What does the organization Skeptics investigate?

Skeptics investigates claims of the paranormal, pseudo-science, fringe groups, and cults.

Can the Quadro 2000 Dowser Rod accurately detect marijuana?

Yes, the Quadro 2000 Dowser Rod can accurately detect marijuana in students' lockers, but only if enough lockers are opened.

How much does the average IQ increase per 10 years?

The average IQ increases by 3 points per 10 years.

What do scientists use terms like "dark energy" for?

Scientists use terms like "dark energy" as placeholders until they fully understand what it is.

Are most UFOs and crop circles real?

No, most UFOs and crop circles are likely fake and can be easily created with simple materials.

Investigating and Replacing Bad Ideas for a Better Understanding

Name: Investigating and Replacing Bad Ideas for a Better Understanding
Uploaded: 2023-07-27 19:18:53
Description: Investigating and replacing bad ideas with good ones can lead to a better understanding of the world.

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "Why people believe weird things | Michael Shermer" by TED

TLDR Investigating and replacing bad ideas with good ones can lead to a better understanding of the world.

Key insights

🧐

Michael Shermer compares skeptics to "the Ralph Naders of bad ideas, trying to replace bad ideas with good ideas."
🌎

Before claiming something is out of this world, we should first make sure that it's not in this world.
🌌

The problem with having a theory is that it may be loaded with cognitive biases, which can lead to people believing in weird things.
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Our tendency to see patterns and faces can lead us to believe in things like monumental architecture made by Martians on Mars.
🎥

The belief in talking to the dead is not uncommon, but getting them to talk back is the real challenge.

Q&A

What does the organization Skeptics investigate?

— Skeptics investigates claims of the paranormal, pseudo-science, fringe groups, and cults.
Can the Quadro 2000 Dowser Rod accurately detect marijuana?

— Yes, the Quadro 2000 Dowser Rod can accurately detect marijuana in students' lockers, but only if enough lockers are opened.
How much does the average IQ increase per 10 years?

— The average IQ increases by 3 points per 10 years.
What do scientists use terms like "dark energy" for?

— Scientists use terms like "dark energy" as placeholders until they fully understand what it is.
Are most UFOs and crop circles real?

— No, most UFOs and crop circles are likely fake and can be easily created with simple materials.

Timestamped Summary

🔎

00:00
Investigating and replacing bad ideas with good ones.
🤔

01:05
The Quadro 2000 Dowser Rod was tested and found to be accurate in detecting marijuana in students' lockers, but only if enough lockers were opened.
🤔

02:35
People are getting smarter and science is a way of thinking, while intelligent design creationists take a different approach.
🤔

04:46
After centuries of speculation, Christiaan Huygens finally provided an explanation for Saturn's rings.
🤔

06:45
People see different things in the "Face on Mars" due to their background.
🕯️

07:41
Thousands lit candles in tribute to an image of the Virgin Mary, but it was caused by a sprinkler head and a palm tree; talking to the dead is possible, but getting them to talk back is the hard part.
🤔

09:36
There are two paths to choose from, but it's not too late to switch; Skeptics is a nonprofit looking for positive stories.
🚲

11:42
Katie Melua's love song was corrected by a particle physicist to accurately reflect the size of the universe.