The misbehaviorists : Pseudo-science and the modern temper

The book opens by asking whether the world we now accept as “scientific truth” really replaces the older realms of myth, poetry and faith, or simply reshapes them into something new. Drawing on the sharp observations of early twentieth‑century thinkers, it sketches a “modern temper” that feels both liberated from tradition and uneasy about the authority of science. The author sets the stage with a dialogue between critics who see progress as inevitable and those who mourn the loss of a richer, imagined past.

From there, the narrative turns to the people who have built the scientific façade—psychologists, physicians, and philosophers whose ideas often blur the line between rigorous research and elaborate speculation. By dissecting their claims, the author shows how certain “pseudo‑science” arguments gain traction, even as genuine inquiry strives for consistency and honesty.

Listeners can expect a lively, essay‑like journey that questions the foundations of modern knowledge without offering easy answers. It blends history, philosophy and a wry sense of humor, inviting anyone curious about how we decide what counts as real today.