An introduction to practical tools for thinking clearly about the claims, arguments, and information we encounter every day.
In a world overflowing with news, opinions, and information, how do we tell what’s reliable and what isn’t? This course introduces practical tools for thinking clearly about the claims we encounter every day. Through examples, discussion, and short activities, we’ll explore how arguments are constructed, how logical fallacies work, and how to spot misinformation and pseudoscience. We’ll look at the role of experts, how statistics and graphs can be misused in the media, and why people are often persuaded by emotional appeals rather than evidence. The course will also touch on topics such as echo chambers, scientific thinking, and how AI generates information. A lively and accessible introduction to becoming a more confident and thoughtful consumer of information.
Erik Brogt is an academic and consultant with a background in the psychology of teaching and learning. One of his interests is in understanding why people believe what they do, and how they evaluate information.
The price shown includes the Life Membership discount.
Information, logo and images are sourced from the Canterbury WEA website.
