
Thinking Skills for a Complex & Divided World
Today’s complex problems demand we think beyond disciplinary silos, employing nuanced, evidence-based reasoning across different fields. Effectively tackling issues like pandemics or climate change, and bridging societal divides, requires understanding how different groups argue from their distinct worldviews.
A core challenge is educating future generations with these skills.
The Oxford Argumentation in Religion and Science (OARS) project addresses this directly by facilitating collaboration between science and religious education teachers in schools. The project aimed to break down subject boundaries and explicitly teach students how to analyse and construct arguments both within and between these different domains – fostering critical thinking applicable far beyond the classroom.
This talk, drawing on this project and other research, explores why such interdisciplinary reasoning and perspective-taking are vital skills for innovation and navigating our shared future.
Bio
Liam Guilfoyle is a Senior Lecturer in Science Education in the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, and fellow of Kellogg College. His research interests revolve around epistemic cognition (how individuals think about the nature of knowledge and the nature of knowing) and how this impacts many facets of life and learning.
Liam is particularly interested in epistemic cognition and practices in interdisciplinary contexts. He is also interested in researching and supporting teachers’ engagement with/in research.
He is the Course Director of the MSc in Learning and Teaching, which supports practicing teachers to be become more research engaged in their own school contexts.
Standard Stuff
Talks are usually (December is always an exception) on the 4th Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 for 7:30, at The Winchester Club in Winchester. Please take a look at the FAQs for more info.
Admission is £5 which also gives you an entry in the book raffle. We take cash and major cards (cards preferred).
The event is in two parts – the talk and then a Q&A after the interval. We encourage you to support the venue by indulging in the available drinks before and during the event.
You are also welcome to join us for a drink in the bar after the event