Williamsburg Regional Library

Skepticism 101, how to think like a scientist, Michael Shermer

eng

instructional materials

Includes bibliographical references (pages 166-181) in course guidebook

not applicable

instructionlectures speeches

Skepticism 101

sound recording

not applicable

847523345

Michael Shermer

Great courses. Professional Thinking skills

how to think like a scientist

"Nobel prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman said, "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself- and you are the easiest person to fool." These words are no less insightful today than they were when he wrote them in 1985. Despite our best efforts, we are all vulnerable to believing things without using logic or having proper evidence- and it doesn't matter how educated or well read we are. Our brains seem to be hardwired to have our beliefs come first and explanations for our beliefs second. And although we are skilled at recognizing the cognitive biases in other people's thinking, we often have blinders on when it comes to our own. Professor Michael Shermer of Claremont Graduate University and Chapman University calls the hallmarks of skepticism the "best tools ever devised in human history for thinking about anything," including life's biggest questions. In Skepticism 101: How to Think like a Scientist, he reveals how to use these concepts and techniques to better comprehend the world around you. Over the course of 18 thought-provoking lectures that will surprise, challenge, and entertain you, you will learn how to think, not just what to think- and you'll come to understand why extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence."--Course description from distributor's web page

adult

not applicable

Skepticism one-o-one, how to think like a scientist