by Sam McCollough (Author)
How to spot misinformation, logical fallacies, and bad science-even if you were never taught critical thinking skills.
The invention and widespread use of computers, and especially the proliferation of the Internet, brought us into a time when ordinary people have immediate access to more information than professors, librarians, and heads of state had access to only a short time ago. This is empowering, but it is also dangerous-the Information Age is also the Misinformation and Disinformation Age, and it is easier to find bad information on the Internet than good. Add to that the entities that have been popping up seemingly with the express purpose of disseminating fake news and the recent invention of deep fakes that are becoming harder and harder to detect, and the need for critical thinking, which provides a toolkit for spotting bunk, becomes more and more vital.
This book is that toolkit.
DEBUNK explains critical thinking from multiple angles, including principles of logic & logical fallacies, types of causes & effects, and axioms of science & the scientific method, and provides resources for debunking misinformation, disinformation, fake news & deepfakes.
How do I know? I'm Sam McCollough, and I have been thinking about these problems since I first read a Wall St. Journal article in 1995 entitled "The Flight From Science & Reason." I have been a software trainer, teaching adults and writing & designing instructional materials, for over 30 years.
From BookLife review: "This is a timely book, much needed in this era of disinformation," "McCollough... provides clear, practical guidance on how to avoid the 'pitfalls' that even intelligent people can fall for, especially online" and "a champion of the scientific method and principled debunking of misinformation."
In this book, you'll learn about:
- The Social Brain Theory
- Differentiating between good current science, outdated science, and pseudoscience
- How we all do science all the time without even thinking about or realizing it
- The doctor who swallowed H. pylori to prove that stress doesn't cause ulcers
- The likelihood of veracity of numerous conspiracy theories
- And much more
- Bonus: An appendix of types of logical fallacies, with examples
Buy this book now to arm yourself against disinformation & fake news. Pick up your copy today.
Number of Pages: 146
Dimensions: 0.31 x 8.5 x 5.5 IN
Publication Date: November 25, 2024
