The Use of Thought Experiments

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We've been going home, coming up on two hours. Give us some final thoughts on on the use of thought experiments and in any of our jointly interested topics that we care about. My favourite thought experiment was one that ad published as a part of a book review. The grandfather paradox has always fascinated me. Going back to or discussion on education, i think it's a great thought experiment for everybody to ask. Monser anwat education reform, what would you do if you needed to learn something? And if if the educational situation that you're in is not the answer, then that needs changing. For usi you need to learn something.

Michael Shermer speaks with Chris Edwards about educational reform, his study and teaching of world history, the problems in K–12 education, the zip-code model vs. the seat time model of education and how they result in massively different educational outcomes, how “no child left behind” left children behind, federal vs. state educational systems, cheating scandals and what to do about them, the future of education in a world of free (or nearly free) online learning, comparing the U.S. educational system to other countries. Shermer and Edwards also discuss thought experiments, based on Edwards’ latest book, Thought Experiments: History and Applications for Education.