Courage in Theory & Practice
Jackson Institute for Global AffairsCourage in Theory &
PracticeRoz Savage
Intellectual Courage and Critical Thinking
Henry FordThinking is the hardest work there is, which is
probably the reason why so few engage in it.
What Does Intellectual Courage Mean?Thinking outside the
box/lateral thinking/detachmentWillingness to discard
orthodoxiesFlexibility to include others point of viewWillingness
to ask for clarification and explanationAbility to argue against
own point of viewNoticing whats not being saidAppropriate
cynicism/skepticismRelentless quest for the truth
Why Critical Thinking MattersImproved meta-skillsEmotional
intelligence - seeing beneath face valueOvercoming subconscious
biasEnhanced creativity and innovationBetter performance under
stressReputation for fair-mindednessBetter performance academically
and professionallyBetter decision-making (politics, personal,
consumer, religious)Escaping the echo chamberA lifetime of winning
arguments :-)
Stages of Development of Critical Thinking
Westside Toastmasters
How We Work - IWestside Toastmasters
How It Usually WorksOur purpose affects the manner in which we
ask questionsThe manner in which we ask questions affects the
information we gatherThe information we gather affects the way we
interpret itThe way we interpret affects the way we
conceptualiseThe way we conceptualise affects the assumptions we
makeThe assumptions we make affect the implications we drawThe
implications we draw affect our worldview
How We Work - IIWe hold a core belief that is very strongWe are
presented with evidence that contradicts our core beliefWe
experience cognitive dissonanceWe feel uncomfortableWe rationalise,
ignore, or deny that which doesnt fit with our core beliefAnd
denounce those who disagree with us
The Dangers of Idealism
What Cognitive Biases Do We Have? IVocational - work
environmentSociological - social groupsPhilosophical - our personal
philosophyEthical - our obligations and how important we deem
themIntellectual - our ideas, how we deal with
abstractsAnthropological - cultural practices and taboosIdeological
and political - structure of power, interest groups
What Cognitive Biases Do We Have? IIEconomic - our economic
conditionsHistorical - our history and how we tell itBiological -
our biology and neurologyTheological - religious beliefs and
attitudesPsychological - our personality and
psychologyPhysiological - physical condition, stature, and
weight
What Does Critical Thinking Mean?I will not identify with the
content of any belief. I will identify only with the way I come to
my beliefs I am ready to follow evidence and reason wherever they
lead. Westside Toastmasters
Alternative Facts
Important NoteThese can cut both ways - we may either
accidentally or deliberately use these techniques ourselvesCritical
thinking is at least as applicable to our own thinking as it is to
critiquing other peoples thinking
Cognitive Vulnerabilities
Anchoring/Priming
Anchoring/Priming
Framing
Sunk Cost Fallacy
Optimism Bias(This is why health warnings on cigarette packs are
so ineffective)
Herd Mentality
Herd Mentality
Halo Effect
Halo Effect
Halo Effect
Discounting Delayed Rewards
Confirmation Bias
Faulty Causality or Correlation
True Causality or Correlation
Faulty Causality or Correlation
Faulty Causality or Correlation
Faulty Causality or Correlation
Sweeping Generalisation
Sweeping Generalisation
Sweeping Generalisation
Sweeping Generalisation
Appeal to Ignorance
Black/White Fallacy
Tautology
Tautology
Tautology
Tautology
Appeal to Authority
Appeal to Authority
Appeal to Tradition
Appeal to Tradition
Appeal to Innovation
Appeal to Innovation
Straw Man
Straw Man
Slippery Slope
Non Sequitur
Non Sequitur
Red Herring
Inconsistency
Appeal to Pity
Appeal to Pity
Appeal to the Crowd
Big Lie Technique
Equivocation
False Analogy
Ad Hominem
Not My Job
Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics
MYOB
Paralysis by Analysis
Reductionism
Testimonial
Two Wrongs Make A Right
We Have To Do Something!
Halo Effect (again)
Weird Advertising
Weird Advertising
Weird Advertising
What techniques are they using?
Diversion Strategies (Rep)
Presidential Fact Check
Source:PolitifactBy Bill Marsh/ New York Times
(does not claim tobe scientific)
Diversion Strategies (Dem)
How To Spot Fake NewsPay attention to the domain and URL, e.g.
abcnews.com.co = suspectRead the About Us section - does it look
professional?Check the quotes - are they from credible sources?Look
at who (is alleged to have) said them - does that seem likely? Can
it be checked?Check the comments - most people can spot a
fakeReverse image search (right click and search Google) - has the
image been widely used?
How To Spot Fake News II
Watch out forWe love patternsWe love storiesWe love the most
coherent version over the most factually accurate versionWe focus
on the messenger rather than the messageWe Google - be wary of the
algorithm, and know the system can be gamedKnow that Experts might
be:not expertspaidpursuing a personal agendaAnd..
Follow the money
The Biggest Challenge - Noticing Whats NOT Being Said. Over to
Thomas
Salty Old Sea Story #179:Reframing the Discomfort Zone
Courage Challenge - Journal ExerciseChoose one of the exercises
from Westside Toastmasters website, and do it.
Week 4: Motivation & PurposeValuesPurpose-finding and
goal-setting How to live a fulfilling and happy lifeSelf-control,
judgement, and decision-making
Reaction PaperThoughts and reflections on reading material10
bullet points, no more than 2 pagesMake it as personal as you
dareEmail to [email protected] by noon on Monday
