Intellectual Self-defense

The full script is going to be available soon. Until then, you’re getting the links, which probably won’t make much sense if you’ve not been to the workshop.

Prologue

Daniel Dennett tells an ant’s tale. For more, read The Meme Machine.

Act I. Groupthink

The most difficult subjects can be explained to the most slow-witted man if he has not formed any idea of them already; but the simplest thing cannot be made clear to the most intelligent man if he is firmly persuaded that he knows already, without a shadow of doubt, what is laid before him. ~ Leo Tolstoy

Links

The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. ~ Bertrand Russell

Now what?

Act II. One on one

I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me. ~ Dudley Field Malone

Links

Now what?

Act III. The epic search for truth

The real purpose of scientific method is to make sure Nature hasn’t misled you into thinking you know something you don’t actually know. ~ Robert Pirsig

Links

Now what?

Recap: remember the five illusions

For more on each one, read The Invisible Gorilla.

Additional references & material

Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do so. ~ Bertrand Russell