Kindle Price: $9.99

Save $8.00 (44%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Bruce Hood
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Science of Superstition: How the Developing Brain Creates Supernatural Beliefs Kindle Edition

by Bruce M. Hood (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 71 ratings
See all formats and editions

In The Science of Superstition, cognitive psychologist Bruce Hood examines the ways in which humans understand the supernatural, revealing what makes us believe in the unbelievable.

*Previously published as SuperSense.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    322 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    HarperOne
  5. Publication date
    June 17, 2010
  6. File size
    1452 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
Hard Rock apparel
Outerwear, tees, and accessories. Discover the rock shop.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Supersense is a terrifically fun read. But it is much more: though we may forever believe in ghosts, goblins and the beneficent deities, with a dose of skeptical scientific realism, a la Hood, there is hope that sanity will prevail.

From the Back Cover

In The Science of Superstition, cognitive psychologist Bruce Hood examines the ways in which humans understand the supernatural, revealing what makes us believe in the unbelievable.

*Previously published as SuperSense.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003JBI2MK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne (June 17, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 17, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1452 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 71 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Bruce Hood

Bruce Hood

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Bruce the Director of the Bristol Cognitive Development Centre in the Experimental Psychology Department at the University of Bristol. He undertook his Ph.D. at Cambridge University followed by appointments at University College London, MIT and a faculty professor at Harvard. He has been awarded an Alfred Sloan Fellowship in neuroscience, the Young Investigator Award from the International Society of Infancy Researchers, the Robert Fantz memorial award and recently voted to Fellowship status by the society of American Psychological Science. "SuperSense: From Superstition to Religion- the Brain Science of Belief" is his first book written for a general audience.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
71 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Curious Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Why does superstition persist?
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
This a fascinating discourse on the inborn human "supersense" or impulse toward needing to find a hidden cause for a happening if a material cause is not evident. The author is a scientist and explains how and why humans believe in the separation of mind and body--that is, refuse to accept the proof that the brain (body) produces the mind--and what benefits and what irrationality results from this wide-spread misconception. He explores everything from superstition to holistic medicine. The writing is not particularly elegant but is straight-forward and understandable. The work challenges us to consider many cherished beliefs. The science has existed for some time, but we seldom take the time to reflect upon what this knowledge means to our daily lives. This book is an opportunity to reconsider our actions--always worthwhile.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Fuad R Qubein
4.0 out of 5 stars The Elusive Concept of the Supernatural
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2016
Verified Purchase
It seems that superstitions permeate our lives. Although based on irrational supernatural powers, yet, one survey shows that no less than 73% of people believe in one form of it or another. The author, a psychologist, devotes considerable time and space to try to find a convincing explanation for how and when does this supernatural power originate. Surprisingly, it all can be traced to two factors: intuition and mind design in children. Since these two factors are irrational, as well as elusive, the task of verifying this assumption becomes laborious especially for readers not well versed in psychology and philosophy.

However, the need for a scientific, rational evidence is not always necessary to show that there is "something" out there in action that cannot be explained ( somewhat similar to the paranormal events which could not be proven scientifically). Mr. Hood, in a lecture, showed the audience a cardigan and asked how many would be willing to wear it?. Seventy raised their hands. Then he explained that the owner of the sweater was actually a murderer who is now in prison. When asked the same question again only 30 raised their hands. Questioned about their change of mind many explained their was "something" about that sweater.

This and similar events has led many to believe ( superstitiously) that certain features of a person could dwell in inanimate objects. Many take long trips to touch the grave of a saint (e.g. that of St. Francis of Assisi) hoping to be blessed. The Irish community in Florida imports soil from their home country, Ireland, to sprinkle on the grave of their beloved ones thinking the soil will give peace and comfort to the family of the deceased. What about attachment to ones personal belongings - e.g. adults hanging on to their childhood teddy bears? Ms. Pamela Young, now in her 80's, still holds on to her pillow case (Billy) on which she has been sleeping every night since she was a baby. She requested that Billy be placed in her coffin with her, a promise her son intends to keep. Such is the power of superstitious sentiments! And then there is the story about Ian and Lynda: After Linda gave her husband Ian one of her kidneys his behaviour changed noticeably - he picked up Linda's hobbies, gardening,shopping and cooking, activities he never touched before! There was apparently "something" about that kidney! ?

Whether it is a "knock on wood", a message on "horoscope" or "the evil eye", superstitions abound everywhere. Yet, let us face it, it is all irrational. How can we reconcile this fact given that we are in the age of reason? And when will we be able to rid ourselves of this irrationality which permeates our lives and affects our thinking? Will humankind ever learn to use logic over emotion and intuition? According to the author: Never! Reason?: Our brains are wired from birth to believe in the supernatural.

Fuad R. Qubein
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Michael S. Gross
3.0 out of 5 stars "Superstition" isn't a "thing" -- it's just a garbage basket category of popular beliefs inconsistent with science and ...
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
"Superstition" isn't a "thing" -- it's just a garbage basket category of popular beliefs inconsistent with science and not endorsed by a respected religion. So it hardly lends itself to a scientific explanation -- and doesn't get one here. In the first half of the book the author tells us again and again and again what he will prove, while delivering nothing but slender anecdotes and appeals to vague authority that at best take him 60% of the way he needs to go. In the second half of the book he again and again and again asserts that he has proven this or that -- but merely vaguely alludes to the vague anecdotes of the first half of the book. The anecdotes themselves are moderately interesting, which is why I didn't give the book less than three stars.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Crystal Dervetski
5.0 out of 5 stars Upset Creationist?
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2010
Verified Purchase
I have to think that whoever gave this book a 1 star review must be a very angry religious person who is upset that religion got lumped in with other superstitions... Calling Bruce Hood unscientific is like calling the Williams sisters nonathletic... It's very odd and reactionary.

Anyhow, it's a good book, and a fun read for anyone interested in superstitions, and yes, sorry 1-star-giver, that includes religion.
36 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Pat-a-Pat Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Science for All Readers
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
Fascinating hypothesis backed with years of research and views of other scientists. Whether or not you believe all of the author's theories, you are bound to be intrigued and entertained. This book far exceeded expectations for this reader who almost always chooses fiction.
Helpful
 Report
Tim K
4.0 out of 5 stars Good research, but falls flat at parts.
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2012
Verified Purchase
I started reading Hood's book after picking up Jesse Bering's,  The Belief Instinct: The Psychology of Souls, Destiny, and the Meaning of Life . Bering also deals with supernatural beliefs and how these are naturally formed by our minds. Having read Bering, and seeing good reviews about Hood's book, I picked it up.

First, the positives: Hood does a fantastic job of explaining how people from childhood to adulthood form supernatural beliefs, both religious and secular. As Hood explains, these come from our 'mind design.' Without it, our species would not have survived. Going over many examples and citing research, Hood makes a compelling case that supernatural reasoning and beliefs are not going to go away anytime soon, and that some are even beneficial. I particularly enjoyed his discussions on the developing mind.

Now, the negative. Having been written by a psychologist, I expected much more discussion about specific brain areas associated with these types of beliefs and how these change over time. Maybe it's due to the intended audience, but I still expected a bit more brain-talk.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's well-written and holds your attention. I found myself turning the page to see what interesting little fact Hood would reveal.
39 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Tinker
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed this book
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2011
Verified Purchase
The author covers the subject and studies that have been done on this in an interesting way some books can be rather dry when it comes to brain studies. There will be further studies for sure but this is an interesting look at what might be the reason people are so caught up in supernatural beliefs.
12 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars pleased with
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
speedy delivery, pleased with purchase
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report