Skeptoid #596: How to Assess a Documentary

Skeptoid

Brian Dunning

History, Skeptic, Social Sciences, Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, Skepticism, Paranormal, Science

4.6 • 3K Ratings

🗓️ 7 November 2017

⏱️ 16 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Some tips to assess whether a documentary is good science or just propaganda.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	The sides making this podcast, we also make educational and documentary films here at
0:08.2	Skeptoid Media.
0:09.8	And when we do, a very reasonable question people ask me is, why should I trust your documentary?
0:16.4	How do we know it's more accurate than any other?
0:19.3	So today I'm going to share my best list of tips and tricks for helping you assess the
0:24.3	quality of any documentary film.
0:27.8	And that's coming up right now on Skeptoid.
0:36.7	Whether you're a seasoned skeptic or just beginning your journey, celebrate Independence Day
0:41.2	with Skeptoids 4th of July sale.
0:44.5	Enjoy a 20% discount on everything at Skeptoid.com slash store using the code July 4 at checkout.
0:54.1	Discover a wide range of books, merchandise, and apparel for skeptics and critical thinkers.
0:59.7	Every store purchase helps us continue our mission to bring STEM-focused edutainment to
1:05.0	all the people out there who need it.
1:07.3	Don't miss out on this chance to save big.
1:10.0	Again, that's code July 4 for 20% discount at Skeptoid.com slash store.
1:23.2	For listening to Skeptoid, I'm Brian Dunning from Skeptoid.com.
1:27.9	How to assess a documentary?
1:31.2	It's no secret that a lot of the documentaries that studios throw our way, both on the television
1:37.4	and in the cinema, are bloated with misinformation.
1:41.6	Most of them are either propaganda or just pop sensationalism.
1:46.1	Many of us enjoy watching these for the entertainment value.
1:48.6	It's fun, just as it was intended, but there are those of us who hope to actually be enlightened
	...

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