Question

What are two specific demonstrations in Michael Shermer’s TED talk that illustrate the importance of exercising skepticism when presented with claims? Describe each of the two demonstrations you selected, and explain Shermer's purpose in presenting the demonstration. What alternative explanation does Shermer present for the claim?

Answer 1

Michael Shermer is one of the skeptics in the country who tend to question the significant questions in order to keep the curiosity and critical thinking activated. He uses cognitive frameworks to explain why people actually turn believers more easily than they are skeptics. In fact, patternicities and the need to generate symbols and meaningful connections in our brain is one of its unique functions that make it the most advanced of all species. We learn through patterns and associations. Once these are formed, there are mental storages in various forms that help retain those pieces of information. In fact he also talks about coloured perception and how we sometimes intentionally tend to pick up information from our environment that seems worthy of that importance, while discarding the rest. His purpose is to demonstrate why it is important to sometimes keep the questions alive and raise queries upon claims. Skepticism is the only aspect that can guide evolution and advancement.