This is a broadcast-ready version of Thinking Clearly, a show about critical thinking and related topics, hosted by Julia Minton and Bob Froehlich. The program features guests involved in cutting edge research, writing and teaching relating to improving the quality of our information environment, belief formation and civil dialogue. This show is produced in KMUD's studios in Redway, California. If your station decides to carry the show, please drop us a line at tc@kmud.org.
In this episode Bob and Julia discuss a variety of critical thinking mini-topics, including the skill of being able to identify and distinguish different kinds of claims (descriptive vs. normative and claims that are conclusions of arguments) and emphasize the power of using this skill in this age of information pollution. They also explore the difference between opinions and beliefs, the relation of skepticism to critical thinking and what is meant by the "Skeptic's Sniff Test".