As I think I mentioned in another post, thinking critically about the world around you is a fundamental scientific skill. It does not mean that you need to criticise everything, just that you consider the ‘credibility of evidence’. This means that you ask yourself how believable a story or a scientific claim is. When scientists look at the data from their experiments they draw conclusions and then write a report so that it can be studied by others who work in the same field. This is called ‘peer review’. When you read a paper or watch the news and you hear people expressing their opionions, don’t take their statements at face value, think about what evidence they offer to support their position.
Needless to say this applies especially to me! If you don’t agree, tell me and say why you disagree.
I have posted a video below in which important historical figures discuss the importance of clear thinking. Enjoy!
Comments