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Philosophy of Science

For a long time I have noticed that there are some people with degrees in science who also believe in astrology, homeopathy, etc.

It is one thing to keep an open mind on unexplained phenomena. It is quite another to believe in the validity of systems that are, in fact, based mainly on an effect that has been called the "Barnum effect" or the "Forer effect".

I have recently acquired a copy of the book How to Think About Weird Things by Schick and Vaughn. It is written for a wide audience, and explains the philosophy of science, and the bases of the scientific method, in a very readable way.

I think universities should make it a requirement for anyone receiving a degree in science to know something of the philosophy of science. At least, this little book should be required reading.

C. J. Craigie, Upper Hutt