Thinking Clearly

This discussion of ways we deceive ourselves features clips from Dr. Steven Novella, host of Skeptics guide to the Universe, and Kevin deLaplante, Lead Instructor of the Critical Thinking Academy, to illustrate the importance of being aware of our cognitive vulnerabilities and their relationship to critical thinking. This show aired live on KMUD radio on Oct. 6, 2016.

Guest, Humboldt State University Philosophy Professor, Benjamin Shaeffer, discusses sources of knowledge, evaluating premises and arguments, the difference between inductive and deductive arguments, what distinguishes justified belief from opinion and why critical thinking is important. This show aired live on KMUD radio on Sept. 1, 2016.

Bob answers a listener's email questions, including how to find the path to have a meaningful discussion from both sides when discussing differences of opinion. He also reviews arguments, premises and conclusions, and - guided by a clip from Dr. Kevin DeLaplante, Lead Instructor of the Critical Thinker Academy -discusses the relationship between critical thinking and living in a democracy. This show aired live on KMUD radio on Aug. 4, 2016.

In this first episode, hosts Bob Froehlich and Julia Minton give an overview of critical thinking and why it's important, especially in this age of alternative facts and fake news. Various definitions and perspectives on critical thinking are discussed, including those of Edward Glaser, Peter Boghossian, and Steven Novella. Deductive and inductive reasoning and other terms and concepts relative to critical thinking are introduced. The goal of building a Critical Thinking Community is also discussed.  Resources for learning more about critical thinking are given and a list of topics for future shows is featured. Toward the end of the show, phone lines are opened for listener call-ins. This show aired live on KMUD radio on July 7, 2016.