We will examine different ways of knowing including the scientific, mathematical, legal, cultural, and religious. Each perspective tries to persuade us. Humans construct arguments based on the scientific experiments, mathematical proofs, legal briefs, cultural mores, or religious beliefs. Does our socialization affect how we structure these arguments and how well they persuade us? How do we resolve the conflicts that may arise between them? What other tools are used to sway us? We will analyze and evaluate various types of arguments and their pitfalls in order to answer these questions and to generate others.

For example, what is the difference between Truth and truth? Are there absolutes? What is the difference between knowledge and belief? Why do you believe what you believe? Are men and women different; if so how? Is killing always wrong; if so why? What do the different ways of knowing tell us?

Drawing examples from experiments, film, mysteries and science fiction, we will illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of different ways of knowing. We will engage in such diverse activities as launching model rockets to explore the physics of motion and the scientific method, playing math games to illustrate formal proof technique, watching Independence Day to learn about propaganda, and reading I, Robot to discuss what it means to be human.