MONTHLY SPEAKER MEETING

Held the 3rd Wednesday of each month except July and August.
Learn about various topics, including computer upgrades, software demonstrations, internet seminars, what's new in technology and more.
A valid Kitchener Group Card is required to attend in person meetings. Kitchener Group Cards are now on sale by phone or in person at any Kitchener Community Centre. They are good for unlimited visits for groups at any City of Kitchener Community Centre.

TIME	Wednesday, April 19, 2023 9:30 am - 11:30 am
PLACE	Via ZOOM. Members will receive a link
SPEAKER	Dr. Christopher W. DiCarlo Dr. DiCarlo is a philosopher, educator, and author. He is the Principal and Founder of Critical Thinking Solutions, a consulting business for individuals, corporations, and not-for-profits in both the private and public sectors. Dr. DiCarlo also hosts a new podcast called: All Thinks Considered in which he engages in free and open discussion about current, important issues with world thought leaders through the lens of Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning.
TOPIC	How to Talk to a Conspiracy Theorist: Misinformation, Disinformation, and Critical Thinking Abstract There has never been a time in history when we have seen such a proliferation of conspiracy theories. But why? And why now? And why so many? And why are some either coming from or being endorsed by the 45th President of the United States as well as other world leaders? Unlike any other time in history, we are inundated with information from many sources of media. And we are racing to catch up to what is reliable, dependable, and true – all the while, feeling deep, emotional attachments to our personal understanding of important issues while trying to avoid misinformation or worse, disinformation. It is often difficult to carry on conversations with conspiracy theorists because we don’t have the proper understanding that will allow us to do so. And this takes time and commitment. The use of Critical Thinking skills, guided by patience and compassion, teaches us how to better understand and interact with the conspiracy theorist in your life. And we want to be able to communicate with a conspiracy theorist with greater success – because they could be our brothers, or sisters, or parents, or kids, or neighbours, or anybody – even you.