Street Epistemology: It Works

Street Epistemology is a conversational tool that helps people reflect on the quality of their reasons and the reliability of their methods used to derive one's confidence level in their deeply-held beliefs. It is used by science-based-thinkers to promote, one-on-one, critical thinking and to encourage people to analyze the level of magical thinking they use. Needless to say, magical thinkers, especially theists, are defensive against the process. However, as the video below demonstrates, it can be very effective. It's important to watch the whole video to get its full impact.

Surmounting Faith

The Beginning Of The Road To Atheism Is Questioning

Street Epistemology is a novel way of encouraging the public to think about their belief system and to question anything they doubt. In a way, it is Critical Thinking 101 in a non-academic environment. From their web page:

While there are a variety of definitions for Street Epistemology (SE), here are a few that seem appropriate:

1. Street Epistemology is the application of epistemology (the study of knowledge) outside of formal academic contexts.

1. Street Epistemology is a fun and effective way to talk to people about what's really true.

1. Street Epistemology is a conversational tool that helps people reflect on the reliability of the methods used to arrive at their deeply-held beliefs.

1. Street Epistemology is the process of identifying, understanding, and challenging belief claims by asking questions.

Street Epistemology is dialectically-based, grounded in the Socratic method, and enhanced by recent evidence-based advances from a wide spectrum of disciplines, such as motivational interviewing, applied philosophy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Here is some wisdom in applying it.

This is a good example of the process in action. Be sure to read Anthony's thoughts in the narrative post-interview, as well as the comments :

Street Epistemology: Delia | Catholic Questions Atheism (Rock of Comfort)

The Anatomy Of A Christian Deconversion

"Anthony Magnabosco, someone familiar to regular readers, is a 'street epistemologist.' He’s like a preacher you might run across on your college campus, except he’s not trying to convert you. He just wants to ask you questions about religion and get you to think."

An Atheist Planted a Seed of Doubt in His Mind in 2014; Now, a Christian Explains Why He Deconverted