I’m nothing like a regular reader of the Economist, but this article provides an interesting foray into the search for truth, something I hold near and dear to my heart. The article explores the checkered past of so-called “lie detectors” (polygraphs and their ilk) and delves into the future of the field, providing summaries of some up-and-coming technology.
Also of interest, the Economist article references a NAS book on lie detectors, the full text of which is available online. Admittedly, it’s not quite the same as reading a book in the flesh, but it’s a lot of information for explorin’ if you’re interested.
Another related resource I’ve stumbled across a while back is another online book, Pathological Lying, Accusation, and Swindling by William and Mary Healy, which has some case studies of, yes, pathological liars.
Also, keep yer eyes peeled, for I have a couple other lie-related morsels of info I’m going to be sharing in the near future. “Lie-related morsels,” as in, morsels relating to the detection of lies; not actual lies, in case you were wondering.
(Economist: “Making windows in men’s souls” [July 8, 2004]; National Academies Press: “The Polygraph and Lie Detection” by BCSSE & CNSTAT [2003])