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Skepticism 101: How to Think like a Scientist
- Narrated by: Michael Shermer
- Length: 9 hrs and 11 mins
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Skepticism 101: How to Think like a Scientist
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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.
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What listeners say about Skepticism 101: How to Think like a Scientist
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Pod
- 03-12-17
Mostly just an overview of skepticism
Was a bit disappointing. I was hoping for specific, actionable items that someone could use to, but instead it was mostly an overview of scepticism, some fallacies and conspiracy theories.
Still, it's interesting.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Robb
- 24-12-18
Good book
Good book for making you think about how the brain really works. Gets you thinking.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- mr Peter Mo
- 18-11-17
Worthy listen
I have been a skeptic for over 10 years and this course was a good refresher. I also enjoy the work on Michael Shermer so all in all this was a well worth my time.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- THUNDERCHIEF
- 15-04-23
Excellent…….Profoundly Interesting.
A truly detailed and engaging Audible production on the subject. I have some differences of opinion on a few issues but the vast majority of the content seems to me to hit the nail on the head. I was very surprised at the description of the Challenger Shuttle disaster aftermath and managers being held to account as hindsight bias. I think not.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Patrick
- 31-03-15
Highly recommended.
Would you consider the audio edition of Skepticism 101: How to Think like a Scientist to be better than the print version?
It is not yet available in print, but perhaps it should be to gather a wider readership.
What did you like best about this story?
This is a succinct and comprehensive run through of rational and scientific thinking and understanding as it is today. I would highly recommend it to every and anyone.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No. Too much information to concentrate on and absorb .
Any additional comments?
It would be a shame if those of strong relgious faith were put off listening to (reading) this, but that would only prove some of the variuous cognitive biases contained therin.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- SteveN
- 30-05-20
A Skeptical View of Science and Sudo Science
I found this audio book to be a great source of information regarding the balance between how we view...well everything vs what we know empirically.
I was concerned that Michael Schermer was going to go to town on spiritualism, however I thought the balanced arguments for both perspectives was fair and well argued.
Overall, you will learn the differences between each approach in understanding the world/universe we live in and why you should believe in either or both.
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