Showing posts with label skepticism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skepticism. Show all posts

Monday, January 14, 2019

MediaResearch: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science Literacy - Part 3 - Neil deGrasse Tyson (W2-P3) [VID] Sp19


Back to my favorite astronomers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is "an American astrophysicist and science communicator."
@neiltyson | Facebook


Science communication is "public communication ... [that presents] science-related topics to non-experts. This often involves professional scientists (called "outreach" or "popularization"), but has also evolved into a professional field in its own right. It includes science exhibitions, journalism, policy or media production" (Wikipedia).
Below Tyson speaks of science and scientific literacy.
What is scientific literacy?  Is it important?

My Tyson Mashup

1. Stephen Colbert Interview of Tyson (start at 6:15 and get to at least, 25:30, if you can)


2. Tyson at a science festival



3. Audio clip of Tyson speaking at the Science Pub in Portland, Oregon, 2009 (play clip from about 4:00-11:20).



A formal definition of scientific literacy: "scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Academy of Sciences report).

What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson add to the definition?
You may not plan to be a scientist, but should you be science literate?  How do you become scientifically literate?





Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






MediaResearch: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science - Part 2 - Amazing Randi (W2-P2) [VID] Sp19


Have some claims that you doubt?    Why do you doubt them?

How does critical thinking fit into this?
Is Amazing Randi a critical thinker?  What is it that he does that makes him a critical thinker?
What are his relevant skills and attitudes?

To get answers to those questions check out the Amazing Randi video below.


James Randi is another one of my personal critical thinking heroes.



How does critical thinking relate to science?

Consider this Albert Einstein quote:
“All of science is nothing more than refinement of everyday [critical] thinking.”  - From "Physics and Reality", 1936

Yes, I inserted "critical," but I don't think Einstein would have objected.

Or as I like to put it: "Science is critical thinking on steroids" or "Science is extra careful critical thinking."




How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

What is Skepticism?

Michael Shermer in Skeptic magazine writes:

"Some people believe that skepticism is rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse "skeptic" with "cynic" and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas--no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position."

Shermer adds:

"Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, that involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion."



How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

Are you a critical thinker?  Are you a skeptic?





Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






Tuesday, January 16, 2018

ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science Literacy - Part 3 - Neil deGrasse Tyson (W2-P3) [VID] Sp18


Back to my favorite astronomers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is "an American astrophysicist and science communicator."
@neiltyson | Facebook


Science communication is "public communication ... [that presents] science-related topics to non-experts. This often involves professional scientists (called "outreach" or "popularization"), but has also evolved into a professional field in its own right. It includes science exhibitions, journalism, policy or media production" (Wikipedia).
Below Tyson speaks of science and scientific literacy.
What is scientific literacy?  Is it important?

My Tyson Mashup

1. Stephen Colbert Interview of Tyson (start at 6:15 and get to at least, 25:30, if you can)


2. Tyson at a science festival



3. Audio clip of Tyson speaking at the Science Pub in Portland, Oregon, 2009 (play clip from about 4:00-11:20).



A formal definition of scientific literacy: "scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Academy of Sciences report).

What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson add to the definition?
You may not plan to be a scientist, but should you be science literate?  How do you become science literate?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science - Part 2 - Amazing Randi (W2-P2) [VID] Sp18


Have some claims that you doubt?    Why do you doubt them?

How does critical thinking fit into this?
Is Amazing Randi a critical thinker?  What is it that he does that makes him a critical thinker?
What are his relevant skills and attitudes?

To get answers to those questions check out the Amazing Randi video below.



James Randi is another one of my personal critical thinking heroes.



How does critical thinking relate to science?

Consider this Albert Einstein quote:
“All of science is nothing more than refinement of everyday [critical] thinking.”  - From "Physics and Reality", 1936

Yes, I inserted "critical," but I don't think Einstein would have objected.

Or as I like to put it: "Science is critical thinking on steroids" or "Science is extra careful critical thinking."




How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

What is Skepticism?

Michael Shermer in Skeptic magazine writes:

"Some people believe that skepticism is rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse "skeptic" with "cynic" and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas--no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position."

Shermer adds:

"Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, that involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion."



How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

Are you a critical thinker?  Are you a skeptic?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






Thursday, September 15, 2016

MassMedia: Science, Science Communicators & Science Literacy - Neil deGrasse Tyson (W4-P1) [VID] Fa16


Science

Below are some possible definitions of science based a presentation by Dr. William McComas (Skeptic Society).


