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The Hundredth Monkey — Occult Philosophy

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The Hundredth Monkey

Name: The Hundredth Monkey
Price: 28.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780879756550

✍️ Frazier, Kendrick

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Edited by veteran science journalist Kendrick Frazier, who received the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry's In Praise of Reason Award, this paperback gathers critical perspectives from prominent scholars. Authors such as Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov address human needs, anomalous experiences, and medical debates. The collection offers a classic source book for readers seeking empirical evaluations of cultural myths and parapsychological claims.

Frazier, Kendrick

📚 all books by this author (6) →

🕯️

Occult Philosophy

🏛 Prometheus Books 📅 1991 📖 414 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780879756550

Fun Fact

This monumental collection is a cornerstone for any serious student of skepticism, offering a robust, scientific counter-narrative to the pervasive world of paranormal claims. Its strength lies in the intellectual firepower of its diverse contributors, who dismantle myths with precision and wit. While invaluable for fostering critical thought, those seeking validation for their mystical experiences or confirmation of supernatural phenomena will find it disappointing. It firmly establishes itself as a definitive resource for understanding rational inquiry in the face of the inexplicable.

📝 Description: The Hundredth Monkey

Kendrick Frazier, an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow and previous Science News editor, gathers forty-three essays from thirty-nine contributors. Applying rational analysis and rigorous scientific inquiry, this anthology evaluates paranormal assertions, unusual mysteries, popular myths, fringe science, and hoaxes. Prominent voices including Martin Gardner, Isaac Asimov, Ray Hyman, Carl Sagan, James Randi, and Paul Kurtz investigate claims of collective consciousness, featuring philosopher Ron Amundson's investigation into the titular concept. The collected writings include updated postscripts across nine organized thematic sections. Included chapters explore Encouraging Critical Thinking, Medical Controversies, Examining Popular Claims, Understanding Human Need, and Evaluating the Anomalous Experience. Extra parts address Astrology directly, alongside Considering Parapsychology, Controversies Within Science, and Crashed Saucer Claims. Combined, these entries illustrate skeptical inquiry while balancing openness to fresh ideas with thorough verification of unproven assertions. This work appeals to readers seeking evidence-based explanations of occult topics, psychic claims, and mystical subjects. It is unsuited for audiences seeking confirmation of anomalous beliefs, given that each author applies strict empirical standards to the topics evaluated.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

While this collection provides a necessary and rigorous counter-narrative to paranormal beliefs, it may not suit readers seeking validation of their spiritual or metaphysical convictions. The essays are undeniably insightful for those who prefer evidence-based explanations over mystical interpretations. However, individuals looking for comforting affirmations of psychic phenomena or UFO authenticity might find the tone too dismissive or dry. It is a powerful tool for dismantling fringe science myths, but its strength lies in its skepticism, which can feel alienating to believers. Ultimately, it stands as a formidable defense of rationality against popular cultural misconceptions.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This volume is an essential resource for anyone seeking to cultivate critical thinking skills when confronted with extraordinary claims. It appeals deeply to readers who value open-mindedness but demand uncompromising scrutiny and scientific rigor in their understanding of the world. Those interested in debunking cultural myths surrounding UFOs, astrology, or medical quackery will find immense value here. By presenting insights from prominent thinkers like Asimov and Sagan, it offers a robust framework for evaluating psychic claims without dismissing the possibility of the unknown outright. It is perfect for skeptics who wish to balance curiosity with logical dissection.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the mysterious but demand empirical evidence, this collection is for you. It's ideal for those seeking to sharpen their critical thinking skills and understand the scientific perspective on psychic phenomena and popular occult claims. Engage your intellect, question your…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

While this collection provides a necessary and rigorous counter-narrative to paranormal beliefs, it may not suit readers seeking validation of their spiritual or metaphysical convictions. The essays are undeniably insightful for those who prefer evidence-based explanations over mystical interpretations. However, individuals looking for comforting affirmations of psychic phenomena or UFO authenticity might find the tone too dismissive or dry. It is a powerful tool for dismantling fringe science myths, but its strength lies in its skepticism, which can feel alienating to believers. Ultimately, it stands as a formidable defense of rationality against popular cultural misconceptions.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This anthology is primarily for those with a skeptical inclination or anyone seeking a scientific, evidence-based perspective on paranormal and fringe-science claims. It scrutinizes rather than validates such phenomena.

It covers a wide array, including the 'Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon,' astrology, medical controversies, parapsychology, alleged crashed UFOs, and various anomalous experiences, all from a scientific viewpoint.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Cultivating Critical Thought

The collection champions the scientific method as the ultimate tool for evaluating the anomalous. It encourages readers to apply logic and evidence-based reasoning to extraordinary claims, fostering an intellectual rigor vital for discerning truth from speculation. This theme underscores the importance of skepticism not as cynicism, but as a path to deeper understanding.

Deconstructing Psychic Claims

Through incisive analysis, the authors systematically examine various purported psychic phenomena, from telepathy and clairvoyance to precognition. They explore how these experiences are often misinterpreted or fall prey to cognitive biases, offering rational, scientific explanations rather than supernatural ones. It’s a thorough demystification of the 'unexplained.'

The Roots of Belief

Beyond simply debunking, the essays delve into the fundamental human need for belief and how it shapes our perception of reality. They explore why certain myths persist, how hoaxes gain traction, and the psychological underpinnings that make us susceptible to fringe theories, even in the face of contradictory evidence. It's a nuanced look at the human condition.

📜 Historical context

Emerging during a period of burgeoning New Age beliefs and widespread fascination with the paranormal, this work stands as a crucial counterpoint. It aligns with the tradition of scientific skepticism epitomized by organizations like CSICOP (now CSI) and figures like Martin Gardner, providing a foundational text for applying scientific rigor to subjects often relegated to faith or anecdotal evidence. It's a classic within the skeptical movement.

📚 Glossary

Hundredth Monkey Phenomenon
Parapsychology
Fringe Science

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a personal experience you once considered 'paranormal.' How might the principles of critical thinking presented in this book offer an alternative explanation?
The book discusses the 'human need' to believe. What personal beliefs, if any, do you hold that might stem more from need than from empirical evidence?
Consider the 'delicate balance' between openness and scrutiny. Where do you draw this line in your own intellectual pursuits, especially regarding unconventional ideas?