I like to sometimes recommend resources that I enjoyed which offer a broader range, more insight, and greater detail than I can possibly cover in 1000 words. More importantly, I like to recommend resources that have greatly improved my decision making skills.
I have mentioned before that decision making is one of the important topics covered in many leadership courses: the decision cycle, decision methods, etc. I have yet to come across critical thinking as it applies to decision making. Specifically, how information (evidence) is gathered and weighed; and if decisions are made in a rational and unbiased manner.
I gladly introduce the podcast “Rationally Speaking”, the official podcast of the New York City Skeptics.
The podcast focuses on rational thought, philosophy, science, and the nonsense that often claims to be the former three. The topics can be sometimes a bit esoteric, but to become good at something, you have work at a level above your current capability.
“Rationally Speaking” is the bi-weekly podcast of New York City Skeptics. Join hosts Massimo Pigliucci and Julia Galef as they explore the borderlands between reason and nonsense, likely and unlikely, and science and pseudoscience. Any topic is fair game as long as we can bring reason to bear upon it, with both a skeptical eye and a good dose of humor!”
The hosts, Massimo and Julia, will introduce and guide you through a wide range of disciplines with insightful questions, world class, interesting guests, and a touch of humor. They make some very complicated subjects accessible to everyone.
Massimo is currently Chair of the Philosophy Department at Lehman College and Professor of Philosophy at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He holds PhDs in both evolutionary biology and philosophy. He has both the experience of a scientist and insight of a philosopher to examine the overlapping domains and examine ethics, evidential probabilities, and testing methodologies of science.
Julia Galef is a writer and public speaker specializing in science, rationality, and design. She is currently President of the Center for Applied Rationality. She is Massimo’s perfect foil in terms of intellectual rigor and the ability to logically argue points counter to the highly opinionated Massimo. Julia may be the smartest woman I’ve ever met.
As of today, there are 128 episodes which give you over 128 hours to fill your commuter or drive time. Use the time to learn something valuable and improve your critical thinking skills. No extra charge!
Let Massimo and Julia be your gateway to critical thinking and better decision making abilities.
EOM,
_____________________________________________
About Ken Wrede
Kenneth Wrede