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Copyright © 1997, 2002 by Michael Shermer
Distributed in Canada by H. B. Fenn and Company Ltd.
"Science Defended, Science Defined" originally appeared in the journal
Science, Technology, and Human Values,
16, no. 4 (Autumn 1991), 517-539.
All artwork and illustrations, except as noted in the text, are by Pat Linse, are copyrighted by Pat
Linse, and are reprinted with permission.
For further information on the Skeptics Society and
Skeptic
magazine, contact P.O. Box 338,
Altadena, CA 91001. 626-794-3119; fax: 626-794-1301. e-mail: skepticmag@aol.com.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Shermer, Michael.
Why people believe weird things: pseudoscience, superstition, and other confusions of
our time / Michael Shermer; foreword by Stephen Jay Gould.—Rev. and expanded. p.
cm. "First Owl Books edition"—T.p. verso. "An owl book."
Includes bibliographical references and Index.
ISBN 0-8050-7089-3 (pbk.)
1. Pseudoscience. 2. Creative ability in science. I. Tide.Q172.5.P77 S48 2002133—dc21
2002068784
Henry Holt books are available for special promotions and premiums. For details contact: Director, Special Markets.
First published in hardcover in 1997 by W. H. Freeman and Company
First Owl Books Edition 2002
A W. H. Freeman / Owl Book
Printed in the United States of America
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