Tempted to Believe: The Seduction of Reason by the Promise of Certainty

“What is the truth, and how do I know it?” - “How important is the truth anyway?” These aren’t just philosophical questions anymore. Bombarded as we are by suspect and ungrounded claims, skepticism seems prudent – not just about politics and media but in all areas of our lives. And yet belief has impressive benefits, almost irresistible attractions. Most of us find it hard not to believe. To gain the benefits of belief, how much are we willing to relax our allegiance to critical thinking and the necessity of evidence? Tempted to Believe is a comprehensive exploration of how we believe, how we doubt, and how we navigate the conflicting attractions of reality and desire. Included in its scope are claims made by religion, politics, spirituality, marketing, the New Age, and the pervasive esoterica of everyday life.