an online book by David Gurteen
The scientific method is an empirical method for acquiring knowledge through careful observation, rigorous skepticism, hypothesis testing, and experimental validation. Developed from ancient and medieval practices, it acknowledges that cognitive assumptions can distort the interpretation of the observation. The scientific method has characterized science since at least the 17th century.
Credit: Wikipedia - scientific methodScientific attitudes are not based on rational evaluation of evidence, and therefore providing information does not change them. Attitudes are determined instead by a host of contextual and cultural factors that make them largely immune to change. | Steven Sloman Continue reading Scientific Attitudes Are Not Based on Rational Evaluation of Evidence Steven Sloman
Close Pop-up All Episodes This is the source material used to create this podcast. Posts where this video is embedded Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Critical thinking – a civic dutyTags: NotebookLM (7) | podcast (28) | scientific method (27) | Socratic elenchus (8) | Socratic method (14) Chatbots as Critical Thinking Partners Introduction to Conversational Continue reading Two Pillars of Truth Podcast generated by NotebookLM
If you are setting out to work in a new field you should thoroughly research that field. Right? Wrong! The traditional view is that you should read all that you can in order to get the base of existing knowledge and then move forward from this. There is a flaw in this argument and it is a flaw in the scientific method. We do not just get … | Edward de Bono Continue reading A Flaw in the Scientific Method Edward de Bono
1. It is easy to obtain confirmations, or verifications, for nearly every theory–if we look for confirmations. 2. Confirmations should count only if they are the result of risky predictions; that is to say, if, unenlightened by the theory in question, we should have expected an event which was incompatible with the theory–an event which would have refuted the theory. 3. Every ‘good’ scientific … | Karl Popper Continue reading Science as Falsification Karl Popper
This talk by Peter Boghossian at The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation explores the applicability and significance of the Socratic method in fostering critical thinking and advancing civilization. Peter begins by highlighting his interest in finding simple, conceptual “bales of hay” to clean up cognitive processes, inspired by a childhood lesson from his father on Continue reading The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition Peter Boghossian (2023)
WikipediaCarl SaganYouTubeCarl SaganGoogleCarl SaganBooks: Carl Sagan (6)Carl Sagan – Prophetic Last Interview Carl Sagan (1995)Carl Sagan’s Dragon Carl SaganI Have a Foreboding Carl SaganScience Is a Profound Source of Spirituality Carl SaganThe Power of Skepticism Carl SaganThe Rise of Technical Civilizations Carl SaganQuotations: Carl Sagan (5)Carl Sagan’s Dragon Carl SaganI Have a Foreboding Carl SaganScience Continue reading Carl Sagan American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and science communicator.
In this chapter, I explore the two foundational pillars of truth-seeking: the scientific method and the Socratic elenchus. The pursuit of truth is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a necessity in an age where science and technology drive much of our existence. In a powerful interview, Carl Sagan warned of the dangers of a society that relies heavily on science and technology yet remains … Continue reading Introduction: Two Pillars of Truth The convergence of science and philosophy in the pursuit of knowledge
Understanding the scientific method is crucial for navigating the complexities of the natural world. Many people struggle with science because they lack a basic grasp of its principles. By learning the scientific method, we can engage with science more effectively and make more informed decisions in everyday life. Continue reading The Scientific Method The backbone of modern science
The Scientific Method Understanding Scientific Terms Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Scientific knowledge is always open to change and revision. This provisional nature of knowledge can be misunderstood as a flaw in the scientific method, leading Continue reading The Provisional Nature of Scientific Knowledge Understanding science as an ongoing process
The Provisional Nature of Scientific Knowledge Congruence, Coherence, and Contingent Truth Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Scientific terms have precise meanings but are often misunderstood outside scientific circles. This confusion frequently leads to misinterpretations of scientific Continue reading Understanding Scientific Terms Clarifying common misconceptions
Science aims to uncover the truths of the natural world through careful observation and experimentation. However, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations, as human biases and errors can influence results. Recognizing science’s fallibility leads to a more accurate and evolving understanding of our universe. Continue reading The Fallibility of Science Understanding the limits and strengths of science
The scientific method has evolved to solve problems through rigorous inquiry. Facing global issues requires clear, evidence-based approaches. Historical insights into this method can help guide our complex decision-making today. Continue reading The Roots of the Scientific Method Exploring the history of the scientific method
Conversational Leadership naturally integrates with the principles of the scientific method. Both emphasize inquiry and dialogue. While the scientific method is often linked to laboratory experiments, its structured approach of observation, hypothesis, and analysis can enrich our everyday conversations and decision-making. Continue reading The Scientific Method for Everyday Life Thinking and decision-making beyond the lab
The Scientific Method for Everyday Life Recognising New Age Mumbo Jumbo Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close Misinformation and disinformation are common on the web, often overshadowing crucial facts. Pseudoscience, in particular, masquerades as legitimate science without Continue reading Pseudoscience and Its Dangers Misinformation and its impact on society
Much like pseudoscience, New Age beliefs and practices are widespread and often presented in confusing or meaningless terms, which can mislead people into adopting unproven ideas or ignoring evidence-based solutions. Recognizing the difference between credible information and New Age mumbo jumbo is crucial for making informed decisions and avoiding potential harm. Continue reading Recognising New Age Mumbo Jumbo Understanding and avoiding deceptive New Age ideas
How Could We Be Wrong? Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close The pursuit of truth is a fundamental human endeavor. However, arriving at the truth can be challenging, as our beliefs and Continue reading The Two Pillars of Truth How the scientific method and Socratic elenchus underpin civilization
We must recognize that the pursuit of truth and the application of rigorous critical thinking are not merely intellectual exercises, but also moral and civic responsibilities. Engaging in open dialogue and thoughtful conversations is crucial in this process, as it allows us to challenge assumptions, refine our understanding, and collectively work toward more informed and ethical decisions. Continue reading Conclusion: Two Pillars of Truth Critical thinking – a civic duty
What Are Morals? Knowledge Is Communal Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close As individuals, we know almost nothing compared to what we think we know. Our individual knowledge is mostly a delusion. We are ignorant of our Continue reading The Knowledge Delusion We know far less than we think we do
The Knowledge Delusion Polarization Is Tearing Us Apart Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close We think we know more than we do, but most of our knowledge exists in the minds of others. This shared understanding allows Continue reading Knowledge Is Communal Most of our knowledge resides in other people
Polarization Is Tearing Us Apart The Allure of Simple Stories Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What’s the Vibe? Please be patient as this may take up to a minute to load… Close What we consider to be our personal knowledge is mostly a delusion. Most of the knowledge we think we own resides Continue reading Trust & Belief Formation Trust plays a critical role in forming our beliefs
Motivated reasoning is where we look for arguments in favor of conclusions we want to believe, regardless of the evidence. This is a primary stumbling block in forming sound beliefs and making good decisions. However, if we are science-curious, we are more likely to explore data contradicting our worldview and are less prone to this bias. Continue reading Science Curiosity A desire to seek out and consume scientific information for pleasure
We rely on different ways to know what is true. Some are reliable, but others mislead us more often than we realise. By understanding the limits of custom, authority, and intuition, and focusing on more dependable approaches like observation, logic, and evidence, we can make better sense of the world. Continue reading Ways of Knowing Ways of acquiring knowledge
