Believing in Magic

By Stuart A. Vyse,

Book cover of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition

Book description

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…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Believing in Magic as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book examines the psychology of superstition from the perspective of cognitive science and fallibility of human reasoning. Rather than dismissing superstitious behaviour, Vyse provides a comprehensive explanation of why we continue to hold such beliefs as a function of the way our minds work. This was the book that really inspired me to examine the developmental origins of magical thinking.

From Bruce's list on magical thinking and superstition.

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