Dean Nelson - Founder and Director of the Journalism Program at Point Loma Nazarene University

Dean Nelson (left), President Travis Jaedtke (right)

Halloween Fun!

James Card telling the scary story of the female Angler Fish and how they reproduce for Halloween

"Skeptics vs Cynics: A Riveting Discourse by Dean Nelson"

In a recent thought-provoking talk, Dean Nelson delved into the contrasting worlds of skeptics and cynics, a topic that resonates deeply in today's information-rich society.

Interesting vs Boring: The Battle for Engagement

Dean Nelson opened his speech by contrasting 'interesting' with 'boring'. He argued that the former invites curiosity and a willingness to explore, while the latter shuts down conversation. In his view, being interesting is not just about the content but how it's presented and perceived.

“Tell Me More” vs “I’ve Already Made Up My Mind”

Nelson then moved to the crucial difference between having an open mind ("Tell me more") and a closed one ("I’ve already made up my mind"). He emphasized the importance of being open to new information and perspectives, especially in an age where echo chambers and confirmation bias are rampant.

The Rigor of Verification

One of the most impactful moments of his talk was his emphasis on verifying information from as many sources as possible. In an era of fake news and misinformation, Nelson highlighted the need for thoroughness in seeking truth, distinguishing between skeptics who question to understand and cynics who doubt to dismiss.

1st Amendment and Press Freedom

Nelson also touched upon the 1st Amendment, reminding the audience that while Congress cannot levy laws against the press, there's an implicit responsibility on both the media and the consumers. The media must strive for unbiased reporting, and consumers should actively seek out multiple sources to be truly informed.

The Responsibility to Inquire and Be Informed

Concluding his talk, Dean Nelson reiterated the responsibility each individual holds in the process of information consumption. He stressed that being informed is not a passive act but an active, ongoing process that involves constant inquiry and cross-checking.

In essence, Dean Nelson's discourse was a call to action for more skepticism (in its true, inquisitive form) and less cynicism, urging us to engage actively with the world of information around us. His words left a lasting impact, reminding us that in the quest for truth, our approach matters just as much as the information we seek.