Bullspotting: Finding Facts in the Age of Misinformation

This entertaining and educational book applies the tools of critical thinking to identify the common features and trends among misinformation campaigns. With illustrations drawn from conspiracy theorists and deniers of every stripe, the author teaches readers how rumors are started, and the rhetorical techniques and logical fallacies often found in misleading or outright false claims. What distinguishes real conspiracies from conspiracy theories, real science from pseudoscience, and actual history from bogus accounts purporting to be history? How does one evaluate the credibility of rumors and quotes or judge the soundness of legal arguments advanced by tax deniers? Readers will learn how to make these critical distinctions and also how to spot "evidence" that has been manufactured or manipulated in some way to create a false impression.At a time when average citizens are bombarded with false information every day, this entertaining book will prove to be not only a great read but also an indispensable resource.

Author: Loren Collins
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Published: 10/16/2012
Pages: 268
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.81lbs
Size: 9.01h x 6.40w x 0.53d
ISBN13: 9781616146344
ISBN10: 1616146346
BISAC Categories:
- Philosophy | Logic
- Philosophy | Language
- Social Science | Conspiracy Theories

About the Author
Loren Collins (Atlanta, GA) has been published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on the topics of misinformation and critical thinking. An attorney and firm associate with the Law Office of W. Bryant Green, III, P. C., he is the creator of www.BirthofaNotion.com, a website that debunks the fallacies propounded by "birthers" regarding the legitimacy of President Barack Obama's US citizenship.