Critical Thinking Videos and Book

by Mal Vickers

Wasn’t it Paul Keating who used phrases like “the honourable members opposite squeal like stuck pigs”? Whilst the use of ad hominem attacks (name calling) and other logical fallacies abound in politics, has anyone noticed that the Federal Government this year has actually funded a project to help Australians become better critical thinkers?

On the 18th of January 2012 Professor Ian Chubb, Australia’s chief scientist, announced a competition.

“Australians of all ages are invited to create 3-5 minute videos presenting an argument on one of four topics”, Professor Chubb said. Details here. The competition ends on the 1st of May 2012.

Whilst those topics may not be of interest, ahead of the competition a production company called Bridge8 was funded by a government program called TechNyou to produced some primer videos about critical thinking to help inspire the competition.

Bridge8 have done an excellent job. I’m presenting all six videos for your enjoyment below.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/iSZ3BUru59A]

More videos after the fold.

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