Dr. Michael Shermer considers the characteristics of cults, how they differ from sects, religions, and myths, the role that myths and religions play in culture and people’s lives, and what Scientologists really believe.
Skepticism 101: How to Think Like a Scientist covers a wide range of topics, from critical thinking, reasoning, rationality, cognitive biases and how thinking goes wrong, and the scientific methods, to actual claims and whether or not there is any truth to them, e.g., ESP, ETIs, UFOs, astrology, channelling, psychics, creationism, Holocaust denial, and especially conspiracy theories and how to think about them.
If you missed Dr. Shermer’s previous Skepticism 101 lectures watch them now.
Topics addressed: critical thinking and skepticism • cults • frauds and hoaxes • mythology • prophecy • religion • superstition and magical thinking • ufos/aliens/crop circles
Resource type: all videos • powerpoint and keynote presentations
Academic discipline: freshman foundation and general education
Academic level: college and university
Resource type: all videos • powerpoint and keynote presentations
Academic discipline: freshman foundation and general education
Academic level: college and university
