Thinking Clearly

When we're compelled to explain how something works, including political issues and policies, we are forced to confront our lack of knowledge. That idea, its implications, and related studies from cognitive science frames this discussion with guest, Professor Steven Sloman, one of the authors of the recent book, "The Knowledge Illusion – why we never think alone." This show aired live on Aug. 3, 2017.

Bob and Julia discuss beliefs and why we cling to false beliefs. Several examples of commonly held beliefs which turned out to be "false" (not supported) are discussed including: high rates of suicide during the Christmas season, vortices in sink and toilet drains spinning in opposite directions in northern and southern hemispheres, the PizzaGate Conspiracy Theory and the effectiveness of proanthocyanidins from cranberries to cure urinary tract infections. This show aired live on July 6, 2017.

The concepts of frames and narratives, which can be used to manipulate beliefs and opinions, are described with the help of audio clips from George Lakoff, President Trump's speech to the Joint Session of Congress, Science Communicator Aaron Huertas, and Science Writer Lee Gutkind. This show aired live on June 1, 2017.

Topics, with guest Dr. Steven Novella, range from the importance of critical thinking in general, to a discussion of the importance of developing practices in healthcare and other professions as well as policies in the political arena, that are guided by good evidence and scientific research. Dr. Novella is executive editor of the blog "Science-Based Medicine", host of the podcast "Skeptics Guide to the Universe", and Master Teacher of "Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills".

Bob and guest, Professor Jevin West, Assistant Professor in the Information School at the University of Washington, discuss the scientific method, real world practice of scientific research, and the importance of increasing our basic literacy of concepts in science and technology. Dr. West is co-director of the Data Lab at U of W and also co-teaches a new and novel course called “Calling BS in the Age of Big Data.” This show aired live on KMUD radio on April 6, 2017.

Bob and Julia compare and contrast the intuitive approach with the more deliberate analytic method of making decisions and forming beliefs looking at the research of Daniel Kahneman, Emeritus Professor from Princeton University, and research psychologist, Gary Klein. Audio clips from each of these two researchers aid the discussion. This show aired live on KMUD radio on March 2, 2017.

Part of our definition of critical thinking is: “….doing a thorough examination and evaluation of a robust cross-section of evidence relevant to the issue at hand when forming claims, conclusions, opinions and beliefs.” Guest Tim Miller, Digital Media & Learning Librarian from Humboldt State University, discusses with Bob and Julia how to best use the internet to obtain and evaluate evidence relevant to issues we care about. This show aired live on KMUD radio on Feb. 2, 2017.

Guest Professor of Journalism and Department Chair of Journalism and Mass Communication at Humboldt State University Marcy Burstiner, discusses current issues in journalism and journalism education, including the immediacy of news in the on-line news cycle. Burstiner also discusses the issue of fake news, and what news consumers can do to increase their quality of information. This show aired live on KMUD radio on Jan. 5, 2017.

The California Common Core Curricula, also called the Common Core State Standards, emphasizes collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking but is not well understood by non-educators. Guests, Lori Breyer and Colby Smart, from Humboldt County Education Department, explain the details of this approach to education. This show aired live on KMUD radio on Dec. 1, 2016.

The episode begins with a clip from Michael Shermer, author and editor of the Skeptic Magazine, discussing pareidolia and patternicity and then introduces definitions of critical thinking, rhetoric and propaganda, using audio clips to illustrate each as the in-depth conversation about the topic, with Community College English Professors Donna and Josh Potratz, develops. This show aired live on KMUD radio on Nov. 3, 2016