Sharpen your reasoning skills: logic and critical thinking for scientists

Aim

To learn how to give more convincing arguments in publications or debates and be able to identify flaws in scientific reasoning.

Language

English

For

All PRBB

Contents

Sound critical thinking ensures both rigour and integrity in science, yet surprisingly few scientists explicitly learn the basic concepts that underpin sound thinking. In this course you will learn concepts of logic and critical thinking that will help you develop stronger arguments, clearer hypotheses and solid evidence to support your scientific publications and discussions.

In addition to learning how to give more convincing arguments, participants will learn to identify flaws in scientific reasoning and to judge more accurately whether their own positions are well justified. The course exercises are designed to apply these skills directly to each participant’s own scientific work as well as to some general ethical situations in science.

The course consists of several sessions. You should be able to attend all of them.

Study commitment

This course, along with a few other courses in the Intervals programme, offers participants the added benefit of taking an active part in assessing their progress towards their learning goals in a structured way. To this aim we have incorporated a pre- and post-course assessment into the course (please see the attached course proposal for more information).

Your agreement to complete these exercises is a pre-condition to acceptance on the course. The exercises will take about 30 minutes to complete both before and after the course.

Other relevant information

This edition will be delivered by Malte Engel.

For any issue regarding attendance before or during the course, please note that you should contact the Intervals team directly by sending an email to intervals@prbb.org.

NOTE: Conditions for participating in online courses  

Intervals courses are small, interactive group sessions in which confidential issues are often raised. During the Zoom sessions you must have your camera on, and a microphone ready to participate in the group activities. You should be in a quiet place with a good internet connection. If you are not alone in the room you must wear headphones. If you are unable to meet these conditions you will be asked to leave the course.

Related courses

Introduction to effective biomedical writing (Intervals - CÍCLIKS)

Behind the scenes – small tutorial group for anyone giving oral research presentations