Third Millennium Thinking

Creating Sense in a World of Nonsense

by Saul Perlmutter, Robert MacCoun & John Campbell

"Third Millennium Thinking (2024)" provides a blueprint for enhancing critical thinking capabilities essential for success in today's digital landscape. Using the most recent scientific findings, the book delivers actionable methods to build resilience, manage emotions, and strengthen mental capacity in children across various age groups.

About the Authors

Saul Perlmutter, a Nobel Laureate in Physics, is renowned for his groundbreaking work on the accelerating expansion of the universe. His research has secured him a place in elite scientific circles and made him a frequent guest in the media.

John Campbell, a noted philosopher, delves into the mechanics of human thought and logic. He has received the Jean Nicod Prize, recognizing his influential contributions to philosophy.

Robert MacCoun is a prominent social psychologist and legal expert, whose studies on judgment, decision-making, and social influence have shaped both academic and public policy spheres. His distinguished career has earned him the James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award, celebrating his lifelong impact on psychological science.

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Navigating Wisdom in the Era of Misinformation and Expert Science

In the new millennium, our access to information has expanded rapidly, yet the challenge of verifying the quality, reliability, and importance of this information has intensified. The consequences of navigating through a deluge of opinionated, biased, and provocative content are significant.

Consider a parent bombarded with conflicting medical advice online, struggling to choose the right treatment for their child's severe illness. Or a student on social media, trying to form a well-rounded view on a complex political issue, only to encounter increasingly extreme viewpoints pushed by algorithms.

Think about a community leader who needs to understand the latest scientific research to make informed decisions about their town's water quality. They are met with dense academic articles, opinionated pieces on the perils of fluoridation, and alarming reports about persistent pollutants.

We live in a world where we're inundated with information, much of which is biased or misleading. How do we effectively steer through this landscape?

This chapter outlines

• a roadmap for honing the critical thinking skills essential for flourishing in today's digital environment

• It shares insights and practical strategies for piercing through the clutter,

• and comprehending the complexities of our world.