Frequently Asked Questions

Street Epistemology is a way to help people critically reflect on the quality of our reasoning through civil conversation.

For those looking for a more detailed definition: Street Epistemology is a way of applying a set of philosophy and psychology-based tools through civil conversation to help ourselves and others critically reflect on the quality of the reasoning one uses to justify our level of confidence that a claim is true.

A history of the definition of SE over the years will be available in the Glossary section of the upcoming self-directed course.

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The primary goal of Street Epistemology is to promote critical thinking and to encourage people to reflect on our beliefs more closely. Through respectful and productive dialogue, SE practitioners aim to help people become more aware of the reasons they have for holding our beliefs and to identify any flaws or biases in our thinking.

SE is not about convincing people to change our minds or to adopt a particular viewpoint, although it could be applied that way. Instead, the goal is to create a space for open and honest dialogue, where people can explore our beliefs and the reasons they have for holding them, and then decide on our own if our level of confidence in the truth of our claim is supported to our satisfaction.

Some other goals of SE include:

Encouraging people to be more reflective: By asking open-ended questions and encouraging people to think more deeply about our beliefs, SE can help individuals become more aware of our own thought processes and biases.

Promoting respectful dialogue: SE practitioners aim to create a safe and non-judgmental space for discussion, where people can feel comfortable sharing our views and exploring different perspectives.

Challenging dogmatism: SE seeks to challenge dogmatic thinking and encourage people to be more open to considering alternative viewpoints and evidence.

Encouraging the use of evidence and reason: By focusing on the reasons people have for holding our beliefs, SE can help individuals recognize the importance of using evidence and reason to support our views.

Overall, the goals of SE are to promote critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and the use of evidence and reason in forming beliefs.

The word “epistemology” refers to a philosophical discipline that studies the nature, origin, and scope of knowledge and beliefs. It deals with questions such as: What is knowledge? What does it mean to say that we know something? What are the necessary and sufficient conditions of knowledge? Street Epistemology, in contrast, could be seen as a form of applied epistemology.

In Street Epistemology, the term “street” is used metaphorically and does not refer to a physical location. Instead, it conveys the accessibility and practical nature of the approach. The inclusion of “street” signifies a down-to-earth methodology that can be employed by anyone, regardless of their educational background or expertise.

It emphasizes that Street Epistemology is not confined to formal or academic settings but can be applied in various everyday situations. The metaphorical use of “street” suggests that the approach is relatable and applicable to people from all walks of life, highlighting the idea that productive discourse and critical thinking about beliefs can occur in common, relatable contexts.

Here are some suggestions for ways to grok (or grasp) Street Epistemology:

Read books on Street Epistemology: There are two books written by the founder of Street Epistemology, Peter Boghossian, and other practitioners of this approach can help you understand the underlying concepts and techniques.

Watch videos of Street Epistemology in action: There are several YouTube channels that showcase Street Epistemology conversations with different people. Watching these videos can give you a better sense of how Street Epistemology works in practice.

Practice Street Epistemology with others: The best way to understand Street Epistemology is to practice it yourself. Try having conversations with friends or family members using the techniques of Street Epistemology. You can also find practice partners online through Street Epistemology groups.

Join a Street Epistemology group or community: There are several online communities and groups dedicated to Street Epistemology. Joining one or more of these groups can help you learn more about the approach and connect with other practitioners.

Attend a Street Epistemology workshop or training: Street Epistemology International will soon be offering workshops and training sessions on Street Epistemology. Attending one of these sessions can help you gain a deeper understanding of the approach and develop your skills.

Street Epistemology can be used in a variety of real-world situations to promote critical thinking and respectful dialogue. Here are some examples:

Conversations with strangers: SE can be used to engage with strangers in conversations about our beliefs. By asking open-ended questions and encouraging reflection, SE can help individuals become more aware of our own thought processes and biases.