  • “Science is what scientists do.”
    • So, science is what scientist do.  Scientist are those who do science.   This one isn't so helpful.
  • “Science is a method of testing claims and it is not an immutable compendium of absolute truths.”
    • This definition works.  Highlights how science is a process, something we do.
  • “Science is the quest for knowledge, not the knowledge itself.”
    • Again, science is a process, in this case, a quest.



=======

 Science Communicators and Science Literacy


Neil deGrasse Tyson is "an American astrophysicist and science communicator."
@neiltyson | Facebook

Below Tyson speaks of science and scientific literacy.
What is scientific literacy?  Is it important?

My Tyson Mashup

1. Stephen Colbert Interview of Tyson (start at 6:15 and get to at least, 25:30, if you can)


2. Tyson at a science festival



3. Audio clip of Tyson speaking at the Science Pub in Portland, Oregon, 2009 (play clip from about 4:00-11:20).

A formal definition of scientific literacy"scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Academy of Sciences report).

What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson add to the definition?
You may not plan to be a scientist, but should you be science literate?  How do you become science literate?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






Tuesday, January 19, 2016

ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science Literacy - Part 3 - Neil deGrasse Tyson (W2-P3) [VID] Sp16

Back to my favorite astronomers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is "an American astrophysicist and science communicator."
@neiltyson | Facebook


Science communication is "public communication ... [that presents] science-related topics to non-experts. This often involves professional scientists (called "outreach" or "popularization"), but has also evolved into a professional field in its own right. It includes science exhibitions, journalism, policy or media production" (Wikipedia).


Below Tyson speaks of science and scientific literacy.
What is scientific literacy?  Is it important?

My Tyson Mashup

1. Stephen Colbert Interview of Tyson (start at 6:15 and get to at least, 25:30, if you can)


2. Tyson at a science festival



3. Audio clip of Tyson speaking at the Science Pub in Portland, Oregon, 2009 (play clip from about 4:00-11:20).



A formal definition of scientific literacy: "scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Academy of Sciences report).

What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson add to the definition?
You may not plan to be a scientist, but should you be science literate?  How do you become science literate?


Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science - Part 2 - Amazing Randi (W2-P2) [VID] Sp16

Have some claims that you doubt?    Why do you doubt them?

How does critical thinking fit into this?
Is Amazing Randi a critical thinker?  What is it that he does that makes him a critical thinker?
What are his relevant skills and attitudes?

To get answers to those questions check out the Amazing Randi video below.


James Randi is another one of my personal critical thinking heroes.



How does critical thinking relate to science?

Consider this Albert Einstein quote:
“All of science is nothing more than refinement of everyday [critical] thinking.”  - From "Physics and Reality", 1936

Yes, I inserted "critical," but I don't think Einstein would have objected.

Or as I like to put it: "Science is critical thinking on steroids" or "Science is extra careful critical thinking."




How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

What is Skepticism?

Michael Shermer in Skeptic magazine writes:

"Some people believe that skepticism is rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse "skeptic" with "cynic" and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas--no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position."

Shermer adds:

"Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, that involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion."





How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

Are you a critical thinker?  Are you a skeptic?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






Thursday, September 17, 2015

MassMedia: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science Literacy - Part 3 - Neil deGrasse Tyson (W3-P3) [VID] Fa15

Back to my favorite astronomers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is "an American astrophysicist and science communicator."
@neiltyson | Facebook

Below Tyson speaks of science and scientific literacy.
What is scientific literacy?  Is it important?

My Tyson Mashup

1. Stephen Colbert Interview of Tyson (start at 6:15 and get to at least, 25:30, if you can)


2. Tyson at a science festival



3. Audio clip of Tyson speaking at the Science Pub in Portland, Oregon, 2009 (play clip from about 4:00-11:20).

A formal definition of scientific literacy: "scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Academy of Sciences report).

What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson add to the definition?
You may not plan to be a scientist, but should you be science literate?  How do you become science literate?




Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






MassMedia: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science - Part 2 - Amazing Randi (W3-P2) [VID] Fa15

Have some claims that you doubt?    Why do you doubt them?

How does critical thinking fit into this?
Is Amazing Randi a critical thinker?  What is it that he does that makes him a critical thinker?
What are his relevant skills and attitudes?

To get answers to those questions check out the Amazing Randi video below.

