Astrology, True or False?: True or False? a Scientific Evaluation

By Roger B. Culver and Philip A. Ianna

Book Overview

Contemporary astrologers claim that their craft is scientifically based and rationally consistent, and above all, that "astrology works" - a belief shared by millions of Americans, including highly visible political and media personalities. As a result, the practice of consulting the stars for advice has never been more popular - or more dangerous.Professional astronomers Roger B. Culver and Philip A. Ianna have produced a highly readable and well-referenced response to the claims of astrologers. This book points out the glaring inconsistencies associated with the basic concepts of "modern" astrology - from the zodiac itself to the fabled "Age of Aquarius." Tracing humanity's historical fascination with the heavens that produced the celestial "twins" of astronomy and astrology, the authors leave little doubt concerning the difference between astronomical science and astrological art form.Astrology: True or False offers a complete and extensive summary of available evidence on astrology's basic definitions, concepts, and effectiveness. The authors' research revealed thousands of predictions gone "bust" - from the start of World War III to claims about the existence of an "anti-Earth" orbiting on the other side of the sun. They studied the famous "twenty-year cycle" of presidential death and disaster, the "moon cycles" of crime and murder in major cities, and the incidences of major personality traits in certain sun signs. Their conclusions, while disappointing to the determined believer in astrology, are nevertheless refreshingly rational.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879754834
• ISBN13: 9780879754839
• Release Date: September 1988
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Classic Work

This rare book documents actual, scientific tests of astrological claims. No, you are not more likely to be divorced if you marry someone with the "wrong" sign. No, you are not likely to be more successful in a given profession if you have a certain sign. No, an astrologer will not be able to advise you how to get rich (unless he were to tell you to stop wasting money on astrologers, a highly unlikely outcome). If you want to get away from your addiction to astrology, this book will set you free by giving you factual, proven information.

Good Book with a not so great title

This is not really a review, but a reaction to Tim Rubald's reaction to the title of the book. I agree, the title is not so great, but based on what the other reviewers have written, it seems like a good book. Maybe we should get it and decide for ourselves?

The best skeptical book about astrology

Full of useful information, methodical and a delight to read

REAL thinking about astrology

Most students and practitioners of astrology squeam and squirm when you begin to inquire as to the scientific basis for astrological claims. The slicker cons of the art will fall back on the old standard, "the stars incline, they do not compel". This book blasts beyond such muddle-minded fuddiness and takes astrology seriously. It asks the question, "If astrological claims have any validity, how can we know, and what evidence exists to support such?" And lest you think the authors are biased against astrology, you would not feel surprised to discover that the authors agree that some of the best evidence available seems to support what some call "The Mars Effect". Sure, they conclude that this effect stands alone as valid among astrological claims to date: meaning everything ELSE in astrology has no statistical support whatsoever. But if you want to read a book that only tells you what you wanted to hear, you might as well look back to the stars. Notice that this book does NOT enter into extended speculation about HOW the stars can or cannot effect or reflect human forces; it does not conclude that NO astrological model COULD EVER indicate influences on human events. It only concludes that most of the models currently in use show absolutely no statistical relevance in predicting anything about anything, except for the Mars effect.

Required Reading

Astrology: True or False? is an easy to read scientific evaluation. You don't need to have an understanding of how astrology is perceived to work. You'll quickly get a grip on the basics by reading the early chapters. Arguments are logical and backed-up by scientific evidence rather than assertion or hearsay. Required reading for all critical thinkers.