Bookshelf
Curious about what is on the Ranthropologist’s bookshelf? These are the books that have earned a permanent place in the Ranthropology Library.
Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches: The Riddles of Culture Marvin Harris
- I assign this book to students in my cultural anthropology class. Although it was published in 1974, it’s still one of the best books I know for illustrating cultural relativity, critical thinking, and basic anthropological concepts.
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions Thomas Kuhn
- This classic lays the philosophical foundation for paradigm shifts in science. A must-read for any serious critical thinker.
The Unpersuadables: Adventures With the Enemies of Science Will Storr
- This book by Will Storr is a terrific, page turning read. Storr documents his experiences trying to figure out why people continue to believe in things even in the face of strong evidence that they are wrong. It is fascinating.
Why People Believe Weird Things: Pseudoscience, Superstition, and Other Confusions of Our Time Michael Shermer
- I consider this book by Michael Shermer to be one of the foundational texts of critical thinking and skepticism. It’s a great place to start.