Useful Learning Links
We believe in science, reason, and secular values.
Wikipedia explanations of key topics:
Logic and Critical Thinking 101 Websites
Critical Thinking Web – Hong Kong University’s introductory logic and critical thinking page; a great resource for initiates to the topic of philosophy!
Need to Know – A logical fallacy is, fundamentally, an error in logic. This website lists some of the major logical fallacies that people present in their arguments. Understanding logical fallacies is a key to understanding the difference between a rational argument and an irrational one. You can read a brief list of logical fallacies that we have collected. Logical Fallacies 2016
Argumentum ad hominem – Attacking the opponent directly rather than addressing the opponent’s idea
The Galilean – Philosophy for beginners – This website features articles and lessons that cover the basics of western philosophy, including such topics as rhetoric, metaphysics, analytic philosophy, and a guide to logical fallacies. Plenty to see and read here!
The Critical Thinker Academy – An excellent resource page for new arrivals into the world of critical thinking, and an all-around great resource for everyone else!
eSkeptic – The email newsletter of the Skeptic Society
The Skeptic’s Dictionary – This site features definitions, arguments, and essays on hundreds of strange beliefs, amusing deceptions, and dangerous delusions. It also features dozens of entries on logical fallacies, cognitive biases, perception, science, and philosophy.
The Baloney Detection Kit Sandwich (Infographic) Skeptics.com – (A skeptical studies’ curriculum resource) For a class project, a pair of 11th grade physics students created this infographic, shown on this page, inspired by Michael Shermer’s Baloney Detection Kit: a 16-page booklet designed to hone your critical thinking skills.
Science 101 Websites
Sophia – Basic Science Tutorials Introductory tutorials to a host of scientific subjects. An excellent resource for non-scientists.
Science Buddies A fantastic resource page featuring dozens of science experiments for science-fairs or home projects.
Science Websites
CBC Radio’s Quirks & Quarks – Hosted by Bob MacDonald – Quirks & Quarks is the award-winning radio science program of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
The Guardian Newspaper Science Page – The Guardian is a British daily newspaper.
StarTalk – Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson – The StarTalk podcast network bridges the intersection between science, pop culture and comedy with clarity, humor and passion.
Science-Based Medicine – all posts by Harriet Hall – Harriet Hall, MD also known as The SkepDoc, is a retired family physician who writes about pseudoscience and questionable medical practices.
Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) – The mission of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry is to promote scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims.
Solar System’s First Interstellar Visitor Dazzles Scientist (NASA) – Astronomers recently scrambled to observe an intriguing asteroid that zipped through the solar system on a steep trajectory from interstellar space—the first confirmed object from another star.
Alternative Medicine 101 Websites
Science-Based Medicine versus Evidence-Based Medicine by Harriet Hall, MD (The SkepDoc). She writes prolifically about medicine, so called alternative medicine, science, quackery, and critical thinking.
Quackwatch A hilarious and informative website devoted to exposing medical frauds and their claims.
What’s the Harm? A grim website listing the deaths and injuries that have resulted from sham medical practices.
Science-based Medicine Simply one of the best resources available on the nature and flaws of just about every form of alternative medicine in existence. The site is maintained by a network of doctors, educators, medical researchers and others devoted to promoting science-based medicine.
History of Vaccines– The history of vaccines explores the role of immunization in human experience and examines its continuing contributions to human health.
McGill’s Office of Science and Society – Separating Sense from Nonsense – The McGill Office for Science and Society (OSS) is a unique venture dedicated to the promotion of critical thinking, science communication, and the presentation of scientific information to the public, educators, and students in an accurate and responsible fashion. With a mandate to demystify science for the public and separate sense from nonsense, the Office has a history of tackling fake news in the world of science well before the term “fake news” even existed.
Creationism/Evolution 101 Websites
Talk Origins A massive archive of creationist claims, complete with rebuttals and supporting documentation. The definitive ‘first stop’ location for anti-creationists.
Understanding Evolution UCLA – Berkeley’s online introductory guide to evolutionary theory. An excellent resource.
Top 10 Myths about Evolution (And How We Know It Really Happened) Skeptics.com
The Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism A must-watch series of You Tube videos by AronRa which detail the many flaws and issues associated with creationist rhetoric. An excellent introduction to creationism.
National Center for Science Education A non-profit organization devoted to ensuring that only science and scientific theories are taught in classrooms. This website features articles, news, and detailed information on creationist tactics and strategies for undermining science education.
