1. If evidence is lacking, so what? A W I S E M A N , T H E R E F O R E , P R O P O R T I O N SH I S B E L I E F T O T H E E V I D E N C E DAVID HUME ( 1 7 1 1 - 1 7 76)

2. What is the point of critical thinking?Why should we think critically and rationally?Why does it matter?What harm is there in believing in something if itmakes you feel good or provides you with comfort, orgives you hope?If evidence is lacking so what? 3. Belief and evidenceWhere do our beliefsCome from ?BRAINSTORM THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE ACQUIREBELIEFSSchool andlearning 4. The problem with observation and authority 5. TaskYou will be divided into 3 or 4 groups and each groupwill watch an episode of South ParkAll about MormonsThe biggest douche in the universeTrapped in the closet(Super best friends if 4 groups)You will then carry out a 15 minute presentation onthe following 6. Your presentation will need to focus on the followingGive a brief outline of the episode what is the theme and plot?What beliefs are being presented to the boys and the people of SouthPark?Are the beliefs based on proof or evidence?Why do you think people decide to adopt those beliefs?Is it dangerous to adopt the beliefs as facts? Why?What does Stan learn from having listened and learnt from the peopleinvolved Do you agree with them?You will need to use a multi-media tool in order to edit sections of theepisode, that you will use to enhance your presentation (approx 6 minsof presentations time)Link your presentation at some point to Voltaires quoteThose that can make you believe absurdities can make you commitatrocitiesVoltaire (1694-1778)Any other points relating to what we have studied so far in philosophy 7. Rational belief requires EVIDENCEBeliefs like that of the church of Scientologists or theBook of Mormon need evidence to back them upMormon/Scientology beliefs should be rejected unlessthey can be defendedThey need to provide what Philosophers call the burdenof proof, in other words they need to provide evidence orproof for their claimsFormulating beliefs and making decisions withoutsufficient evidence always leads to troubleWould you really choose a university, career, place tolive, or anything for that matter without examining thefacts involved 8. Inquiry, Hard Work and Progress Stan sums it upbrilliantlyYou see, I learned something today. At first Ithought you were all just stupid listening to thisdouches advice but now I understand thatyoure all here because your scared. Yourescared of death and he offers you some kind ofunderstanding. You all want to believe in it somuch, I know you do. You find comfort in thethought that your loved ones are floatingaround trying to talk to you, but think about it:is that really what you want? To just be floatingaround after you die having to talk to thisasshole? We need to recognise this stuff or whatit really is: magic tricks. Because whatever isreally going on in life and in death is muchmore amazing than this douche.