In this module, we have 4 objectives:

1. We apply ourcritical thinking techniques to some fun topics: paranormal phenomena, or,as SV say, "weird things."

   "Weird things" includes astrology, ghosts, fairies, ESP, psychokinesis, UFO abductions,channeling, dowsing, near-death experiences, prophetic dreams, demon possession,time travel, parapsychology, creationism, crop circles, false memory syndrome,therapeutic touch, and the Roswell "incident."

2. We also explore some fascinating topics in the psychologyof self-deception.

3. We analyze why science provides a model of rationalbelief-formation.

4. Finally, we explore the question: is it ever reasonable todeliberately adopt unreasonable beliefs?

When you finish this module, you should be able to explain what counts as a good reasonto believe a claim. You should also be able to explain why NONE of the followingconstitutes sufficient reason to believe a claim (let's call the claim p):

1. "I just know p but I can't say why."

2. "I had an extraordinary personal experience that proves to me that p is true."

3. "No one has ever disproved p, so it's reasonable to believe it."

4. "Any claim is true if I sincerely believe it, and I sincerely believe p."

5. "A lot of people believe p, so there must be something to it."

6. "I saw a TV program that said p was true, and you can't say somethingon TV that isn't true."

7. "I read a book that said p was true, and everything you read in books is true."

8. "Anything is possible, so p might be true." (This "weasel reason" is often combined withthe other "reasons" here.)