Description
Book SynopsisEveryone has heard of the term pseudoscience, typically used to describe something that looks like science, but is somehow false, misleading, or unproven. Many would be able to agree on a list of things that fall under its umbrella-- astrology, phrenology, UFOlogy, creationism, and eugenics might come to mind. But defining what makes these fields pseudo is a far more complex issue. It has proved impossible to come up with a simple criterion that enables us to differentiate pseudoscience from genuine science. Given the virulence of contemporary disputes over the denial of climate change and anti-vaccination movements--both of which display allegations of pseudoscience on all sides-- there is a clear need to better understand issues of scientific demarcation.On the Fringe explores the philosophical and historical attempts to address this problem of demarcation. This book argues that by understanding doctrines that are often seen as antithetical to science, we can learn a great deal about
Trade ReviewGordin's book should be mandatory reading for all those interested in the nature of science and pseudoscience. On the Fringe provides an excellent exposition of a wide diversity of pseudoscientifc doctrines, something which certainly can help to devise more useful demarcation criteria. * Juan Gefaell, Metascience *
Michael Gordin's book adds at least two important aspects to the literature. First, as a historian, he puts some of the pseudosciences in a historical perspective that is seldom presented. Secondly, he contributes to the systematic treatment of pseudosciences by introducing four groups of such teachings. * SVEN OVE HANSSON, Society for US Intellectual History *
Gordin's discussion offers critical tools for students confronting a cultural context in which claims of scientific expertise carry significant—even unprecedented—consequence. * J. D. Martin, Durham University *
A fascinating exploration of the line between science and pseudoscience. * PD Smith, The Guardian *
Fascinating... a very effective and readable analysis. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science blog *
This will be helpful to anyone curious about how to separate the wheat of science from the chaff of pseudoscience. * Publishers Weekly Review *
Illuminating * Ross McFarlane, Fortean Times *
Gordin's book can best be approached as a first sketch of a very useful and promising way of studying pseudoscience rather than as a definitive account of it. * Juan Gefaell, Metascience *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: The Demarcation Problem Chapter 2: Vestigial Sciences Chapter 3: Hyperpoliticized Sciences Chapter 4: Fighting "Establishment" Science Chapter 5: Mind over Matter Chapter 6: Controversy Is Inevitable Chapter 7: The Russian Questions Notes Further Reading
