ABSTRACT

The book exposes many of the misunderstandings about the scientific method and its application to critical thinking. It argues for a better understanding of the scientific method and for nurturing critical thinking in the community. This knowledge helps the reader to analyze issues more objectively, and warns about the dangers of bias and propaganda. The principles are illustrated by considering several issues that are currently being debated. These include anthropogenic global warming (often loosely referred to as climate change), dangers to preservation of the Great Barrier Reef, and the expansion of the gluten-free food market and genetic engineering.

chapter one|11 pages

Introduction

chapter two|8 pages

The scientific method

chapter four|19 pages

How could this have happened?

chapter five|12 pages

How the media influences public thinking

chapter six|14 pages

Dangers to progress in science

chapter nine|17 pages

Bringing it together

chapter ten|4 pages

Where will the future take us?