Calling Bullshit

The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World

Carl Bergstrom and Jevin West

Summary: How to spot bullshit and what to do after that. Funny and important book.

Score: 80 / 100

From the website:

Bullshit involves language, statistical figures, data graphics, and other forms of presentation intended to persuade by impressing and overwhelming a reader or listener, with a blatant disregard for truth and logical coherence.

Calling bullshit is a performative utterance, a speech act in which one publicly repudiates something objectionable. The scope of targets is broader than bullshit alone. You can call bullshit on bullshit, but you can also call bullshit on lies, treachery, trickery, or injustice.