The basis for the John Chappell Natural Philosophy Society is the promotion of “critical thinking”. Here are the tenets of critical thinking as we see it:
- Critical thinking can be fostered and taught
- Do not accept any truth at face value (Aristotle)
- Alternatives to all truths must be entertained
- Science can have two or more models or theories for the same phenomena
- Consensus in science is a detriment to science if blindly followed
- Ego above all, is not welcome
Here are the failings of teaching science today:
- Truths come from authority
- Alternatives are not taught to established truths
- Intelligence is the ability to remember and repeat
- Accurate memory and repetition is rewarded
- Non-compliance is punished