Michael Specter is a reporter for the New Yorker.  His 2009 book Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives (reviewed here) describes the situation when, in Mr. Specter’s words, “an entire segment of society, often struggling with the trauma of change, turns away from reality in favor of a more comfortable lie.” In this talk at the 2010 TED conference, Specter warns of the dangers of denying data.  As you listen, consider the implications of what he is saying.

• Do Americans deny data as easily as he suggests we do?
• Why would someone choose to deny data, especially when it was reproduced in study after study?
• What does he suggest might be the result of continued denial of data?
• What are instances in your own thinking where you have purposefully refused to consider facts presented to you?  What were the implications of that decision?

http://vimeo.com/20146117

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