James Randi is another one of my personal critical thinking heroes.



How does critical thinking relate to science?

Consider this Albert Einstein quote:
“All of science is nothing more than refinement of everyday [critical] thinking.”  - From "Physics and Reality", 1936

Yes, I inserted "critical," but I don't think Einstein would have objected.

Or as I like to put it: "Science is critical thinking on steroids" or "Science is extra careful critical thinking."




How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

What is Skepticism?

Michael Shermer in Skeptic magazine writes:

"Some people believe that skepticism is rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse "skeptic" with "cynic" and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas--no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position."

Shermer adds:

"Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, that involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion."





How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

Are you a critical thinker?  Are you a skeptic?


Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






Sunday, January 18, 2015

ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science Literacy - Part 3 - Neil deGrasse Tyson (W2-P3) [VID] Sp15

Back to my favorite astronomers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is "an American astrophysicist and science communicator."
@neiltyson | Facebook

Below Tyson speaks of science and scientific literacy.
What is scientific literacy?  Is it important?

My Tyson Mashup

1. Stephen Colbert Interview of Tyson (start at 6:15 and get to at least, 25:30, if you can)


2. Tyson at a science festival



3. Audio clip of Tyson speaking at the Science Pub in Portland, Oregon, 2009 (play clip from about 4:00-11:20).

A formal definition of scientific literacy: "scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Academy of Sciences report).


What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson add to the definition?
You may not plan to be a scientist, but should you be science literate?  How do you become science literate?






Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science - Part 2 - Amazing Randi (W2-P2) [VID] Sp15

Have some claims that you doubt?    Why do you doubt them?

How does critical thinking fit into this?
Is Amazing Randi a critical thinker?  What is it that he does that makes him a critical thinker?
What are his relevant skills and attitudes?

To get answers to those questions check out the Amazing Randi video below.

James Randi is another one of my personal critical thinking heroes.



How does critical thinking relate to science?

Consider this Albert Einstein quote:
“All of science is nothing more than refinement of everyday [critical] thinking.”  - From "Physics and Reality", 1936

Yes, I inserted "critical," but I don't think Einstein would have objected.

Or as I like to put it: "Science is critical thinking on steroids" or "Science is extra careful critical thinking."




How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

What is Skepticism?

Michael Shermer in Skeptic magazine writes:

"Some people believe that skepticism is rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse "skeptic" with "cynic" and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas--no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position."

Shermer adds:

"Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, that involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion."





How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

Are you a critical thinker?  Are you a skeptic?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






Friday, January 17, 2014

ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science Literacy - Part 3 - Neil deGrasse Tyson (U1-P3) [VID] Sp14

Back to my favorite astronomers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is "an American astrophysicist and science communicator."
@neiltyson | Facebook

Below Tyson speaks of science and science literacy.
What is science literacy?  Is it important?

My Tyson Mashup

1. Stephen Colbert Interview of Tyson (start at 6:15 and get to at least, 25:30, if you can)


2. Tyson at a science festival



3. Audio clip of Tyson speaking at the Science Pub in Portland, Oregon, 2009 (play clip from about 4:00-11:20).

A formal definition of science literacy: "scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Academy of Sciences report).

What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson add to the definition?

You may not plan to be a scientist, but should you be science literate?  How do you become science literate?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.






ResearchMethods: The Night Sky, Critical Thinking & Science - Part 2 - Amazing Randi (U1-P2) [VID] Sp14

Have some claims that you doubt?    Why do you doubt them?

How does critical thinking fit into this?
Is Amazing Randi a critical thinker?  What is it that he does that makes him a critical thinker?
What are his relevant skills and attitudes?

To get answers to those questions check out the Amazing Randi video below.


James Randi is another one of my personal critical thinking heroes.



How does critical thinking relate to science?

Consider this Albert Einstein quote:
“All of science is nothing more than refinement of everyday [critical] thinking.”  - From "Physics and Reality", 1936

Yes, I inserted "critical," but I don't think Einstein would have objected.

Or as I like to put it: "Science is critical thinking on steroids" or "Science is extra careful critical thinking."




How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

What is Skepticism?

Michael Shermer in Skeptic magazine writes:

"Some people believe that skepticism is rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse "skeptic" with "cynic" and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas--no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position."

Shermer adds:

"Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, that involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion."





How does skepticism relate to critical thinking?

Are you a critical thinker?  Are you a skeptic?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.