A healthy dose of skepticism
Place: Cafe Tartine (BTS Pleonchit)
Date: Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Time: 19:00-21:00
RSVP: [email protected] or BKKSci on Meetup.com
Sir, there is a distinct difference between having an open mind and having a hole in your head from which your brain leaks out. – James Randi
“Science” is a word that everyone knows and appreciates. But there’s one concept that science could not exist without, and that’s skepticism. Where would we be if the great inventors and thinkers of history had merely taken everything that was told to them at face value? Sitting in a cave throwing rocks at the sun, probably.
Building on last month’s BKKSci event, in which Pongskorn Saipetch discussed the challenges of motiving children to learn amid Thailand’s education system, we are joined by Mr. Ed Knuth, a full-time instructor in the British-American Studies program at Thammasat University. Ed takes his lessons from a course he designed based on critical thinking, including the scientific method, scientific skepticism, and logic and argumentation.
In a culture such as Thailand – where ghosts, fortune tellers, mind readers, magical tattoos, astral projection, and astrology are taken at face value – he’s got an interesting outlook on what it’s like teaching a class that might be resistant to change at first, and that teaching others to ask “What if…” is never a bad thing. Ed will talk about his experiences, challenges, students responses, and whether or not he’s fighting an uphill battle.
This event is free
All BKKSci events are free of charge. We do however ask that you please consider supporting Cafe Tartine (our venue) by purchasing your choice of food and drink during the event. Cafe Tartine has kindly agreed to host BKKSci free of charge. This is our way of thanking them for their support.
How to get there
Cafe Tartine is located on Soi Ruamrudee at Athenee Residence (65 Wireless Rd., Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330). The cafe is a but a short walk from BTS Ploenchit. Parking is limited but available.
Brain sculpture by Yoan Capite.