What Is the Difference Between Science and Pseudoscience? - Akbar Soltani

About this conversation

Why do we think others are wrong and we're the ones thinking straight? Have you also wondered why people's thoughts and beliefs, especially in politics and religion, become their identity, so that you can't have a conversation with anyone? Especially these days. It's as if, when we criticise something someone said, we've criticised their whole identity. So, do you think every belief deserves respect? Dr. Akbar Soltani, whom we've come to know over the years for critical thinking, was the guest of this episode of Baziya and answered most of these questions with reason Special thanks to Vitabiotics: these days, when every business is under pressure and we're all paying a heavy price, Vitabiotics still supports us and stands with the people of Iran, Start and opening words 00:00 The principle of charity? (02:05) The idea that every opinion deserves respect! (02:48) One of the principles of critical thinking! (05:10) Self-criticism (the highest stage of critical thinking) (07:30) The lowest stage of critical thinking! (07:42) If you want to grow, you have to accept your mistakes (08:35) A Dutch proverb (9:03) What is critical thinking? (10:40) Rhetoric or oratory (13:07) Are we always critical in critical thinking? (17:08) Is critical thinking needed everywhere? (18:39) Is critical thinking the same as conversation skills? (20:02) The link between critical thinking and medicine? (22:26) Is there error in science too? (26:19) One of the differences between science and pseudoscience? (26:42) In non-scientific debates the people decide! (22:18) Can critical thinking help with identity problems? (29:50) What should we do in moral debates? (32:37) The link between identity and political and religious beliefs? (33:26) We accept beliefs first and then go looking for reasons! (36:00) Change in people! (37:36) The black-and-white fallacy in philosophy! (38:55) Accepting a grey world! (40:48) The differences in mindset and way of life in the jungle and in society? (43:12) Is relativism right? (45:18) Preference? (47:05) The pragmatist school? (47:55) Does conversation and debate have rules? (50:05) The link between conversation and critical thinking? (50:47) Why does the phrase «in my experience» matter? (54:21) Where are statistics and research methods used? (56:20) Does argument work in persuasion? (58:45) Why should critical thinking start at a young age? (1:0048) The effect of someone who isn't fair but has a strong, sound argument? (1:01:03) Whose job is promoting fairness so the next generation learns it? (1:04:55) What does a fair person look like? (1:06:54) Hindsight reasoning! (1:09:12) What would you call this chapter of your life? (1:10:10) What do you think is most worth fighting for in your life today? (1:10:29) Do you think a day will come when people live in peace? (1:11:04) In these days and conditions, what makes you wake up in the morning and carry on with your life? (1:11:19) One of the values for going on living (1:11:57) If you felt your success came through injustice, would you give it up or carry on? (1:11:51) What have you lost in life but couldn't let go of? (1:15:08) The best thing your father taught you? (1:15:26) The best thing your mother taught you (1:15:56) One of the outcomes of critical thinking? (1:16:56) One of the skills of critical thinking? (1:17:42) The worst thing parents can teach their children? (1:18:06) What do you think our education system should teach that it doesn't? (1:18:22) Are these taught in other countries? (1:18:47) Don't think only of yourself! (1:19:19) Are you afraid of death? (1:22:02) Find us online: Twitter (X) Telegram Instagram