Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology - Softcover

Feder, Kenneth L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 007811697X ISBN 13: 9780078116971

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities Social, 2010

Synopsis

Committed to the scientific investigation of human antiquity, this indispensable supplementary text uses interesting archaeological hoaxes, myths, and mysteries to show how we can truly know things about the past through science. Examples of fantastic findings support the carefully, logically, and entertainingly described flaws in the purported evidence. By placing wildly inaccurate claims within the context of the scientific method, Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries demonstrates how science approaches fascinating questions about human antiquity and, in so doing, shows where pseudoscience falls short.

About this title

Product Description:

Rare Book

From the Publisher:

An appendix has been added that provides suggestions for videos to accompany each chapter.
A new section has been added to Chapter 12 that discusses Kennewick Man.
All of the 'Best of the Web' sections have been updated, and this edition offers brief descriptions of each site.The text presents examples of fantastic findings and carefully, logically, and entertainingly describes the flaws in the purported evidence for each fantastic claim; readers can hone their own evaluative skills by example. As one user said, 'One of the greatest challenges a teacher faces is getting students to critically evaluate information. This text provides readable and critical discussion of some of the more bizarre, nonsensical, and entertaining interpretations of archaeological data 'All students would benefit by reading this book.' A checklist on the inside cover gives students prompts to use in thinking critically when evaluating claims.
Well-chosen examples of cases popularized by the media invite student interest. Students are eager to read about ancient astronauts, the power of pyramids and crystals, the Atlantis legend, and so on. As another user said, 'It's a real eye-opener and slate-cleaner for them to learn how slanted much of the popular media has been. After they read this book, students are much better prepared - to understand archaeology coursework.'
'Frequently Asked Questions' sections in each chapter represent questions students have asked over the years that relate specifically to the issues and controversies of the chapter.
'Current Perspectives' sections provide a current scientific look at the chapter topic, reinforcing how real science works.
The final chapter presents genuine archaeological mysteries. Having debunked some of the more spectacular claims about the past in the previous chapters, the author leaves readers with some genuine unsolved mysteries to ponder: e.g., Stonehenge and crop circles, the collapse of Maya civilization, and the origin of Kennewick Man.
Numerous photographs and illustrations support the text examples. Especially useful are the side-by-side comparisons of 'mysterious' phenomena with similar looking elements that are scientifically documented.

About this edition

• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities Social
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 007811697X
• ISBN 13: 9780078116971
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 396