Monday, August 23, 2010

Hungry? Well grab your "Baloney Detection Kit"

Whether you're an aggressive adherent or a devote dismisser, the Scientific Method is a topic discussed at some point during most American's educational progression and you probably have an opinion about it. Where it originated and the "correct" number of steps the method entails are often the points debated. The idea that memorizing these ordered steps is the correct way to "do" science is misleading and missing the point. Many, including myself, believe its time for an update.

Introducing, the "Baloney Detection Kit"

This 10 step method originally explained by Carl Sagan, aims to provide a more sophisticated and inquiry approach toward thinking about questions. Michael Shermer describes, with great detail and examples, what this kit might contain.



We should take care with how we utilize such methods and kits to uncover the mysteries of life in the name of science. Physics professor Dr. Donald Simanek criticizes the idea of science as absolute truth with the following:

"The notion that we can find absolute and final truths is naive. If there are any underlying "truths" of nature, our models are just close approximations to them—useful descriptions which "work" by correctly predicting nature's behavior. We are not in a position to answer the philosophical question "Are there any absolute truths?"

Read the full article

How can I get a "Baloney Detection Kit" poster for my classroom?