Course description from Mathesis (all courses are free)
Fundamental to the scientific approach is the principle that knowledge is conditional and that theories can be modified in the light of new data. This realization creates confusion among the general public and causes mistrust towards the science, especially to those who exhibit little tolerance for the doubt inherent in the pursuit of knowledge.
As a consequence, many of our fellow citizens are led into the arms of pseudoscientific beliefs and fanciful conspiracy theories, a phenomenon that threatens not only public health but also the very cohesion of our societies.
The above demonstrates the critical need to cultivate scientific literacy and critical thinking, as well as developing skills to manage the logical and cognitive biases to which we are all susceptible.
In the course we will examine how science works and discuss its moral value as a valuable guide to life. We will question how rational we are, after all, and we will refer to cognitive biases we fall into when we are called upon to make critical decisions under conditions of uncertainty.
We will be trained to recognize logical fallacies in our reasoning and arguments. We will clear up misconceptions about her theory developmentand we will explore the phenomenon of skepticism towards vaccines. In addition, we will question why people believe in strange conspiracy theories and learn to recognize and avoid fake news. Finally, we will refer to strange examples of pseudoscientific beliefs, such as astrology and quantum pseudoscience.