Project

Thinking about thinking: Cognitive recognize and avoid pitfalls

Code
05C00511
Duration
01 January 2012 → 31 August 2017
Funding
Ghent University funding
Research disciplines
  • Humanities
    • Theory and methodology of philosophy
    • Philosophy
    • Ethics
    • Other philosophy, ethics and religious studies not elsewhere classified
Keywords
cognitive trapdoors
 
Project description

From philosophical and cognitive psychological research shows that people are vulnerable to cognitive pitfalls: in their minds they are guided too often by sophistry, pseudoscientific assumptions and false intuitions. These cognitive pitfalls impede learning and scientific literacy are in the way. The goal of this project is to impart practical tools, both in school context and for the general public, young people and adults can help prevent cognitive pitfalls. This project draws on the expertise of four areas: Philosophy (supervisor Prof. Johan Braeckman..) Mathematics (co-supervisor Prof. Jean Paul From Bendegem..) Biology (co-supervisors Professor Dominique Adriaens and Professor.... Koen Martens) and pedagogy (co-promoter prof. dr. Johan van Braak). Using a website, an educational game, interactive lectures and acts (e.g. sketches), we will mostly young people, but also adult audiences, encourage critical thinking. We will offer them thinking methods by which they learn critical information to approach and contextualize.