Book

Pseudoscience and science fiction

May, Andrew (Andrew James), author

Overview

Aliens, flying saucers, ESP, the Bermuda Triangle, antigravity--are we talking about science fiction or pseudoscience? Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference. Both pseudoscience and science fiction (SF) are creative endeavours that have little in common with academic science, beyond the superficial trappings of jargon and subject matter. The most obvious difference between the two is that pseudoscience is presented as fact, not fiction. Yet like SF, and unlike real science, pseudoscience is driven by a desire to please an audience--in this case, people who \"want to believe\". This has led to significant cross-fertilization between the two disciplines. SF authors often draw on \"real\" pseudoscientific theories to add verisimilitude to their stories, while on other occasions pseudoscience takes its cue from SF--the symbiotic relationship between ufology and Hollywood being a prime example of this. This engagingly written, well researched and richly illustrated text explores a wide range of intriguing similarities and differences between pseudoscience and the fictional science found in SF.

• Publisher: Springer
• Subject: Pseudoscience. / Science fiction History and criticism.
• ISBN: 9783319426044, 3319426044

Item info:

1 item available

1 item total in all locations

Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
Q172.5.P77 M39 2017	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE