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Books > Reference & Interdisciplinary > Controversial knowledge > Hoaxes & deceptions
While we live in a technologically and scientifically advanced age,
superstition is as widespread as ever. Not limited to just athletes
and actors, superstitious beliefs are common among people of all
occupations, educational backgrounds, and income levels. In this
fully updated edition of Believing in Magic, renowned superstition
expert Stuart Vyse investigates our tendency towards these
irrational beliefs. Superstitions, he writes, are the natural
result of several psychological processes, including our human
sensitivity to coincidence, a penchant for developing rituals to
fill time (to battle nerves, impatience, or both), our efforts to
cope with uncertainty, the need for control, and more. In a new
Introduction, Vyse discusses important developments and the latest
research on jinxes, paranormal beliefs, and luck. He also
distinguishes superstition from paranormal and religious beliefs
and identifies the potential benefits of superstition for
believers. He examines the research to demonstrate how we can
better understand complex human behavior. Although superstition is
a normal part of our culture, Vyse argues that we must provide
alternative methods of coping with life's uncertainties by teaching
decision analysis, promoting science education, and challenging
ourselves to critically evaluate the sources of our beliefs.
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