A field guide to ********

[Ken Morgan]

How do people defend their beliefs in bizarre conspiracy theories or the power of crystals? Philosopher Stephen Law has tips for spotting their strategies

You describe your new book, Believing ********, as a guide to avoid getting sucked into "intellectual black holes". What are they?

Intellectual black holes are belief systems that draw people in and hold them captive so they become willing slaves of claptrap. Belief in homeopathy, psychic powers, alien abductions - these are examples of intellectual black holes. As you approach them, you need to be on your guard because if you get sucked in, it can be extremely difficult to think your way clear again

http://www.newscientist.com/article...d-guide-to-********.html?print=true&full=true

 

[MaxiMe]

"
What else should we watch out for?
You should be suspicious when people pile up anecdotes in favour of their pet theory, or when they practise the art of pseudo-profundity - uttering seemingly profound statements which are in fact trite or nonsensical. They often mix in references to scientific theory to sound authoritative."

Describes my manager perfectly :iws:

 

[billc]

He forgot to mention man made global warming.

 

[Scott T]

The only crystals I give a rodent's rectum about are the ones the Crystal Head vodka are fitered through...

 

[Sukerkin]

Or the ones that make lasers work .

 

[billc]

Or allows the Enterprise to jump to light speed...

 

[Sensei Payne]

For science!