Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk

Nonsense on Stilts examines why people believe pseudoscientific claims and offers tools for distinguishing science from misinformation. Pigliucci addresses widespread public skepticism toward established science: fewer than forty percent of Americans accept evolution despite its strong scientific foundation, many parents reject vaccines due to the disproven autism link, and about forty percent believe global warming threats are overstated. In this fully revised second edition, Pigliucci explores the nature of science, fringe science borderlands, and what he calls "nonsense on stilts"—borrowing a phrase from philosopher Jeremy Bentham. Through case studies on controversial topics, he analyzes how science is conducted, communicated, interpreted, and applied to society. The book functions as a taxonomy of bunk, examining where science and culture intersect. It provides a guide for readers seeking to evaluate public discourse on topics including climate change, evolution, and UF Os, helping citizens form independent judgments on debates with significant implications for the future.