Presentation Abstract

Presentation Number 113.01
Presentation Time: Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Title Science, Pseudoscience and Education
Author Block Daniel Altschuler1
1NAIC- Arecibo Observatory.
Abstract In this lecture I will consider a paradox of our times. Collectively, we know a great deal more, about life, the universe, and everything, than what Aristotle or Archimedes knew a couple of thousand years ago, and more than what Newton or Darwin knew a few hundred years ago. Yet, a large fraction of the public knows much less than what they knew, and maintain beliefs worthy of a caveperson. (With all due respect of the caveperson who had no choice).
I will consider the problem of demarcation - how we define pseudoscience - and what leads people to believe what to some is unbelievable, the prevalence of pseudoscientific thought, and why we should care. I end with the idea that we should teach pseudoscience.