Making Critical Thinking Part of the Curriculum

Merlin MCC | Making Critical Thinking Part of the Broader Curriculum

Critical thinking is an important skill to cultivate and not just for those in the sciences.  According to psychologist Rachel Grieve, it should be part of the broader curriculum.  Why?  “Being able to actively consider and evaluate information, identify biases, examine the logic of arguments, and tolerate ambiguity until the…

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The Power of Ideas

Merlin MCC | The Power of Ideas

Do ideas really matter?  If so, why and how?  Here is an insightful & awe-inspiring look from philosopher and filmmaker Jason Silva at some of the biological and cultural reasons behind the power of ideas…and why and how they have significance.  Buckle your seat-belts, kids…we promise you’re going to enjoy…

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Cognitive Science & Teaching Critical Thinking

Merlin MCC | Critical Thinking Image | Scholarly Articles

Teaching Critical Thinking: Some Lessons from Cognitive Science Tim van Gelder, College Teaching 53:1 (2005): 41-46. ABSTRACT:  This article draws six key lessons from cognitive science for teachers of critical thinking.  The lessons are: acquiring expertise in critical thinking is hard; practice in critical thinking skills themselves enhances skills; the…

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Plato’s Allegory of the Cave (In Clay)

Allegory of the Cave

Bar none…..one of the best adaptations of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave you’ll ever find.  Creative, imaginative, thought-provoking,  and just plain fun (it’s in clay after all!)…hmm, dare we say “Clayto?”  Enjoy and become enlightened by this Plato & Socrates inspired gem of a short film from the Bullhead Entertainment…

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Can Philosophy Make You a Better Leader?

Philosophy & Leadership

Philosophy is a powerful tool.  While many coaching and leadership programs stress communication and organization, few focus on the import of philosophical self-reflection.  But there is ample evidence that suggest they should.  A recent study in BMC Neuroscience revealed that a critical region in the brain (the ACC) is activated…

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What is Philosophy?

The Death of Socrates | Picture

Wondering what philosophy is?  Or why and how it is relevant?  The word ‘philosophy’ (philosophía) is Greek in origin and means a friend or lover (phílos) of wisdom (sophía).  Philosophy’s investigations are led by reason & the general maxim that the unexamined life is not worth living.  It pertains to…

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Reflective Equilibrium

reflective equilibrium

Have you ever wondered what it takes to think like a philosopher?  According to many, the capacity for reflective equilibrium is imperative.  According to Massimo Pigliucci, Professor of Philosophy at City College of New York, it is a fundamental tool in the philosopher’s toolbox.  But what exactly is reflective equilibrium…

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