Nonsense on Stilts: Science, Pseudoscience & the Need for Critical Thinking
Where: The Strand
828 Broadway
212-473-1452 Price: $20, includes complimentary beer
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There is good science and bad science. There is quasi-science and pseudo-science. It’s a complex landscape out there, where people can get lost, swayed by purveyors of snake oil, big pharmaceutical companies, and a host of other unsavory characters. And yet, we cannot be informed citizens of a 21st century democracy and not know how to think about this issue. It matters to you and your loved ones whether you accept current medical knowledge about vaccines or think that they are a Big Pharma conspiracy. It matters to the whole planet whether you think the climate is tilting out of control because of greedy human activities or instead suspect that it’s all about scientists wanting more money for their petty projects.
In this Olio, Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, a scientist and philosopher from the City College of New York, will explore with you the good science <> bad science <> quasi-science <> pseudo-science landscape. We will talk about fundamental physics and astrology, evolutionary psychology and parapsychology, trying to make sense out of nonsense. We will also get acquainted with a handy guide on how to make up your mind about whether to trust an alleged expert or not.
Teacher: Massimo Pigliucii
Massimo Pigliucci is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. He is the author of How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life.