Conspiracy Theories, Paranormal Beliefs and the Anatomy of Pseudoscience
False Beliefs from an Epistemic Perspective
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Beschreibung
This book aims to reveal how the human mind's search for order in the face of uncertainty and complexity leads to belief systems which have no scientific basis, while exploring the harms of such beliefs at individual and societal levels. Conspiracy theories, paranormal beliefs, and pseudoscientific claims can negatively affect individuals' decision-making processes, health choices, and social ties. The book aims to provide a holistic analysis of those phenomena by bringing together the perspectives of different disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, media studies, and philosophy of science. In particular, cognitive biases and social identity theory play a key role in explaining why these beliefs are attractive. As a work, it is distinct in that it not only approaches these issues from a critical perspective but also offers solution-oriented strategies to help readers acquire critical thinking skills and use scientific methods effectively.
Menşure Alkış Küçükaydın is an Associate Professor of Primary Education at Necmettin Erbakan University in Konya, Turkey. She received her undergraduate degree in Department of Primary Teacher Education from Gazi University, Faculty of Education in 2006 and her Ph.D degrees in Department of Primary Teacher Education from Gazi University in 2017. Dr. Küçükaydın’s scholarly work focuses on science and pseudoscience, conspiracy theories and scientific knowledge in education. She has published fifteen books.
This book aims to reveal how the human mind's search for order in the face of uncertainty and complexity leads to belief systems which have no scientific basis, while exploring the harms of such beliefs at individual and societal levels. Conspiracy theories, paranormal beliefs, and pseudoscientific claims can negatively affect individuals' decision-making processes, health choices, and social ties. The book aims to provide a holistic analysis of those phenomena by bringing together the perspectives of different disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, media studies, and philosophy of science. In particular, cognitive biases and social identity theory play a key role in explaining why these beliefs are attractive. As a work, it is distinct in that it not only approaches these issues from a critical perspective but also offers solution-oriented strategies to help readers acquire critical thinking skills and use scientific methods effectively.
Analyzes conspiracy theories, paranormal beliefs, and pseudoscience from an interdisciplinary perspective Explains false beliefs' origins and propagation dynamics with real-life examples and scientific evidence Provides practical strategies for developing critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
Autor*in
Menşure Alkış Küçükaydın
Themen in »Conspiracy Theories, Paranormal Beliefs and the Anatomy of Pseudoscience«
conspiracy theories critical thinking non-epistemic beliefs paranormal beliefs pseudoscience