Pseudoscience and the Scientific Sheep

[thewhitelily]

Tonight's BrisScience lecture looks awesome.

Wolf in a sheep's labcoat: pseudoscience in the 20th century

As far as philosophies for understanding our world go, science is relatively novel. Yet what distinguishes science from other methodologies? Is pseudoscience a convenient slur for anything which doesn't fit the conventional paradigm, or is it a real threat science communicators need to face? How can we teach people to be critical in their evaluation of new information? And most importantly, do sheep ever wear labcoats?

Monday 4th August 2008
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6 pm)
Ithaca Auditorium, Brisbane City Hall
Free, no booking required

This kind of thing fascinates me, especially as an ex-Creationist, so I'm definitely looking forward to it. Any other Brisbanites planning to be there?

Comments

Alas ...

[(Anonymous)]

Alas, I shan't be able to attend.

As somebody capable of giving you relevant answers, I am now dodging the first four questions as they would take considerable time to frame a decent reply. :) I shall answer your last question though. Yes, unfortunately I have encountered metaphorical sheep wearing labcoats.

TPWFL

Re: Alas ...

[thewhitelily]

Alas indeed. 'Twas a pretty good talk, all in all. And yes, I'm afraid it is true: woolly thinking comes in many disguises. :)

[pete-jones.livejournal.com]

Well, I've missed it, I guess... Hope it was worth attending?

The important question, though, is "do scientists dream of lab-coat-wearing sheep?"

:-)

[thewhitelily]

Definitely! Many interesting points on the distinctions and signposts on the spectrum of scientific rigor -> scam, including a few I hadn't considered.

As for lab-coat-wearing sheep... I know I do!