For the former to be true, a person needs a foundation of critical thinking and the wisdom of experience, or at least the ability to spot the difference between a teacher and a fool.

An appropriate level of skepticism helps, too, as well as the mental discipline needed to refrain from accepting any source as being absolutely, unquestionably "authoritative." Also: with regard to current events, anything political, and "recent scientific discoveries," a willingness to suspend judgement until all the facts are known (or as many of them as can be known) is required. Be wary of any source claiming to have "proven" anything. Always consider that some so-called "experts" may not be, especially in fields other than the one in which they are renowned.

 

I find this conversation interesting, recently one of my Daughters from a previous marriage became upset when my stepdaughter who finishing her RN May 16th, and who also gave birth a week ago, posted something on face book about the MMR shot quote saying : My baby will get the MMR, I feel that people who don't are putting their kids at risk unnecessarily.

My daughter (who was offended) is an internet nerd and who is also against the MMR shot said quote: I think she posted this directly at me.

No matter what I said she wasn't convinced to remain offended, I believe my stepdaughter directed the comment to people in general, but not directly. Either way the idea in both camps is they believe in different (Gods) of information which is sources on opposite ends of the spectrum.

kv