Considering my Case For Reality project is all about striving to develop a valuable resource for students who want to defend serious fact-based science against frauds using pseudo-science masquerading as fact - a formal consideration of Critical Thinking & Reading Skills is a must.
The way towards success is by studying and learning to recognize the patterns of deceptive rhetoric. That way you become prepared for those tricks and find yourself ready and poised with effective responses.
Don't ignore the lies, use those lies to your advantage. Namely, by intelligently and confidently coming right back and spot-lighting the reality behind the concocted lie, with a compelling counter-story that explains what's actually happening within ourselves, biosphere, climate system, whatever the topic might be. Also remember, there's always an audience to consider, meaning it's worth the effort to make the malicious lie, a teaching moment.
Solid evidence along with a narrative of the story behind the science, enabling people to form a better understanding. Easier said than done, but unless we are changing minds we are losing.
Consider the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu, which besides being about the mental discipline of a warrior, is a philosophy about winning by yielding to an opponent's force, instead of trying to oppose force with force. Rather than playing by the contrarian script, why not develop some intelligent rhetorical jiu-jitsu skills.
It starts with sharp Critical Thinking and Reading Skills, and for developing that we have clearly defined strategies. Below I share from five sources;
Critical Reading and Reading Strategy
The Foundation For Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
The SQ3R Method of Studying
Francis Pleasant Robinson - RememberEverything.org
21 Century Middle School Guide Student’s Guide to Study Skills
