Tom Bethell (1936–2021)

The word that is often used in political speech is the word "consensus' when referring to anything relating to science. Despite the consensus of most economists on the benefits of free trade, lower minimum wage laws, free markets, vouchers, etc these politicians will often ignore consensus to pursue their politics. In the same vein this book offers a criticism of accepted consensus to offer an alternative view. I am not a scientist, but it is interesting nonetheless. Smashing consensus viewpoints is the purpose and it is somewhat successful in making one skeptical.… (altro)

I have a detailed series of chapter-by-chapter reviews at my blog, summarized here: http://www.anthonares.net/2005/12/scientifically-incorrect-guide-to.html

Here is my summary paragraph:
This book is not a work of science, it is a work of political propaganda most likely intended to arm its readers with a series of smart sound-bite arguments. It is poorly researched, badly written, deliberately incomplete, and displays extremely negligent journalism. Those that read it to learn about science will be grossly misinformed and made ignorant by the dishonest journalism of Tom Bethell. I cannot state strongly enough how disgusting the AIDS chapter is, and how badly that reflects on the entire work, as well as the author. The best fate that this book could receive is to be condemned to the trash-heap of science journalistic history, because its few successes do not merit the 270+ pages it is printed on.… (altro)