Dr. Michael Shermer distinguishes between two questions: (1) Are extraterrestrial intelligences (ETIs) out there somewhere in the cosmos? and (2) Have aliens come here? Evidence for both questions is considered in the larger context of why the issue so compels us to answer it almost religiously.
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.
Mentioned in this lecture
- Skeptic 9.3 — A.I. and Theology of UFOs
- Skeptic 10.1 — Roswell Requiem
- Skeptic 11.1 — Medieval UFOs?
- Skeptic 16.4 — The Man Who Invented Flying Saucers
- Skeptic 18.4 — Ancient Aliens
Related Reading
- UFOs, Chemtrails, and Aliens: What Science Says
- Junior Skeptic 37: Busted Myths
- Junior Skeptic 57: Space Brothers from Venus
Resource type: all videos • powerpoint and keynote presentations
Academic discipline: freshman foundation and general education
Academic level: college and university
