An Introduction to Modern Skepticism, focusing on cognitive bias and how to make best use of an informed scientific consensus

1. Modern Skepticism
bias the informed consensus
Reed Esau
21-Mar-2008

2. Modern Skepticism
Respect for reliable
evidence
Avoiding the traps of
faulty reasoning

3. Traps?

4. Cognitive Bias

5. Our brains aren’t
wired for objectivity
They are wired
for adaption
survival

6. Cognitive biases are instances of
evolved mental behavior
Mental shortcuts
that can enable
faster* decisions
or reduce distraction
*but not necessarily the best

7. An Experiment
Four empty
wine bottles
Same wine goes
into all bottles;
re-cork
Visible stickers
ranging $5-90
A taste test with
friends!