Michael Shermer's Why People Believe Weird Things

Throughout recorded history, man has sought explanations for the various phenomena that occur in every facet of nature, and when no obvious answer is forthcoming, still a theory is often proposed.  These explanatory theories, often taking the form of stories or chronicles, are usually linked to some sort of mysticism or divine intervention.  By ascribing that which he does not understand to the gods’ will at work, man avoids facing up to his own lack of knowledge in a given area, and also draws comfort from assuming that the universe does indeed function under the guidance of divine beings.  Thus the explanatory accounts that man crafts enhance his own security, quelling the fear of chaos that

Wes Moore the author says, “The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my story could have been his.” In my opinion, I agree with Wes Moore the authors’ statement; there were several times throughout the lives of both the successful Wes Moore and the other Wes Moore that went to prison could have impacted either one of them to go down the opposite path that they originally took.

Many times we have been in a dilemma whether to believe or not someone who tries to persuade us for something and very often by listening his arguments and by having enough evidence we finally manage to get out of the dilemma. Nevertheless sometimes we cannot be sure about an event because although there is enough evidence, our minds cannot be persuaded. An example to justify that is the existence of the Loch Ness monster, or as it is widely known “Nessie”.

John Karkauer novel, Into the Wild tells a true life story about a young man

Singer and Benassi (1981) described a positive correlation between environmental uncertainty in western countries and occult beliefs. Although it could be argued that they may be overreaching with this generalization which is not supported with data, there is truth to this correlation. Humans try to be rational, and logical, and think critically, but in uncertain situations, we look to our environment, the physical and social environment, to provide us with information. Therefore, superstitions and supernatural phenomenon seem possible if no logical explanation can be given, and if the feedback from the environment reinforces what could be occult beliefs. French, Haque, Bunton-Stasyshyn, & Davis (2009) conducted an experiment attempting to investigate whether they could try to create a “haunted” room, and if participants would experience more abnormal sensations. Participants were informed they may feel some abnormal sensations prior to entering the room. Majority of participants reported having three or more abnormal sensations in the 50-minute period they were in the room. These sensations can be a result of susceptibility, but the uncertainty of that environment, and the lack of information may create these sensations and can validate occult

This will be based on the chapter 4 Religion as "Truth-Claims", posted on Blackboard. First of all, Dianne L. Oliver makes a preface about her writings saying that religions claim to get the truth, and followers of diverse religions say that their truth is the only one true, and cannot be compare with any other. Also, she remarks that many of those religion followers use violence to uphold their own version of truth. Moreover, she let us know that she is going to consider the "True-Claims" of different religions, and show how those claims can influence the practices, behaviors, and ideas of religion followers. Next to the introduction, she considers that religion is very essential for understanding the fundamental questions in our daily lives.

In the seventeenth century, murders were verified by the examination of witnesses who claimed people were murdered and supernatural happenings, such as corpses bleeding, ghosts, and dreams verified if the said person was the guilty murderer (4). The main focus of this article is an explanation of the examined accounts and also the comparison of another murder subject matter, printed murder pamphlets (4). These murder pamphlets made it so the destiny of the murderers was able to get through to the folks of the communities as well as to preach and exemplify how God's provision confused the opposition of Heaven and earth (4-5). The role of religion and more so, supernatural events go hand-in-hand when dealing with murder and the murderer (1-5).

Overall, the article delineates the incident in a detached way instead of inclined to one side and focusing on the refutation. In addition to chronicling how the theory has evolved, the article describes the major claims of

Therefore one who believes in a certain miracle or religion must have disbelief in all others. This, he argues, reduces the credibility of any miracle or religion because there is no reason for one faith tradition to be correct and all the others false, when it is more likely that none are correct: “in destroying a rival system, it likewise destroys the credit of those miracles” (p.121, gp.98). And yet, in the context of this argument, while it is logical that not every miracle report can be true, this does not prove that all miracles are false either.

Although the book lacked explanation, it seemed as though the book was only written to those in the same academic field. He does an admirable job in establishing new diversities in millennial Christians. Barkum’s research, similar to Dean and Farrell, indicates the American public lacks the ability to distinguishing the real from the fictional which easily accessible through social media. The rise of skeptical society discussed by Ferrell includes more detailed account. Despite the fact that Barkum and Dean’s argument is similar as they both argue the link used between the “action and event controlled by reason or irrationality that empowers reason with its undeniable coercive force.” Hence, the book does not go hand in hand with other cultural conspiracy historians; despite the similarity of research result the perception applied varies.

Religion is a topic that people worldwide have had controversial thoughts about for ages. It has been a great way for people of a community to unite as one, yet some people claim that religion to be responsible for violence, wars, or even terrorism. After a thorough analysis of John Hick’s book, “The Fifth Dimension: An Exploration of the Spiritual Realm” one is able to evaluate and critique Hick as an author as he discusses his own claims on religion. Hick is able to easily state and cover several topics such as religious experiences, the naturalistic assumption, cosmic optimism, and religious pluralism, yet he is unclear on topics such as cosmic optimism and criterion of authentic religious experiences. Consequently, I am able to add my own critiques and analyses of Hick’s ideas within his text.

This paper will address the problem of skepticism. My focus will be exclusively on Global Skepticism as it is more controversial than Local Skepticism. The stance I am seeking to persuade you to take is one regarding the question of whether or not Global Skepticism is justified. In this paper I will discuss and analyze what other philosophers have said about the topic, my argument, how my opponents might object to my arguments, and how I respond to those objections. My hope is the conclusion to my argument will convince you that Global Skepticism is not justified and we can, in fact, come to ‘know’ things about our reality and obtain knowledge.

Finally, the third section will dwell on the controversial topic of faith, and human’s need for belief. Religion has done an excellent job in manipulating human’s need for trust. Therefore, the combination of these three sections should compel the reader to better understand why such a false belief, such as religion has had such success throughout history.

In Sigmund Freud’s, The Future of an Illusion, he studies religious foundations and the influence of religion on civilization and social principles. As he explores the psychological depths relating to religion, he also portrays a scientific and rational civilization. In turn, he reveals his hope for an ideal world where humans surpass their feelings of helplessness and insignificance to live in an improved civilization based on reason and the increase of knowledge. Through his analysis and ideas, Freud is able to incite feelings of doubt surrounding religious beliefs and their validity.

Since the dawn of mankind religion has been one of the most significant elements of a society’s social and cultural beliefs and actions. However, this trend has declined due to the general increase in knowledge regarding our the natural sciences. Where we had previously attributed something that we didn’t understand to the working of a higher power, is now replaced by a simple explanation offered by natural sciences. While advocates of Religion may question Natural Sciences by stating that they are based on assumptions, it is important to note the Natural Sciences are based on theories and principles which can be proven using mathematical equations and formulas. Faith however contrasts from the easily visible feasibility of data