Ben Goldacre

Bad Science

1. IDEA 1

   Bad science misleads the public

   Goldacre, a doctor and writer, argues that many health claims in the media and advertising are based on poor evidence. He shows readers how to recognise misleading science and judge evidence for themselves.

2. IDEA 2

   Detox claims lack evidence

   Goldacre examines products that claim to remove toxins from the body. He shows how some rely on tricks rather than evidence. He argues that the claims sound scientific because of the words used, but the proof behind them is thin.

3. IDEA 3

   Placebo effects are powerful

   Goldacre explains the placebo effect, when people feel better after a treatment with no active ingredient. He uses homeopathy to discuss how placebos can mislead. Since people expect help, they may feel better even when the pill is plain.

All 8 ideas from Bad Science →