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Skepticism 101: How to Think like a Scientist

Written by: Michael Shermer, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Michael Shermer
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Publisher's Summary

Despite our best efforts, we're all vulnerable to believing things without using logic or having proper evidence—and it doesn't matter how educated or well read we are.

But there is a method for avoiding such pitfalls of human nature, and it's called skepticism. By using rational inquiry and seeing subjects from a scientific perspective, we can approach even the most sensitive claims with clear eyes to ultimately arrive at the truth.

During 18 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.

You'll discover how skepticism can help differentiate between real science and pseudoscience, as well as between "scientific" history and pseudohistory—distinctions that have serious educational and political implications.

Fascinating case studies illustrate how you can apply the methods of skepticism to detect specious claims and faulty logic in any scenario you encounter such as:

  • The methodology employed by Holocaust deniers
  • Arguments made by proponents of creationism
  • The biology of near-death experiences and the sensed-presence effect
  • Psychic abilities and other "paranormal" phenomena.

As you learn how our brains work to form beliefs, you'll examine the classic fallacies of thought that lead us to experience mistakes in thinking and to form bad arguments in favor of our beliefs.

Is there a God? Is there life after death? Is there a basis for morality without God? Skepticism 101 doesn't shy away from controversial questions, nor does it give final answers. What it offers are methods and hard evidence for rationally evaluating various claims and positions, and an opportunity to understand why you believe what you believe.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2013 The Great Courses
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What listeners say about Skepticism 101: How to Think like a Scientist

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Great listen - well laid out, no fillers!

Really liked that the author does not go into unnecessary and drawn out anecdotes to prove a point. He speaks clearly, examples are highly relevant and always on point. He doesn’t bring in “fillers” nor repetitive stories to prove a point. He provides the exact amount of evidence and anecdotal story that is needed to make a point and demonstrate the usu ability or the foundation of the topic.

I really appreciated that, along with his clear and well-ordered approach. It made a joy to listen to while remaining engaging and entertaining. I feel it will make a difference in my thinking going forward, and at a minimum it has made me more aware of my own thinking biases.

Fantastic listen. Immediately useful material.

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update

I wonder if there is any need of an update since 2014 as science would have evolved further in these years. Paradoxically, despite the progress, the naysayers seem to be increasing not just in the third world countries but also in the West.

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An excellent and thought-provoking experience

Start to finish, Mr. Shermer's lectures on Skepticism are an enjoyable and approachable exploration of how to understand and approach topics and information skeptically. The skills that this course touches on are as important now as they ever have been, especially in an era of deep fakes, conspiracy theories, and fake news. I first listened to this during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I found it striking how applicable it was to my life in a time flooded with wild claims and bogus information. i recommend this to anybody who wants to learn to think more critically.

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3 people found this helpful