I was reading an interesting Skeptical Science post, with an even more interesting, at times weirder discussion following.
“Fake news is a threat to humanity, but scientists may have a solution”
Posted on 27 December 2017 by dana1981
Fake news is a threat to humanity, but scientists may have a solution
But there were some nuggets worth bringing over here:
Aaron D. at 01:45 AM on 29 December, 2017 CBD@6 The idea that we should let states do what they want is not new. We kept Slave/State Free States for far to long. It was the call for States Rights that the Southern States fought the Civil War About. The fear is that States with high tax and regulations would lose their wealthiest citizens while bringing jobs to low tax low regulation States. I am particularly interested in the topic of inoculation and vitamins. In both the Engineering and Geology Classes teach as an Adjunct at the Community College I ask the students to write 10-15 true/false and multiple choice questions on the reading before class. I then use the questions in the lectures and the quizzes. My thinking is that this will help them formulate challenges in their minds to get them to think critically about the claim. I also impress on them the 12 tests they can apply from Attacking Faulty Reasoning] to help them with the exercise. These 12 tests fall into 3 categories: Table manners, fallacies, and resolution.Table manners 1) Fallibility - no one is always right. 2) Truth Seeking – we must agree to seek the truth 3) Burden of proof – the guy with the claim has the burden 4) Charity – put the other guys argument in the best possible light 5) Clarity – be as clear with your position as possible. Fallacies 1) Acceptable – another researcher must have an opportunity to reproduce to replicate the results 2) Relevant – the premises must be appropriate to the argument 3) Sufficient – there must be sufficient evidence on one side or the other 4) Rebut all challenges – explain contradictory evidence Resolution 1) Resolve without full agreement - When all the above are satisfied but time is of the essence it’s okay to resolve without full agreement. 2) Suspend judgement– While there is time, and not all agree, it’s okay to wait for new information. 3) Re-evaluate – When new acceptable, relevant and sufficient, fully vetted evidence comes in it’s okay to proceed in a different direction.