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Believing in a purposeful universe

Many if not most people believe that in order for life to be truly purposeful, the universe itself must be purposeful. This is an age-old assumption.

Belief is a powerful modulator of motivation. Beliefs can be inspiring but they can also be demoralizing, and sometimes they can be dangerous. A major part of the work of a psychiatrist is to persuade people to be skeptical about their own beliefs, critically examining the evidence for their assumptions, and not automatically believing their own thoughts and perceptions. We are all prone to cognitive distortions as we try to make sense of our world. Beliefs about purpose, intention and meaning are particularly prone to mistaken assumptions.

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How To Think About Dubious ClaimsJREF is pleased to release a free 10 part video lecture series by Ray Hyman titled "How To Think About Dubious Claims" and companion course guide.

Smart people can act stupidly by failing to apply their intelligence wisely. This course draws lessons from scientist smart people who went astray. This course provides a framework to help you avoid their mistakes.

Ray Hyman is a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Oregon. Hyman's published research has been in such areas as pattern recognition, perception, problem solving, creativity, and related areas of cognition. He has written and published extensively on the psychology of deception and critiques of paranormal and other fringe claims.

The James Randi Education Foundation promotes critical thinking by reaching out to the public and media with reliable information about paranormal and supernatural ideas so widespread in our society today. Through scholarships, workshops, and innovative resources for educators, the JREF works to inspire the investigative spirit in a new generation of critical thinkers.

The 10 lecture video course can be viewed below, of found on YouTube.

The companion course guide can be downloaded here.

 

 

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A few days ago, my date-for-life, Kandace, posted a strip from the delightful web comic, “Cyanide & Happiness,” which she had come across thanks to the popular Facebook page, “I Fucking Love Science” (sorry, that’s the name!). (Due to this daisy chain of sources and the fact that it’s difficult to find a particular strip directly at the “Cyanide and Happiness” website, I am providing a link to the Facebook page here for proper credit, as well as posting a copy of the strip in question:)

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 Here is this week's summary of the--- courtesy of Doubtful News. 

We had quite a teaser this week as perpetual infomercial, unsinkable rubber duck guy Kevin Trudeau was finally sent to jail. But, then managed to talk his way out. Bummer.

Big and very doubtful news came out this week that a study concluded there was "alien" life high in our atmosphere. Red flags abound on this piece and the scientific community jumped on it.

Another big story was not really news. It's been known for a long time that holy water fonts and springs are not sanitary and harbor dangerous bacteria. Blessings DO NOT kill germs!

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Here is a recap of the stories that appeared last week at Science-Based Medicine, a multi-author skeptical blog that separates the science from the woo-woo in medicine.

Naturopathic Medicine Week 2013, or: Quackery Week 2013 (David Gorski)  http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/naturopathic-medicine-week-2013/ The U.S. Senate passed a resolution declaring the week of October 7-13 to be Naturopathic Medicine Week, recognizing the value of naturopathic medicine in providing safe, effective, and affordable health care. One out of three ain’t bad: it may be affordable. But the vast majority of ideas and treatments offered by naturopaths are quackery. Their training does not qualify them to function as primary care providers.

Is U.S. cancer care “in crisis,” as the Institute of Medicine proclaims? (David Gorski)  http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/is-u-s-cancer-care-in-crisis-as-the-institute-of-medicine-proclaims/ A 360 page IOM report declared cancer care “in crisis.” It isn’t, although it does have problems: we need better staffing and training, a better IT system, and accessible, affordable care. The IOM report made some excellent recommendations. It is a good example of how science-based medicine rigorously critiques its own practices and is constantly trying to improve.

  1. Copper and Magnetic Bracelets Do Not Work for Rheumatoid Arthritis
  2. Never be your Beast of Buderim
  3. Skeptic History: September Anniversaries
  4. Inhuman Predators