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Skepticism

Approx. 15 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course teaches you how to think critically and question everything in order to separate fact from fiction. You'll learn how to apply skepticism to different aspects of life such as science, politics, and media.

Key Learning Points

Learn how to question beliefs and claims in order to distinguish truth from falsehoods.
Understand the methods of scientific inquiry and how to evaluate scientific evidence.
Discover how to spot logical fallacies and cognitive biases in order to avoid common errors in reasoning.

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

- USA: $49,000
- India: ₹5,00,000
- Spain: €24,000
- USA: $49,000
- India: ₹5,00,000
- Spain: €24,000
- USA: $44,000
- India: ₹3,50,000
- Spain: €20,000
- USA: $49,000
- India: ₹5,00,000
- Spain: €24,000
- USA: $44,000
- India: ₹3,50,000
- Spain: €20,000
- USA: $50,000
- India: ₹4,00,000
- Spain: €25,000

Learning Outcomes

Develop critical thinking skills and learn how to question beliefs and claims.
Understand the scientific method and how to evaluate scientific evidence.
Recognize and avoid logical fallacies and cognitive biases.

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of science and scientific method.
Open-mindedness and willingness to question beliefs and claims.

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Introduction to Logic
Critical Reasoning for Beginners

Notable People in This Field

Author and Podcaster
Astrophysicist and Science Communicator

Related Books

Description

Skepticism is about doubt, and doubt is everywhere in the world around us today. There are doubts about whether man-made climate change is real, whether vaccinations are harmful, whether we can trust our politicians or our media, and so on. When is such skepticism warranted, and when does it stray into unreasonable territory? How widespread can such skepticism get while still being coherent? How might a radical skepticism have pernicious social consequences, such as by leading to relativism (and just what is relativism, and what is problematic about it)?

These are all questions that we will be engaging with in this course Along the way we will consider some important philosophical issues, such as what the nature of knowledge is, whether there are any good arguments that show that knowledge is impossible, and how a moderate skepticism might accord with an ancient conception of the good life of human flourishing, one that essentially involves the intellectual virtues. This course is aimed at anyone who is interested in learning more about philosophy, along with those who are looking for strategies to combat extremism in their communities. Using these approaches, no matter what your skill levels in topics you would like to master, you can change your thinking and change your life. In this course, learners will: Explore the concept of Skepticism Discuss the role of Skepticism in contemporary society Identify common responses to Skepticism Compare/Contrast various forms of Skepticism Apply knowledge of Skepticism to form a personal stance Recognize why knowledge is more than just true belief

Outline

What is Skepticism?
Welcome
Introduction to Skepticism
Panel Part I
Truth, Relativism, and Fallibility
Panel: Part II
What is Knowledge?
Panel Part III
Panel: Part IV
What is Skepticism?
Introduction to Skepticism
Truth, Relativism and Fallibility
What is Knowledge?

Is Knowledge Impossible?
Are You a Brain-in-a-Vat?
Skepticism and Closure
The Radical Skeptical Paradox
Is Knowledge Impossible?
Are you a Brain-in-a-Vat?
Skepticism and Closure
The Radical Skeptical Paradox

Defending Knowledge
Skepticism and Commonsense
Skepticism and Context
Inverting Skepticism
Defending Knowledge
Skepticism and Common Sense
Skepticism and Context
Inverting Skepticism

Skepticism as a Way of Life
Skepticism as a Way of Life
Panel Part V
Intellectual Virtues and Vices
Panel Part VI
Skepticism, Conviction and the Good Life
Panel Part VII
Panel Part VIII
Skepticism as a Way of Life
Skepticism as a Way of Life
Intellectual Virtues and Vices
Skepticism, Conviction and the Good Life

Summary of User Reviews

The course Skepticism 101: How to Think Like a Scientist has received positive reviews from many users. It is a well-structured course that covers a variety of topics related to skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. One key aspect that many users appreciated was the engaging and informative lectures by the instructor, Michael Shermer.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging and informative lectures by the instructor
Well-structured course with a variety of topics covered
Useful exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning
Great resource for improving critical thinking skills

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course content to be too basic
Occasional technical issues with the platform
Limited interaction with the instructor

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