A wealth of evidence for doubters and disbelievers

"Whether it’s the latest shark cartilage scam, or some new ‘repressed memory’ idiocy that besets you, I suggest you carry a copy of this dictionary at all times, or at least have it within reach as first aid for psychic attacks. We need all the help we can get."

–James Randi, President, James Randi Educational Foundation, randi.org

"From alternative medicine, aliens, and psychics to the farthest shores of science and beyond, Robert Carroll presents a fascinating look at some of humanity’s most strange and wonderful ideas. Refreshing and witty, both believers and unbelievers will find this compendium complete and captivating. Buy this book and feed your head!"

–Clifford Pickover, author of The Stars of Heaven and Dreaming the Future

"A refreshing compendium of clear thinking, a welcome and potent antidote to the reams of books on the supernatural and pseudoscientific."

–John Allen Paulos, author of Innumeracy and A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper

"This book covers an amazing range of topics and can protect many people from being scammed."

–Stephen Barrett, M.D., quackwatch.org

Featuring close to 400 definitions, arguments, and essays on topics ranging from acupuncture to zombies, The Skeptic’s Dictionary is a lively, commonsense trove of detailed information on all things supernatural, occult, paranormal, and pseudoscientific. It covers such categories as alternative medicine; cryptozoology; extraterrestrials and UFOs; frauds and hoaxes; junk science; logic and perception; New Age energy; and the psychic. For the open-minded seeker, the soft or hardened skeptic, and the believing doubter, this book offers a remarkable range of information that puts to the test the best arguments of true believers.

'“…offers a remarkable range of information that puts to the test the best arguments of true believers…” (Short Book Reviews, Vol.24, No.3, December 2004)

“… I found myself engrossed in the information due to its vast collection of interesting entries…” (M2 Best Books, 22 March 2004)

\"...Use this book as protection against attacks by New Agers, alternative therapists and others who have chosen to abandon reason...\" (The Times, 25 October 2003)

\"...Carroll is always interested in why such beliefs occur and points generously t further literature...\" (The Guardian, 18 October 2003)

\"...Anyone wanting an informed opinion with which to smack down an argumentative pal should start here...\" (Dorset Echo, 25 October 2003)

\"...A treat to savour...first reaction is pleasurable incredulity and occasional hilarity... an amazing assembly, elegantly written and level-headed...likely to be used so often it is a pity it is a softback book...\" (New Scientist)

\"...No reasonable, logic-based library will be without a copy!\" (Good Book Guide, March 2004) '

Includes bibliographical references (p. 415-434) and indexes.

A wealth of evidence for the doubters and disbelievers This is a lively, commonsense compendium of detailed information on all things supernatural, occult, paranormal, and pseudoscientific. Written by an author with an award-winning Web site on the topic, The Skeptic's Dictionary features 425 definitions, arguments, and essays on topics ranging from abracadabra to zombies. It covers such categories as alternative medicine; cryptozoology; extraterrestrials and UFOs; frauds and hoaxes; junk science; logic and philosophy; and the psychic. For skeptics looking for more substantive information on which to base their skepticism, this volume offers a remarkable range of information that stands up to the arguments of true believers.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Entries A to Z.

Bibliography.

Picture Credits.

Name Index.

Subject Index.