Interfaith dialogue: SE can be used in interfaith dialogues to promote respectful and productive conversations between people with different religious beliefs. By focusing on the reasons people have for holding our beliefs, SE can help individuals recognize the importance of evidence and reason in forming our views.

Political discussions: SE can be used in political discussions to encourage people to think more critically about our political beliefs and the reasons they have for holding them. By creating a space for open and honest dialogue, SE can help individuals explore different perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Education: SE can be used in educational settings to teach critical thinking skills and to help students learn how to evaluate evidence and reason effectively.

Therapeutic settings: SE can be used in therapeutic settings to help individuals examine our beliefs and thought processes and to challenge negative thinking patterns.

Overall, SE can be used in a wide range of settings to promote critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and the use of evidence and reason in forming beliefs.

SE can also be used in business settings to promote critical thinking and evidence-based decision making. By encouraging employees to reflect on our beliefs and the reasons they have for holding them, SE can help to identify any biases or flawed thinking that may be hindering effective decision-making.

For example, SE can be used in brainstorming sessions to encourage employees to question assumptions and to explore alternative perspectives. By creating a space for open and honest dialogue, SE can help to surface diverse viewpoints and insights that might otherwise be overlooked.

SE can also be used in performance evaluations to help employees reflect on our own performance and to identify areas for improvement. By asking open-ended questions and encouraging self-reflection, SE can help employees to develop a deeper understanding of our own thought processes and to identify any beliefs or biases that may be hindering our effectiveness.

Street Epistemology is a method of conversational intervention designed to help people think more critically about our beliefs. It was developed by Peter Boghossian and others, and is based on the following key principles:

Civility: The first principle of Street Epistemology is civility. It is important to approach conversations with an attitude of civility and to treat the other person with courtesy, even if you disagree with our beliefs. This includes avoiding personal attacks, sarcasm, or other forms of aggression in the conversation.

Socratic questioning: Street Epistemology uses Socratic questioning to encourage people to think more deeply about our beliefs. The goal is not to change our mind, but to help them become more aware of the reasons why they hold our beliefs.

Epistemology: Epistemology is the study of knowledge and how we come to know things. Street Epistemology encourages people to examine the epistemological basis of our beliefs, including the methods they use to acquire knowledge and the standards they use to evaluate evidence.

Open-mindedness: Street Epistemology is grounded in open-mindedness. It is important to be willing to consider alternative perspectives and to be open to the possibility that our beliefs may be mistaken.

Active listening: Active listening is an essential part of Street Epistemology. It involves paying close attention to what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back what you have heard to ensure that you understand our position accurately.

Non-judgmental: Street Epistemology is non-judgmental. The goal is not to judge or criticize the other person's beliefs, but to help them examine our own thinking and arrive at our own conclusions.

Empathy: Empathy is an important part of Street Epistemology. It involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes and trying to understand our perspective and the reasons behind our beliefs.

By using these principles in a respectful and non-confrontational way, Street Epistemology can help people become more aware of our own thinking and more open to considering alternative perspectives. 

Street Epistemology differs from other forms of critical thinking in its focus on engaging with people directly about our beliefs and how they arrived at those beliefs. While other forms of critical thinking may focus more on analyzing arguments or assessing evidence, Street Epistemology seeks to help people become more aware of our own thinking and the epistemological basis for our beliefs.

Another difference is the approach taken in Street Epistemology. It is designed to be a respectful and non-confrontational method of conversational intervention that is focused on helping the other person clarify and examine our own thinking, rather than trying to persuade or convince them to change our mind.

Finally, Street Epistemology is a more practical and accessible approach to critical thinking that can be used in everyday conversations, not just in academic or formal settings. It can be used by anyone, regardless of our level of education or expertise in a particular field, to engage with others about our beliefs and to promote more critical thinking and rational inquiry.

There are several common misconceptions about Street Epistemology that can be addressed:

Street Epistemology is about deconverting people: One common misconception is that the goal of Street Epistemology is to deconvert people from our beliefs. Street Epistemology is not about changing people's minds, but rather about helping them become more aware of our own thinking and the epistemological basis for our beliefs so they can decide to change or not.

