The Scientific Odyssey

Apr 11 2021 206 ep. 50 mins 2k

The Scientific Odyssey Podcast artwork

An examination of scientific inquiry through a discussion of the history and philosophy of the scientific endeavor.

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The Scientific Odyssey Unscripted-The Muon g-2 Experiment Results

Apr 11 2021 50 mins

In this unscripted episode, we take a look at the announced results from the Muon g-2 experiment recently performed at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. We examine what it means for the Standard Model of Particle Physics along with the importance of doing science with the goal of falsifying presently accepted models and theories rather than seeking confirmation.

Episode 1.10: Science, Pseudoscience, and Snake Oil

Mar 28 2021 78 mins

A look at pseudosciences and their characteristics through the lenses of critical thinking and inquiry.

Episode 5.12: Boundaries of Empire

Mar 14 2021 48 mins

In this episode, we begin our exploration of the Chinese cartographic tradition.

Solstice 2020

Dec 24 2020 89 mins

In this special solstice episode fo the podcast, we embark on a winter journey through the writings of John Muir and David Henry Thoreau among others.

Episode 5.11: Itineraries

Dec 10 2020 49 mins

In this episode, we conclude our examination of cartography in the Roman Empire by looking at the development of itineraries and travel maps from the period of the late Antonines to the Byzantine Empire.

Special Episode 1: Silverado Squatters-Part 1

Oct 27 2020 77 mins

For many of the crew of the Scientific Odyssey, the next couple of weeks promises to be stressful with the coming US Presidential elections, a rising number of CoVID-19 cases, and many difficult decisions related to school, work, and family. To help give folks a respite from the stormy seas ahead, we offer this episode of the podcast as a safe harbor to take refuge in when it all s

The 200th Episode

Jul 26 2020 50 mins

In this anniversary celebration of our journey, we turn the canvas over to other voices to explore the intersection between inquiry in the sciences and the humanities.

Episode 1.9: Understanding Conspiracy Theories

Apr 26 2020 91 mins

In this episode, we look at applying the tools of good critical thinking and skepticism to analyzing conspiracy theories.

Episode 1.8: Barriers to Good Critical Thinking

Apr 18 2020 87 mins

In this episode of our series on "Science as Inquiry" we look at those things that keep people from engaging in good critical thinking practices and how to overcome them.

Episode 1.7: Characteristics of Good Critical Thinking

Apr 11 2020 74 mins

"The fox knows many little things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing."-Archilochus We trace this quote from the Archaic Greek poet through the work of the philosopher Isaac Berlin to see how it applied to create good practices of critical thinking. Characteristics include having an inquiry focus, being flexible, understanding bias, practicing skepticism, using inference properly