Chapter 6 "The great crow fallacy"

First, the author argues that draw fast conclusions from little evidence. I think it's a good point and that in forming opinions it is important to look at solid evidence more so than just a random observation. i think the ALS story was really interesting. There was no scientific evidence whatsoever, but people jumped to the first logical conclusion and it happened to spread across the whole country. This chapter reminds me of my history professors, especially one i had. Being a history major i have heard evidence preached in class after class for 4 years now. Except one of my teachers was obsessed and wouldn't even listen to an argument if there wasn't good evidence to back anything up. It is a good standard to live by, i think if everyone studies solid evidence in their opinions it would lead to a lot less pointless arguing amongst different people. The chapter also reminds me examples in class like when listerine would say how it could kill germs for a sore throat. If enough people see it and believe it, even something as crazy as that can become common knowledge without evidence.

Chapter 4

I think the author makes a good point opening up the chapter by saying that we humans aren't rational. "Cognitivie Dissonance" he describes occurs when deeply held beliefs are challenged by conflicting evidence. I think it is true that all peple struggle with cognitive dissonance and I agree that nobody wants to admit they are wrong. I thought the moonbat section was very interesting. I agree when they say that political partisans can become a barking moonbat. Whether it is Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, or Chris Matthews, a viewer has to be careful when listening to the media and can hopefully find their own answers rather than take them from one side of the media. Overgeneralizing vivid, dramatic single examples is something I think people do way too often as well. I think this chapter overall makes a good point that it is important our ideas in our head come as close to reflecting the world outside as they reasonably can, and that we don't deceive ourselves with popular beliefs.