This document discusses the importance of rational and critical thinking and basing beliefs on evidence. It questions what harm there is in holding beliefs without evidence if they provide comfort. However, it argues that rational belief requires evidence to back claims up. Adopting beliefs without sufficient evidence can lead to trouble. The document outlines an assignment where students will watch an episode of South Park about religious beliefs and analyze whether the beliefs presented are based on proof or evidence, why people might adopt those beliefs, and if it is dangerous to consider them facts without evidence. They will link their analysis to a Voltaire quote about how those who make you believe absurdities without reason can make you commit atrocities.

1. If evidence is lacking, so what?
‘ A W I S E M A N , T H E R E F O R E , P R O P O R T I O N S
H I S B E L I E F T O T H E E V I D E N C E ’
DAVID HUME ( 1 7 1 1 - 1 7 76)

2. What is the point of critical thinking?
 Why should we think critically and rationally?
 Why does it matter?
 What harm is there in believing in something if it
makes you feel good or provides you with comfort, or
gives you hope?
 If evidence is lacking so what?

3. Belief and evidence
Where do our beliefs
Come from ?
BRAINSTORM THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE ACQUIRE
BELIEFS
School and
learning

4. The problem with observation and authority

5. Task
 You will be divided into 3 or 4 groups and each group
will watch an episode of South Park
 All about Mormons
 The biggest douche in the universe
 Trapped in the closet
 (Super best friends if 4 groups)
 You will then carry out a 15 minute presentation on
the following …

6. Your presentation will need to focus on the following
 Give a brief outline of the episode – what is the theme and plot?
 What beliefs are being presented to the boys and the people of South
Park?
 Are the beliefs based on proof or evidence?
 Why do you think people decide to adopt those beliefs?
 Is it dangerous to adopt the beliefs as facts? Why?
 What does Stan learn from having listened and learnt from the people
involved – Do you agree with them?
 You will need to use a multi-media tool in order to edit sections of the
episode, that you will use to enhance your presentation (approx 6 mins
of presentations time)
 Link your presentation at some point to Voltaire’s quote
‘Those that can make you believe absurdities can make you commit
atrocities’
Voltaire (1694-1778)
 Any other points relating to what we have studied so far in philosophy

7. Rational belief requires EVIDENCE
 Beliefs like that of the church of Scientologists or the
Book of Mormon need evidence to back them up
 Mormon/Scientology beliefs should be rejected unless
they can be defended
 They need to provide what Philosophers call the ‘burden
of proof’, in other words they need to provide evidence or
proof for their claims
 Formulating beliefs and making decisions without
sufficient evidence always leads to trouble
 Would you really choose a university, career, place to
live, or anything for that matter without examining the
facts involved

8. Inquiry, Hard Work and Progress – Stan sums it up
brilliantly
 ‘You see, I learned something today. At first I
thought you were all just stupid listening to this
douche’s advice but now I understand that
you’re all here because your scared. You’re
scared of death and he offers you some kind of
understanding. You all want to believe in it so
much, I know you do. You find comfort in the
thought that your loved ones are floating
around trying to talk to you, but think about it:
is that really what you want? To just be floating
around after you die having to talk to this
asshole? We need to recognise this stuff or what
it really is: magic tricks. Because whatever is
really going on in life and in death is much
more amazing than this douche.’