How To Fake a Moon Landing

 

How To Fake a Moon Landing: Exposing the Myths of Science Denial 

By Darryl Cunningham            Abrams Books       2013

Standout title! 

This is a guide to critical thinking and how science works in a graphic novel format.

Resources for critical thinking are always needed, and that need is readily apparent when you observe the gaps in critical thinking and lack of scientific understanding that so often pervades our discourse and public policy.

The chapter on science denial is especially strong in illuminating reasons why scientific evidence is ignored, obscured, or suppressed. The second part of this chapter explains how the process of science is self correcting – though this may entail a bit of delay in terms of time. The author explains how scientific evidence is subjected to review by other scientists, and that the initial findings must be repeatable, and be able to explain and predict the phenomenon under study.

The peer review process and how it vets conclusions is also explained in this chapter. The author includes the important caveat that one can intentionally game this process when submitting a paper; However, fudged data comes to light when others attempt to duplicate the findings. Another caveat that the author raises is that the peer review process can block new ideas until the underlying facts become more apparent. A classic example of this would be the case of Wegner’s continential drift theory. Though it was first proposed in 1912, it did not become accepted until the 1960’s.

Other chapters include…

The Moon Hoax

An excellent debunking of moon landing conspiracy theories. Through this debunking, the reader gains some insight as to how conspiracy theories work, and by extension, how to apply critical thinking tools to debunk them.

Homeopathic Remedies

Oftentimes, one invests in a belief or a process without knowing the underpinnings behind it. I feel that this is the case with many adherents of homeopathy. I feel that this chapter does an excellent job in providing this background in this treatment.

Chiropractic Medicine

I feel that this chapter is a bit over the top in its treatment and desire to debunk.

Nonetheless, the point of the book is to promote critical thought and a healthy skepticism in the reader, and that extends to the content of this book as well.

Rather than taking accepting conclusions on blind faith, if there is any doubt, it is your duty to check it out for yourself. I'm sure the author would agree.

MMR Vaccine and Autism Link

This chapter digs very deeply into Dr. Wakefield’s findings, conflicts of interest, and manipulation of data. Quite illuminating!

Evolution

A very strong case is made for evolution.

Fracking

A Well put together primer on the glossed over dangers and impacts of fracking.

Climate Change

Well done illustration of the concept, and of the reasons, reasoning, and methods of the deniers of climate change.

Enthusiastically recommended!