Have you ever been involved in a contentious, fruitless discussion about politics, science, or current events with a coworker, friend, or family member? Thinking Rationally in an Irrational World, by author Alex Burdeshaw, explores why those conversations get so contentious, and he offers easily applicable ways to make such talks less tense and more fruitful for everyone involved. Burdeshaw discusses the major factors that exacerbate a person’s lack of rational, critical thinking skills. He offers a variety of culprits, including the flawed education system, poor dietary and exercise habits, the hyperpolarization and groupthink mentalities of the media, and the collective lack of well-trained interpersonal skills. In Thinking Rationally in an Irrational World, Burdeshaw proposes possible solutions to combat each of these identified areas.
