The Science of Superstition - by Bruce M Hood (Paperback)

About the Book

In an account chock full of real-world examples reinforced by experimental research, Hood s marvelous book is an important contribution to the psychological literature that is revealing the actuality of our very irrational human nature. Science

In the vein of Malcolm Gladwell s Blink, Mary Roach s Spook, and Dan Ariely s Predictably Irrational, The Science of Superstition uses hard science to explain pervasive irrational beliefs and behaviors: from the superstitious rituals of sports stars, to the depreciated value of houses where murders were committed, to the adoration of Elvis."

Book Synopsis

"In an account chock full of real-world examples reinforced by experimental research, Hood's marvelous book is an important contribution to the psychological literature that is revealing the actuality of our very irrational human nature." -- Science

In the vein of Malcolm Gladwell's Blink, Mary Roach's Spook, and Dan Ariely's Predictably Irrational, The Science of Superstition uses hard science to explain pervasive irrational beliefs and behaviors: from the superstitious rituals of sports stars, to the depreciated value of houses where murders were committed, to the adoration of Elvis.

From the Back Cover

In The Science of Superstition, cognitive psychologist Bruce Hood examines the ways in which humans understand the supernatural, revealing what makes us believe in the unbelievable.

*Previously published as SuperSense.

Review Quotes

In recent years, there has been a lot written about religion, superstition, and faith, but there has never been a book like this. Bruce Hood, a leading experimental psychologist, provides a scientific perspective on some of the most engaging issues around, showing that some of our most apparently irrational beliefs arise from fundamental aspects of how our minds work. The discussion is wide-arranging and fascinating, covering everything from why children love their Teddy Bears to why most of us would refuse to wear the clothing of a serial killer. And SuperSense is a joy to read--beautifully written, deeply clever and funny, replete with brilliant insights and observations. - Paul Bloom, Professor of Psychology, Yale University, Author of Descartes' Baby: How the Science of Child Development Explains What Makes Us Human
In recent years, there has been a lot written about religion, superstition, and faith, but there has never been a book like this. . . SuperSense is a joy to read--beautifully written, deeply clever and funny, replete with brilliant insights and observations. - Paul Bloom Professor, Department of Psychology, Yale University Author of "Descartes' Baby: How the science of child development explains what makes us human"
Bruce Hood's SuperSense is sensational. Dr. Hood, a world-class scholar in the field of cognitive science, explains the many weird and wonderful ways that we humans naturally view the world as ruled by supernatural phenomena. The book is that rare combination of scientifically powerful yet accessible to the non-expert. A delightfully witty and thought-provoking look at what makes us human. - Susan A. Gelman, Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan, author of The Essential Child
Supersense is a terrifically fun read. But it is much more: though we may forever believe in ghosts, goblins and the beneficent deities, with a dose of skeptical scientific realism, a la Hood, there is hope that sanity will prevail. - Marc Hauser, Harvard College Professor, author of Moral Minds
Hood presents an intriguing study of an undefined sense apart from the five human senses with which we are familiar. This recommended title should spark discussion in both academic and public libraries. - Margaret Caldwell, Memphis, Library Journal Advanced Reviews
In an account chock full of real-world examples reinforced by experimental research, Hood's marvelous book is an important contribution to the psychological literature that is revealing the actuality of our very irrational human nature. - Science
To tell you the truth, I've been carrying Supersense around in my briefcase and dipping into it every chance for several weeks. This book is fun and thought-provoking, packed with observations that throw light on an amazing variety of subjects. Mostly, though, it is a compelling account of how beliefs in the supernatural world spring from the natural way our minds make sense of our experiences as we develop and grow. - Daniel M. Wegner, Harvard Professor of Psychology, author of The Illusion of Conscious Will
A compelling account of how beliefs in the supernatural world spring from the natural way our minds make sense of our experiences. - Daniel M. Wegner, Harvard Professor of Psychology, author of The Illusion of Conscious Will
If we understood our own irrationality, and why so many people believe in ghosts, spirits, and invisible powers, then we might be able to improve the way we think. With quirkily fun examples and fascinating experiments Bruce Hood explains why we can't always escape our Supersense. - Dr. Susan Blackmore, author of Conversations on Consciousness
An intriguing look at a feature of the human mind that is subtle in its operation but profound in its consequences. - Steven Pinker, Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of How the Mind Works and The Stuff of Thought
Reading SuperSense is like having lunch with your favorite professor--the conversation spans religion, biology, psychology, philosophy, and early childhood development. One thing is for sure, you'll never see the world in the same way again. - Ori Brafman, New York Times bestselling author of Sway
[A] fascinating, timely and important book. . . . Hood's presentation of the science behind our supersense is crystal clear and utterly engaging. - New Scientist
"...a fun and illuminating book." - Newsweek
"Hood's treatise provides a much-needed counterbalance to hardcore skeptics by arguing that supersense, while not exactly grounded in rationality, ultimately gives our lives meaning." - Booklist
Watch out! Bruce Hood, like his namesake Robin, is out to steal something dear to your heart, but all in a good cause. Read this beautifully written book, and you will lose some childhood innocence about how the world works. But, as Robin Hood used to leave his victims a posy of violets, Bruce will leave you wiser about yourself, and what it is to be human. - Guy Claxton, author of Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind: How Intelligence Increases When You Think Less
Dr. Hood, a world-class scholar in the field of cognitive science, explains the many weird and wonderful ways that we humans naturally view the world as ruled by supernatural phenomena. Bruce Hood's SuperSense is sensational. - Susan A. Gelman Susan A. Gelman Susan A. Gelman, author of The Essential Child
Read this beautifully written book, and you will lose some childhood innocence about how the world works. But, it will leave you wiser about yourself, and what it is to be human. - Guy Claxton, author of Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind: How Intelligence Increases When You Think Less
Magical thinking is a defining feature of the human mind - the source of all that is sublime and absurd about our species. In this timely exploration of the psychology of irrational belief Bruce Hood pulls off the rare feat of being both authoritative and wonderfully entertaining. Brilliant. - Paul Broks, author of Into the Silent Land: Travels in Neuropsychology