Why do people believe strange things?
I habitually move into scientific environments, but sometimes some of my colleagues surprise me with irrational beliefs in things such as homeopathy or astrology. I always did asked myself, why people do believe in such strange things.
Evidently, I am not the only asking that question. Michael Shermer (Glendale, California, 1954) writer and historian specialized in scientific subjects, founder of the Skeptics Society, and publisher of its official organ Skeptic, devoted to investigate pseudoscientific and supernatural subjects, takes a long time trying to find an answer.
Above, you can watch one of his more famous presentations, with Spanish subtitles, for my non-english speaker friends!
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I know what you mean. One on-line group I'm part of has recently been having a discussion where some intelligent people are insisting evolution is unproven.
ReplyDeleteGreat video, people are crazy for sure.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have creationists here in Spain. Catholic church has endorsed darwinism (or at least does not condemned it!). However, astrology, homeopathy and many other pseudosciences and starnge believings (ufo's, paranormal activity, etc) have a great number of followers. What a pity!
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