On the fringe : where science meets pseudoscience / Michael D. Gordin.
| Author/creator | Gordin, Michael D. author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2021] |
| Description | viii, 122 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm |
| Subjects |
| Abstract | "Pseudoscience is not a real thing. The term is a negative category, always ascribed to somebody else's beliefs, not to characterize a doctrine one holds dear oneself. People who espouse fringe ideas never think of themselves as "pseudoscientists"; they think they are following the correct scientific doctrine, even if it is not mainstream. In that sense, there is no such thing as pseudoscience, just disagreements about what the right science is. This is a familiar phenomenon. No believer ever thinks she is a "heretic," for example, or an artist that he produces "bad art." Those are attacks presented by opponents. Yet pseudoscience is also real. The term of abuse is used quite frequently, sometimes even about ideas that are at the core of the scientific mainstream, and those labels have consequences. If the reputation of "pseudoscience" solidifies, then it is very hard for a doctrine to shed the bad reputation. The outcome is plenty of scorn and no legitimacy (or funding) to investigate one's theories. In this, "pseudoscience" is a lot like "heresy": if the label sticks, persecution follows"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Issued in other form | Online version: Gordin, Michael D., On the fringe New York : Oxford University Press, 2021. 9780197555781 |
| Genre/form | History. |
| LCCN | 2020042688 |
| ISBN | 9780197555767 hardcover |
| ISBN | 0197555764 hardcover |
| ISBN | electronic publication |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | General Stacks | Q172.5 .P77 G673 2021 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |