#102 – SKEPTICISM 101

What is a Skeptic anyway? Are they just naysayers? Are they cynics? Do they just automatically say “that’s not real” to anything exciting and mysterious? Find out the true meaning of Skepticism in this MonsterTalk special episode — Skepticism 101, featuring Dr. Steven Novella.

Dr. Steven Novella is a clinical neurologist and assistant professor at Yale University School of Medicine. He is a prominent figure in the Skeptic community, he is the host of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe, and he is actively involved in the promotion of Science Based Medicine. Steve joins us to talk about the basics of Skepticism we’re calling Skepticism 101.

Links for Dr. Steve Novella

• The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe
• Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills
• Medical Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths: What We Think We Know May Be Hurting Us
• Science Based Medicine Blog
• New England Conference on Science and Skepticism
• How to Argue

Useful Skeptical Links

• The Skeptic’s Dictionary
• Snopes
• The Straight Dope
• List of Skeptical Podcasts
• What’s the Harm?
• Skeptical Software Tools

Books

• The Demon Haunted World
• How We know what isn’t so
• Mistakes were made, but not by me
• Hits & Mrs

Skepticism 101: The Skeptical Studies Curriculum Resource Center

• Learn about Skepticism 101 (a project of The Skeptics Society)
• Read book recommendations on various skepticism topics

Videos

• Selective Attention Test (Count the basketball passes)
• Richard Wiseman’s Quirkology Videos

Music

• Monstertalk Theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys