Peak Picks & Reviews

People will believe a big lie sooner than a little one; and if you repeat it frequently enough people will sooner or later believe it. Introduction  The Irrational Ape by David Robert Grimes is a compelling and timely exploration of human reasoning, scientific thinking, and the cognitive biases that often lead us astray. Grimes, a physicist and science communicator, provides readers with a well-researched examination of how we, as humans, often fall prey to irrational thought patterns. In an age where misinformation, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscience run rampant, The Irrational Ape offers a crucial roadmap to understanding and mitigating the errors of human cognition.   The book is not just a critique of our failures in rationality but also a guide to sharpening our critical thinking skills. With the scientific method at its core, Grimes encourages readers to question everything and embrace uncertainty with humility. In this review, we will explore the central themes...

An airline pilot faced with the decision of whether or not to make an emergency landing because of bad weather conditions would be ill-advised to allow the passengers to vote on the issue. Introduction  "Thinking from A to Z" by Nigel Warburton is an insightful and pragmatic guide that delves into the intricacies of critical thinking. Warburton, a renowned philosopher and academic, has an impressive knack for distilling complex concepts into accessible language. This book, first published in 1996 and now in its third edition, serves as a comprehensive reference for anyone keen on improving their reasoning and argumentative skills. Through a carefully curated list of terms, from "A" to "Z," Warburton covers a wide spectrum of logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and other tools of critical thinking. This review explores the key themes presented in the book, evaluates its strengths and weaknesses, and concludes with an assessment of its overall contribution ...