GATES Evening talk - Evidence or Misinformation: Navigating the Post-Truth Turbulence

The rapid changes in science and society during the last decade have demonstrated the need for readiness to address the uncertain future that is increasingly being impacted by artificial intelligence (A). This need has been conceptualized as “future-oriented skills” which are a set of skills that students should be able to acquire to be able to deal with future challenges. Current as well as future challenges include a wide range of misinformation being propagated in the public domain. For example, there are individuals who claim that the earth is flat, and that climate change is a hoax. Artificial intelligence (AI), its inherent biases and potential misuses can potentially accentuate misinformation.  Argumentation, or the justification of knowledge claims with evidence and reasons, is an aspect of critical thinking skills that can help navigate the turbulent state that is characterising the post-truth era. The presentation will highlight the challenges and opportunities for enhancing evidence-based reasoning.

Sibel ERDURAN is a Professor of Science Education at the Department of Education, University of Oxford, United Kingdom where she is a Fellow of St Cross College. She is a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association and an Editor for the International Journal of Science Education.  She taught middle school science and high school chemistry in Cyprus. She received her BA from Northwestern University (Biochemistry), MSc from Cornell University (Food Chemistry) and PhD (Science Education & Philosophy) from Vanderbilt University, USA.

Supported by the GATES project (Grenoble ATtractiveness and ExcellenceS), funded by the French government's Programme d'Investissement Avenir and implemented by ANR France 2030