping readers understand how the scientific method works, how to critically analyze all kinds of "evidence," and how to sort through long-running myths and current pseudoscience controversies.
Ranging from the dawn of history to the present and across world cultures, Pseudoscience uses a field of endless fascination as a means of driving home the importance of solid scientific reasoning. The encyclopedia spans the full spectrum of scientific and nonscientific pursuits, from chemistry, biology, psychology, and medicine to eugenics, religion, cryptozoology, the occult, and paranormal activities. Specific entries focus on general concepts of science, the lives of individuals, and claims of abilities. Throughout, these entries go beyond simply stating facts by constantly engaging readers in a discussion about the very nature of true scientific discovery.
124 entries, from alchemy and alien abductions to yetis and zombies, that continually focus readers on the true nature of legitimate scientific methods and findings
An introductory essay, drawing on the work of genuine historians and philosophers of science, offering guidelines for assessing topics in pseudoscience
40 original line drawings created specifically for this reference, depicting key individuals, creatures, artifacts, and more
An extensive bibliography of current and classic works on the full range of pseudoscience topics covered in this volume
An index that makes it easy to locate specific topics, terms, names, and ideas
What makes science science? How do we tell which assertions, beliefs, and methods are scientifically sound, and which are not? Brian Regal's authoritative, entertaining new reference, Pseudoscience: A Critical Encyclopedia gets at the heart of these questions by helping readers understand how the scientific method works, how to critically analyze all kinds of "evidence," and how to sort through long-running myths and current pseudoscience controversies.
Ranging from the dawn of history to the present and across world cultures, Pseudoscience uses a field of endless fascination as a means of driving home the importance of solid scientific reasoning. The encyclopedia spans the full spectrum of scientific and nonscientific pursuits, from chemistry, biology, psychology, and medicine to eugenics, religion, cryptozoology, the occult, and paranormal activities. Specific entries focus on general concepts of science, the lives of individuals, and claims of abilities. Throughout, these entries go beyond simply stating facts by constantly engaging readers in a discussion about the very nature of true scientific discovery.
124 entries, from alchemy and alien abductions to yetis and zombies, that continually focus readers on the true nature of legitimate scientific methods and findings
An introductory essay, drawing on the work of genuine historians and philosophers of science, offering guidelines for assessing topics in pseudoscience
40 original line drawings created specifically for this reference, depicting key individuals, creatures, artifacts, and more
An extensive bibliography of current and classic works on the full range of pseudoscience topics covered in this volume
An index that makes it easy to locate specific topics, terms, names, and ideas
Reviews / Votes
"This book is designed to get general readers and students in the middle grades and up thinking about the difference between scientific and pseudoscientific pursuits, whether the term 'pseudoscience' explains anything, and whether the various topics explored here, from acupuncture to zombies, are worthy of the name pseudoscience." - SciTech Book News "This work successfully provides an objective view of pseudoscience topics. . . It is recommended for upper-level school libraries and public libraries." - ARBAonline "Regal has compiled an interesting survey of pseudoscience. His introduction on the definition of pseudoscience and its social and philosophical implications is a very good way to start to think about pseudoscience and how to detect it. . . . Public libraries as well as academic libraries with popular-culture or history of science courses should consider acquiring this title." - BooklistMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 260 mm
Width: 183 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
610 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-313-35507-3 (9780313355073)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2009
1st Edition
Greenwood Press
€92.04
Available for download
Person
Brian Regal is assistant professor of the history of science at Kean University, Union, NJ.
Content
List of Entries
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The Encyclopedia
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The Encyclopedia
Bibliography
Index
About the Author