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[Steven Novella]

Podcast #32    Skepticism 101 - Occam's Razor

[Sordid]

Very nice. This new series on the principles of critical thinking seems very interesting, I'm looking forward to more.

[craig]

Great episode!  I really liked how you defined it in terms of assumptions instead of the usual "the simplest explanation is best" rule and then explained how it is mis-used by people.

[mh]

I love the idea of Skepticism 101 !  Thanks.  This will be very valuable, especially to teachers and new skeptics.

[fortin2k07]

I liked the idea of Skepticism 101 but it was way to scripted for my taste. I like the kinda fly by the seat of the pants discussion that the pannel has on previous episodes. IDK just my thoughts.

[Wolf514]

Excellent idea about doing a Skepticism 101 series.  Thank you!

A wonderful initiative! And it's great for someone like me who has always been a skeptic, for sure, (because I listened during science classes  ), but is new to the "movement".
So once in a while these basic shows are totally necessary; they help the newbies catch up and help the oldies focus back.

This series could even be packaged for science classes.
For a 5 minute show, its just-the-facts format is in fact better for this eventual purpose.
Banter is definitely fun, but it's better suited to the big podcast.

Thanks for starting with the concept of Occam's Razor.  It is misused SO often!

[fortin2k07]

Just a side not for the panel, I teach regular chemistry to high school students and listened to all the podcasts and all the 5x5 this summer...that was fun!! Anyway, the logical fallicies and other topics covered on the show will definetly be used in my classroom and this aspect of the 5x5 will be perfect for them.

[hamboneal]

question for all, something that has bugged me and I just don't understand,

why is it Occam's "Razor"? why not Occam's philosophy, Occam's good idea, Occam's rule of thumb? why razor? I don't see any definition of razor out side of a sharp blade?

[pandamonium]

question for all, something that has bugged me and I just don't understand,

why is it Occam's "Razor"? why not Occam's philosophy, Occam's good idea, Occam's rule of thumb? why razor? I don't see any definition of razor out side of a sharp blade?

because
a) it slices away all the nonsense
b) it's a scooter of win
c) it's an italian car

i also use occam's tweezers or occam's nail-clippers. 

[rico]

MOAR!!!!!

I really like this idea. I didn't know that about occums razor. Clears up a lot. I'm really looking forward to these segments. I like it better than regular 5x5. Could even be its own mini-series podcast.