‘A WISE MAN, THEREFORE, PROPORTIONS HIS BELIEF TO THE EVIDENCE’

DAVID HUME (1711-1776)

If evidence is lacking, so what?

What is the point of critical thinking?

Why should we think critically and rationally?Why does it matter?What harm is there in believing in something

if it makes you feel good or provides you with comfort, or gives you hope?

If evidence is lacking so what?

BRAINSTORM THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE ACQUIRE BELIEFS

Belief and evidence

Where do our beliefsCome from ?

School and learning

The problem with observation and authority

Task

You will be divided into 3 or 4 groups and each group will watch an episode of South Park

All about MormonsThe biggest douche in the universeTrapped in the closet(Super best friends if 4 groups)

You will then carry out a 15 minute presentation on the following …

Your presentation will need to focus on the following

Give a brief outline of the episode – what is the theme and plot? What beliefs are being presented to the boys and the people of South

Park? Are the beliefs based on proof or evidence? Why do you think people decide to adopt those beliefs? Is it dangerous to adopt the beliefs as facts? Why? What does Stan learn from having listened and learnt from the people

involved – Do you agree with them? You will need to use a multi-media tool in order to edit sections of the

episode, that you will use to enhance your presentation (approx 6 mins of presentations time)

Link your presentation at some point to Voltaire’s quote ‘Those that can make you believe absurdities can make you commit

atrocities’Voltaire (1694-1778)

Any other points relating to what we have studied so far in philosophy

Rational belief requires EVIDENCE

Beliefs like that of the church of Scientologists or the Book of Mormon need evidence to back them up

Mormon/Scientology beliefs should be rejected unless they can be defended

They need to provide what Philosophers call the ‘burden of proof’, in other words they need to provide evidence or proof for their claims

Formulating beliefs and making decisions without sufficient evidence always leads to trouble

Would you really choose a university, career, place to live, or anything for that matter without examining the facts involved

Inquiry, Hard Work and Progress – Stan sums it up brilliantly

‘You see, I learned something today. At first I thought you were all just stupid listening to this douche’s advice but now I understand that you’re all here because your scared. You’re scared of death and he offers you some kind of understanding. You all want to believe in it so much, I know you do. You find comfort in the thought that your loved ones are floating around trying to talk to you, but think about it: is that really what you want? To just be floating around after you die having to talk to this asshole? We need to recognise this stuff or what it really is: magic tricks. Because whatever is really going on in life and in death is much more amazing than this douche.’