In "Science Fictions," Stuart Ritchie embarks on a revelatory journey through the heart of contemporary science, exposing the myriad ways in which it has been led astray. With meticulous research and captivating prose, Ritchie unveils the troubling realities of a field we trust implicitly, revealing how the very mechanisms intended to propel science forward—funding, publishing, peer review—instead foster an environment rife with bias, hyperbole, and sometimes outright fraud. From the realms of psychology and medicine to education and health, no stone is left unturned as Ritchie dissects how flawed studies and dubious claims have infiltrated our everyday lives, influencing everything from economic policies to personal health decisions, sometimes with fatal consequences. Beyond merely diagnosing the problems, "Science Fictions" stands as a clarion call for change, spotlighting the burgeoning reform movement within the scientific community aimed at rectifying these deep-seated issues. With a blend of sharp wit and serious scholarship, Ritchie not only critiques the current state of scientific research but also offers a vision for a more rigorous, transparent, and reliable future. As much a tribute to the power of the scientific method as it is a critique of its current malpractice, this book is an essential read for anyone who believes in the necessity of science to guide our understanding of the world, yet seeks to understand the shadow that current practices cast on this noble pursuit.