The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe: How to Know What's Really Real in a World Increasingly Full of Fake

Dr. Steven Novella

Oct 2018 · Hachette Audio · Narrated by Dr. Steven Novella

About this audiobook

An all-encompassing guide to skeptical thinking from podcast host and academic neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine Steven Novella and his SGU co-hosts, which Richard Wiseman calls "the perfect primer for anyone who wants to separate fact from fiction."

It is intimidating to realize that we live in a world overflowing with misinformation, bias, myths, deception, and flawed knowledge. There really are no ultimate authority figures-no one has the secret, and there is no place to look up the definitive answers to our questions (not even Google).
Luckily, The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe is your map through this maze of modern life. Here Dr. Steven Novella-along with Bob Novella, Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella, and Evan Bernstein-will explain the tenets of skeptical thinking and debunk some of the biggest scientific myths, fallacies, and conspiracy theories-from anti-vaccines to homeopathy, UFO sightings to N- rays. You'll learn the difference between science and pseudoscience, essential critical thinking skills, ways to discuss conspiracy theories with that crazy co- worker of yours, and how to combat sloppy reasoning, bad arguments, and superstitious thinking.

So are you ready to join them on an epic scientific quest, one that has taken us from huddling in dark caves to setting foot on the moon? (Yes, we really did that.) DON'T PANIC! With The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe, we can do this together.

"Thorough, informative, and enlightening, The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe inoculates you against the frailties and shortcomings of human cognition. If this book does not become required reading for us all, we may well see modern civilization unravel before our eyes." -- Neil deGrasse Tyson
"In this age of real and fake information, your ability to reason, to think in scientifically skeptical fashion, is the most important skill you can have. Read The Skeptics' Guide Universe; get better at reasoning. And if this claim about the importance of reason is wrong, The Skeptics' Guide will help you figure that out, too." -- Bill Nye

Ratings and reviews

Very well written and spoken by a very bright person. I give him 5 stars as 95% of the information is excellent,enlightning and welcome. However I don't totally agree with his views on autism and the vaccine connection, as he does not mention the possibility that a ten fold increase in autism spectrum disorders could be coincidentally or a causal byproduct effecting a certain population. Thimerosal (ethylmercury) since removed from vaccines was a legitimate cause for concern over a growing epidemic since there were similar symptoms linked to mercury exposure.In 2003 there was a rider attached to a Homeland Security Bill to protect Thimerosal from legal action. I am somewhat of a research person myself and not anti vaccine.

This book is a MUST-READ for anyone living in the 21st century. It's rigorous enough to keep even the most jaded skeptics engaged, yet still such easy reading that even children will enjoy it. Crammed full of helpful examples, funny stories, and interesting thought experiments, The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe helps solidify its reader's grasp of the most important fundamental concepts from the fields of critical thinking, science, technology, medicine, etc.

A book that's increasingly relevant, unfortunately.

About the author

Dr. Steven Novella, host and producer of the SGU, is an internationally recognized science educator. He brings his academic credentials and long history as a dynamic speaker and educator to the show. Dr. Novella is an academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine, where he is known for his dedication to excellence in teaching. When not podcasting, he also authors the popular and award-winning NeuroLogica blog, is senior editor of Science-Based Medicine, and makes regular appearances on radio, podcasts, and tv promoting science. He is also the author of two courses for The Great Courses on medical myths and critical thinking.

He is joined by his co-writers, Bob Novella, Cara Santa Maria, Jay Novella, and Evan Bernstein, each of whom bring their own personality and knowledge to the show and this book. Together they create a dynamic and engaging group of friends who like discussing cutting-edge science, philosophy, and controversial topics.