There is a thought paradigm that I have often used to challenge students in their understanding of evidence, the world, and critical thinking. Consider the following: most people accept that there are black holes out there in the universe. As per the well-established theorizing, these black holes are stars that have collapsed into their own … Continue reading Santa Claus vs. Black Holes
Tag: Theory
The Intellectual Wonderland of Dr. Alison Gopnik
Dr. Alison Gopnik is inspired by the scientific vision of young children. Without the preconceptions, the extensive set of cognitive heuristics, and the rigid approaches to problem-solving we adopt in adulthood, children see the world with a sense of exploration. Dr. Gopnik and her colleagues have shown young children to be incredible problem-solvers, creative theoreticians, … Continue reading The Intellectual Wonderland of Dr. Alison Gopnik
The Beauty of Being Wrong
I've had a chance to speak with more than 35 influential psychologists so far on this Journey and there are some themes that seem to be emerging. One idea that has intrigued me, and is echoed time and time again, is the emphasis on being wrong. I can't put this bluntly enough: almost all of … Continue reading The Beauty of Being Wrong
The Polythematic Approach of Dr. Max Coltheart
Dr. Max Coltheart has drawn together people and ideas to form an understanding of thought and belief systems. He has done so with studies of visual perception, speech and language processes, computational modeling, clinical patients and their delusions, and a range of other fascinating phenomena. While Dr. Coltheart is Australian, his career has taken him … Continue reading The Polythematic Approach of Dr. Max Coltheart



