Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition - Updated Edition (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780199996926)

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.

Author: Stuart A. Vyse
ISBN-10: 019999692X
ISBN-13: 9780199996926
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 10/01/2013
Pages: 328
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.40w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 12/01/2013 pg. 114