This September we return to the theme of Logical Fallacies as the basis of the monthly crossword. This month it’s Logical Fallacies #6, and Logical Fallacies #7 will follow in October.
Here are the links to our previous Logical Fallacies Crosswords.
This article first appeared as a Vic Skeptics discussion pamphlet.
The full range of our discussion pamphlets (and a lot more) can be downloaded from our USEFUL INFO page.
A Skeptic’s Guide to
by Peter Barrett, Canberra Skeptics (2016 edit by Ken Greatorex)
Test 1: Is the argument factually correct?
It’s remarkable how many conspiracy theories are based on arguments which are simply factually incorrect. If you’re presented with a conspiracy theory argument, check the facts.
Many incorrect arguments are repeated in ignorance. But there are also some people who knowingly repeat conspiracy arguments they know are wrong. Read the rest of this entry »
There are the usual seven Picture Puzzles, each of which decodes to a word, phrase, song title, book, or film.
The “Mixed Bag” Questions have an added feature. After the usual ten questions, we’ve added twenty “next level”questions. These are, depending on your point of view, interesting, difficult, informative, quirky or totally unfair. A score of one out of twenty could be considered surprisingly good! The Picture Puzzles and Mixed Bag Questions have pride of place on our PUZZLES PAGE.
Our Skeptical Crossword is the second of three on the the theme of Logical Fallacies. It can be found HERE.Logical Fallacies Crossword (1) was posted back in July 2012 and can be found HERE. We expect Locial Fallacies Crossword (3) to follow next month.
Tim Harding is a frequent speaker and contributor to Victorian Skeptics and similar groups. This is his new blog about one of his favourite topics, Logical Fallacies.
In early 2012 a series of short videos on the topic of critical thinking was released.
The group that produced them have created more. I think these are videos are superb; short, to the point, quirky and ideal for anyone wanting to quickly understand the scientific method and critical thinking including fallacies. I’ve linked to all of them below.
The scriptwriter is science communicator and author Mike McRae, well known for his book Tribal Science.
Surprisingly, the videos were funded by the Australian Government. The narrator is James Hutson and they’re produced by Bridge8.
Wasn’t it Paul Keating who used phrases like “the honourable members opposite squeal like stuck pigs”? Whilst the use of ad hominem attacks (name calling) and other logical fallacies abound in politics, has anyone noticed that the Federal Government this year has actually funded a project to help Australians become better critical thinkers?
On the 18th of January 2012 Professor Ian Chubb, Australia’s chief scientist, announced a competition.
“Australians of all ages are invited to create 3-5 minute videos presenting an argument on one of four topics”, Professor Chubb said. Details here. The competition ends on the 1st of May 2012.
Whilst those topics may not be of interest, ahead of the competition a production company called Bridge8 was funded by a government program called TechNyou to produced some primer videos about critical thinking to help inspire the competition.
Bridge8 have done an excellent job.I’m presenting all six videos for your enjoyment below.
“Humanity Enhanced: Genetic Choice and the Challenge for Liberal Democracies”
“Science Fiction and the Moral Imagination: Visions, Minds, Ethics” and
“The Tyranny of Opinion: Conformity and the Future of Liberalism”
Russell will be talking to us about his most recent book, “How We Became Post-Liberal The Rise and Fall of Toleration”.
While Russell’s talk will be over Zoom and Facebook live, there will be an in person dinner and meeting at the Stolberg Hotel in Preston and copies of the book will be available for $37.50.
START TIME: 6:00 pm for dinner, with the presentation beginning at 7:30pm.
LOCATION:Function Room at The Stolberg Hotel, 197 Plenty Road Preston. The 86 tram route is close, and Bell train station – situated on the Epping line – is a short walk away. It will also be a virtual event accessible via Zoom, as per the details above.
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This October we continue the theme of Logical Fallacies for the monthly crossword, with Logical Fallacies #7.
Posted by keng2 
Victorian Skeptics 