Connection:

The flux capacitor is a perfect example of scientific-sounding language. The device from "Back to the Future" allowed Marty and Doc to travel in time. They used a lot of language that sounded technical and complex. It's a great example of how scientific methods and critical thinking prevent us from being influenced by scientific-sounding language. In real life, we need skepticism and the ability to debunk claims that are lacking demonstrable validity and not rely on anecdotes from Doc Brown!

A cacophony of blatherskites to discombobultate and make me absquatulate!

Connection: Psychics have been around since ancient civilizations, and they have never progressed or provided proof to back their clairvoyance claims. Priests and priestesses used to look for signs from beyond and were seen as a connection between the gods and ordinary people. Currently, their methods do not follow the scientific method, which requires testing and collecting evidence to support claims. Current-day "psychics," say they can predict the future, and they usually charge money. People who believe in this can easily fall prey because they lack critical thinking and are so emotionally vested that they can't tell what's real and what's not.

Connection: Parents from Alberta decided to treat their toddler with meningitis the "all natural" way and used a concoction of maple syrup, berries, garlic and horseradish instead of bringing their child to the ER, even after a nurse suggested it. Sadly, the todler passed away as and the parents were charged.

Relying on natural remedies can lead to severe consequences since these remedies are not backed by evidence most of the time. Have skepticism regarding your health and make choices that focus on health and safety using the Scientific Method.

Connection: People being cured after visiting a holy site instead of actual evidence showing how the person was cured (some still believe despite evidence contradicting their beliefs. Also, a person might believe that praying to a certain saint will help them pass an exam (I know because I have done this :) ).

While stories of this actually happening might exist, there's no evidence to show that prayer is what helped them to pass. Be skeptical and stay grounded by facts!

Connection: According to the Institute for Functional Medicine website, the elimination diet is supposed to identify your food sensitivities and reduce inflammation. On their website, they have used this red flag to push their diet and make you spend money on their services. They have posted overwhelming amounts of information to support their claim and trick you into thinking their diet works. When it comes to anything that has to do with your health, use critical thinking, skepticism, and scientific methods. Make sure the information is from a reputable source!

Connection: In the picture, a mother asks her child to clean his room, and the child responds by asking for pizza. The child is trying to distract his mother to avoid cleaning his room. He is diverting attention from the main issue by shifting the subject. This is also done a lot in politics during debates; they provide information that might appear relevant but lead away from the main point so that they don't have to answer. When someone throws a red herring, it's important to redirect them, and, most importantly, stay skeptical!

Connection: Many people believe that the government is in cahoots with pharmaceutical companies, hiding a cancer cure to continue profiting from treatments rather than providing a cure. Some argue that the profits lie in treatment, not in a cure. When encountering claims like this, it's easy to be swayed if you don't apply critical thinking or consult a reputable source. Always stick to the scientific method!

Connection: In the justice system, mistakes can happen when a witnesses inaccurately remebers events leading to wrongful convictions. As was the story of Ronald Cotton who was sentenced twice to life in prison for horrible crimes, except he did not commit the crimes. His conviction was due to inaccurate identification where perception and observation errors led to a distorted view of truth. Suppression of evidence and bias by the accuser, as well as the police, also played a big role in this case. In the justice system we need to ensure accurate and reliable data is used when there are serious crimes and accusations that could potentially convict the wrong person.

Connection: You could say that World War I was caused by an ideology: Nationalism. This sense of "my country is better than yours!" made people want to expand their power and territory, causing tension and competition among many nations. Other countries were seen as a threat. This belief lead to many countries forming alliances and eventually it lef to World War I.

This ideology was supported by groupthink and a distorted view of truth caused by a lack of critical thinking.

Connection: Occam's Razor is from a 14th-century friar names William of Ockham. William said that if you have two ideas, the simplest one is usually the right one. For example, if you think, "this is just a cough; it will go away on its own" you might believe it's not urgent and decide not to get medical help and potentially miss other underlying health issues. It's ok to value simplicity but remain skeptical and don't oversimplify things. We need to use critical thinking and sound judgement. Dont oversimplify everything! #CriticalThinking #ScienceMatters

Connection: A story of life after death, as told by Tony Cicoria, a New York surgeon who was struck by lightning and had a near-death experience. Tony said that when he died he remembers leaving his body and being in another dimension where he felt peace, love and a "God energy". When he woke up, Tony said he felt different. He developed an interest in classical piano music, even though he had never been interested in it. He started teaching himself to play the piano and compose music. Tony became a famous piano player and was featured in a popular book.

Tony maintained that he experienced life after death, or maybe Tony didn't die after all. Perhaps the scientific explanation is that he was unconscious, and his brain was working overtime. Let's embrace curiosity without abandoning skepticism!

Student ID: 100903215

Working solo again! :)