Astrology... poltergeists and ghosts... firewalking... spontaneous human combustion... psychic surgery... ESP. This is the stuff of tabloid headlines. Sure, many people find them laughable, but consider that these papers are all staying in business because people are buying them-and often believing in their outrageous stories, even labeling it all science. The fact is that not all "science" is created equally. Indeed, some "science" isn't science at all but is really downright bogus-in other words, pseudoscience. However, separating the wheat from the chaff might not be as easy as you think when you consider how many people are seduced by the headlines that surround them in the supermarket line. UFOs and creationism certainly have their advocates among intelligent and educated people. Sometimes, though, wrongly held beliefs can get you into real trouble. Consider the proclamation by Marshall Applewhite: "Planet Earth about to be recycled. Your chance to survive-leave with us." In April 1997, 39 people-believing just that-committed suicide in their communal home in Rancho Sante Fe, California. They hoped to shed their earthly "containers" and be whisked away by extraterrestrials to a spaceship and, ultimately, a higher level of existence. Unfortunately, their tragically misguided belief in the pseudoscientific claim of Marshall Applewhite cost them their lives. Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction takes us on a tour of the most notorious instances of pseudoscience and sets the record straight. To clearly demonstrate what is wrong with this brand of ersatz science, the authors look closely at what's right about real science, and then compare the true scientific approach with that of pseudoscience. Readers learn that science's most basic value is that all ideas about reality are subject to testing by experiment and challenge by critical, rational thought. Scientifically literate thinkers accept ideas tentatively. They base their acceptance on evidence rather than on authority. People who are not scientifically literate are more likely to accept ideas absolutely. They are more vulnerable to deficient or phony ideas. Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction draws the line between what is good science and what isn't even really science at all. The basis for the book begins with the examination of the five most widely believed pseudoscientific ideas: UFOs, out-of-body experiences, astrology, creationism, and ESP These ideas are reviewed in detail to see just how well they stand up to scientific scrutiny. Cleverly illustrated with cartoons by the renowned Sidney Harris, Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction is both wonderful fun as well as illuminating science. Although many science topics can seem mysterious, especially when you really get into the details, in the long run its methods and ideas are remarkably straightforward. Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction takes this methodical approach to dissect the worst in the field. Tremendously witty, disarmingly fun, this is a book for anyone-especially for those folks who check their horoscope everyday.

Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction : Where Real Science Ends...and Pseudoscience Begins

Science & Math

Charles M. Wynn

Arthur W. Wiggins

History & Philosophy

Joseph Henry Pr

An in-depth look at the theories behind the most intriguing puzzles in physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, and astronomy In The Five Biggest Ideas in Science, authors Arthur W. Wiggins and Charles M. Wynn discussed science's most important current ideas. Now, they tackle the questions that science has been unable to answer-so far. Choosing one unsolved problem from each discipline, they explore the current scientific thinking behind these questions: How are particle masses determined? How did simple atoms first combine to form complex molecules? What role does the genome play in the development of life? Why is it so difficult to predict the weather? And what is the future of the universe? Featuring cartoons by Sidney Harris, the book includes discussions of recent theories such as the God particle, string theory, ""brane"" theories, and the Theory of Everything and also explores other science questions. Arthur W. Wiggins (Farmington Hills, MI) is a Professor of Physics at Oakland Community College in Michigan. Charles M. Wynn (Willimantic, CT) is a Professor of Chemistry at Eastern Connecticut State College. They collaborated on The Five Biggest Ideas in Science (0-471-13812-6).

The Five Biggest Unsolved Problems in Science

Reference

Trade Paper Press

This book answers "YES!" to the question, "Is it possible to reconcile the Theory of Evolution with the Scriptures?" Accepting evolution does not require abandoning one's faith. Created in response to 9/11, this book addresses the continuing conflict between science teaching and religious beliefs, the dangerous effects of scriptural literalism, and heightened interest in interfaith initiatives. A JEWISH scientist (David Kay, Conservative Rabbi in Florida), CHRISTIAN scientist (Howard Van Till, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Astronomy and Physics at Calvin College in Michigan), and MUSLIM scientist (T.O. Shanavas, M.D., pediatrician in Michigan) present scientific evidence for the Theory of Evolution and then explain how they reconcile that theory with the scriptural sources and beliefs of their religions.

And God said, "Let there be evolution!": Reconciling the Book of Genesis, the Qur'an, and the Theory of Evolution

Religion & Spirituality

Charles M. Wynn, Sr.

Religious Studies

All Things That Matter Press

For those who have always wanted to discover the joy of physics, this is the book that they've been waiting for. Many people remember their struggles with physics in high school and have wished for the right opportunity to gain an appreciation of this significant area of knowledge. Now is their chance not only to understand physics, but to do physics. The author provides the general reader with a fun-filled, entertaining, and truly educational tour of this all-important science. What makes the study of physics so worthwhile? The author says that, despite its reputation for difficulty, physics has an enormously ambitious goal, which appeals to people's innate curiosity: to understand the workings of the entire universe, from the smallest quarks to the largest galaxies. Learning and comprehending as much as we can about the inner and outer workings of the universe is what evokes the joy of physics. Taking a hands-on approach, he invites the reader to share the joy. Easy, practical experiments pepper the book and connect the ideas of physics with the reality of the universe. The yo-yo, flying disc, shake flashlight, laser pointer, LED, and even a microwave experiment with an edible result add to the fun.Complete with lively, memorable cartoons by Sidney Harris-America's premier science cartoonist-this book reveals the inherent fun, intellectual pleasure, and supreme importance of a subject that we can now finally tackle and enjoy.

The Joy of Physics

Science for Kids

Prometheus

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Books by Arthur W. Wiggins