Dr. Brian Jones has a PhD in exercise science and is a full-time professor at the University of Louisville where he teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses. He approaches all his courses with a scientific mindset, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking.

Recently, Dr. Jones sent me a file containing one of his lectures on critical thinking. The lecture was for college students, but after reading the file I thought the subject matter would be great for everyone to know, not just those who are attending college. In the following interview, we discuss important points on critical thinking and approaches to knowledge.

I think most people know that the media is not the best source for reliable information.  Yet, many seem to almost exclusively turn to the media for knowledge.  Why do so many people continue to rely on the media for accurate information?

The reason that people rely so heavily on the media for information is equal parts naiveté and laziness. All media has an agenda. In our age the agenda is to sell something — a shampoo, a car, or a political candidate.

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