Skeptic Project

Over the past few months, I've spent considerable time thinking about critical thinking. Through this endeavor, I've become more aware of how simple-minded the people around me are. Thankfully, the couple I live with are great role models, as they critically assess many aspects of their lives. At the same time, I find myself frequently spotting their hypocrisy. As critical as the guy is, he still believes that we should only consume natural substances; organic food is environmentally and nutritionally a good idea; and he thinks "The South" (Southern USA) is racist, missing the completely stereotypical and careless nature of his words and beliefs. Even the most critical thinkers I know in real life have serious flaws. Luckily, I showed this guy the Skeptoid podcasts which may alleviate some of his blind spots.

I'm constantly disappointed in the lack of analysis. A girl I was interested in told me she dislikes Republicans because her dad, who's a teacher, complains about them. She also has a list of beliefs that are based entirely on the fact that her mom believes them. She also loves Dr. Oz and thinks Reiki is a good idea. How can somebody live day to day, imprisoned by ideas they understand so little about?

So, I find myself back here. Aside from Randi.org, I don't know of another place where I can talk to critical thinkers. Hopefully, that will change some day.

what's up Matt

Thanks glad to see you guys didn't jump ship after I left. :P

Anything interesting happen while I was gone?

But I'm sure you're not without your own blind spots? Of course, you wouldn't be able to see them. Just recently there was a thread on here about how unhealthy McDonalds is. Many of us "critical thinkers" thought it was bad for you. Well, who knew, but it turns out it's not really so bad.

And not everyone prioritizes critical thinking, and they get through life fine. The only reason I make it a priority is because I care a lot about "getting things right", but not everyone shares that philosophy, and it's hard to find a valid way to criticize them for that. I just try to share my critical thinking skills whenever the opportunity arises. Thankfully I haven't run into many people with truly destructive beliefs.

YEAH! FLYING FECES! MY FAVORITE!

I think we live better lives individually and collectively when we think critically.

Agreed!

Yep, and it isn't. People who rail against McDonalds over their food are just useful idiots for special interest, anti-corporate groups.

TOO BAD SO SAD

When you say "not so bad", what are we really comparing it to though? McDonalds food isn't very good for you, that is true. If you're going to say its poison or something, then no that's exaggerated its not that bad.

Its only significantly bad for you if you make it a life style. Me grilling a burger at home and then topping it off with thick sliced bacon isn't much better for me. More delicious, yes, but better? no. People who blame McDonalds for obesity are A) without a sense of self controll and B) Obviously leading unhealthy life styles in general.

Where's the thread? I can't see it in the list.

And Matt, you might want to pay attention since I can feel you're getting ready to put words in my mouth again

"because they combine several food groups."

What food groups do they combine? White processed bread and ice berg lettuce possibly the most nutritional void lettuce available. Its like some people think eating their chips counts as a vegetable cuz potato is a vegetable.

"Quoting you is putting words in your mouth?"

You'll never quote me because I never say what you claim I'm saying.

Like when you tried to claim I was being unreasonable about organic foods but them pretended I said things I didn't.

Where's the thread? Im sure its staring me in the face but Im too lazy to concentrate that much to find it.

Get swole, fight ignorance. All you can do.

The 70s, 80s, early 90s I remember people eating lots of fast food but not many people were nearly obese. I also remember people going out and moving around. So either it's because people are more inactive or they've made their food super evil and dangerous.

Pretty much. Its a culture of laziness that engenders poor health habits. McDonalds is still gross though.