Critical Thinking 101: A Mini Guide

I think learning the basics of critical thinking is important. This mini guide is for people who don't have a lot of time to go through the main Critical Thinking 101 post. This list should give anyone a solid foundation for critical thinking skills.



-VIDEOS


*Michael Shermer: Why People Believe Strange Things
This is a great video introduction to skepticism, critical thinking, and science. Dr. Michael Shermer is the director of the Skeptic's Society and publisher of Skeptic Magazine. This talk took place at the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) conference in February of 2006.


*The Baloney Detection Kit by Michael Shermer
With a sea of information coming at us from all directions, how do we sift out the misinformation and bogus claims, and get to the truth? Michael Shermer of Skeptic Magazine lays out a "Baloney Detection Kit," ten questions we should ask when encountering a claim. Purchase the full baloney detection kit here.


*Here Be Dragons
This is a wonderful 40 minute video introduction to critical thinking, hosted by Brian Dunning. Brian Dunning is also the host of the Skeptoid podcast.



-AUDIO

*An Introduction to Skeptical Activism by Dr. Steve Novella
This is a great lecture by Dr. Steven Novella. Dr. Novella, from the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe podcast and president of the New England Skeptical Society, gives a lot of insight into skeptical activism and the basic things that every active skeptic should know. This lecture was hosted by the New York City Skeptics.


*How to Spot Pseudoscience
Brian Dunning offers a 15-point check list called "How to Spot Pseudoscience".



-ARTICLES

*A Brief Introduction
*A Skeptical Manifesto
These are from the Skeptic's Society website. They both answer the question, "what is skepticism?" they also tell you what it isn't.


*Scientific Skepticism
This excellent wikipedia article lays out the basic characteristics of scientific skepticism and skepticism in general.