Baloney Detection, Part One, and Baloney Detection, Part Two : Writing in Scientific American, Michael Shermer offers 10 questions to ask “to detect baloney.”

1		EXERCISE: Do Shermer’s questions apply to areas other than science? That is, could we or should we use them to “detect baloney” in other course areas, and in our everyday life? In a short response, discuss your thoughts on this question.

Argument Tutorial One: On his Critical Thinking on the Web site, Timothy Van Gelder offers an interactive tutorial on identifying and “mapping” simple arguments.

2		EXERCISE: Starting on the first page , carefully follow the directions. (The first step is to download and print the “Apollo Moon Landings” article.) Take the quizzes on his material. (While you’re there, note the comments posted from others who have taken the quizzes. Consider adding your own to the site.) Finally, try at least one of the 6 Exercises. Once you’re finished with the Tutorial, record your thoughts on the experience here. Would you like to try another Tutorial? There are several more on Van Gelder’s site…!

3		EXERCISE: Read the “Fallacy Files Weblog” on the first page of the site. What do you think about the example and the author’s discussion of it? Can you find your own example of an ad that displays of the same kind of fallacy?

4		EXERCISE: Use this article to practice your critical thinking skills. After skimming, and reading it twice, write answers to the following: What is the issue? What is the author’s argument? On what assumptions does he base his argument? What kinds of support does he present? Is it relevant? Is his argument objective and complete? Do you think the argument is valid and credible?