Street Epistemology is disrespectful: Some people may view Street Epistemology as confrontational or disrespectful. However, the method is based on the principle of respect and civility, and aims to engage people in a non-confrontational conversation that is focused on examining our beliefs in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.

Street Epistemology is only for atheists: While Street Epistemology was developed by atheists, it can be used by anyone regardless of our religious or philosophical beliefs. The method is focused on promoting critical thinking and rational inquiry, and can be applied to any belief system.

Street Epistemology is a debate or argument: Street Epistemology is not a debate or argument. Rather, it is a method of conversational intervention that is focused on encouraging people to examine our own thinking and the epistemological basis for our beliefs. The goal is not to win an argument or persuade the other person to adopt a particular point of view, but rather to help them think more critically about our own beliefs.

Street Epistemology is manipulative: Some people may view Street Epistemology as manipulative, as it involves asking probing questions and encouraging people to examine our own thinking. However, the method is grounded in the principle of respect, non-judgment, autonomy, informed consent, and is focused on promoting critical thinking and self-reflection rather than manipulation or coercion.

Street Epistemology can be used to challenge religious beliefs in the same way that it can be used to challenge any belief system. The goal of Street Epistemology is not to attack or ridicule people for our beliefs, but rather to engage them in a respectful and non-confrontational conversation that encourages our own critical thinking and self-reflection.

Here are some ways that Street Epistemology can be used to challenge religious beliefs:

Ask questions: Street Epistemology involves asking probing questions that encourage people to think more deeply about our beliefs. Questions can be focused on how they arrived at our beliefs, what evidence they have for our beliefs, and how they evaluate the reliability of that evidence.

Use the outsider test: The outsider test is a method of examining beliefs from an outside perspective. In the case of religious beliefs, this would involve asking the person to consider how our beliefs would be viewed by someone from a different religion or no religion at all.

Explore contradictions: Many religious beliefs involve contradictions or inconsistencies. Street Epistemology can be used to explore these contradictions and encourage people to think about how they reconcile them.

Encourage self-reflection: Street Epistemology is focused on helping people become more aware of our own thinking and the epistemological basis for our beliefs. By encouraging self-reflection, it can help people to examine our own beliefs more critically and make more informed decisions about what they believe.

It's important to note that Street Epistemology should be used with the goal of promoting critical thinking and self-reflection, not with the goal of attacking or belittling people for our beliefs. Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide what they believe, and Street Epistemology can be a helpful tool for encouraging people to think more deeply about our beliefs, regardless of what those beliefs are. 

Street Epistemology can also be used to challenge political beliefs in a similar way that it can be used to challenge religious beliefs. Here are some ways that Street Epistemology can be used to challenge political beliefs:

Ask questions: As with religious beliefs, Street Epistemology involves asking probing questions that encourage people to think more deeply about our political beliefs. Questions can be focused on how they arrived at our beliefs, what evidence they have for our beliefs, and how they evaluate the reliability of that evidence.

Explore contradictions: Many political beliefs involve contradictions or inconsistencies. Street Epistemology can be used to explore these contradictions and encourage people to think about how they reconcile them.

Encourage self-reflection: Street Epistemology is focused on helping people become more aware of our own thinking and the epistemological basis for our beliefs. By encouraging self-reflection, it can help people to examine our own political beliefs more critically and make more informed decisions about our political views.

Use Socratic questioning: Socratic questioning is a method of asking questions that encourages critical thinking and self-reflection. By using Socratic questioning, Street Epistemology can help people to examine our political beliefs more deeply and think more critically about our own reasoning.

It's important to note that Street Epistemology should be used with the goal of promoting critical thinking and self-reflection, not with the goal of attacking or belittling people for our political beliefs. It can be a helpful tool for encouraging people to think more deeply about our political beliefs and engage in more productive discussions about politics. 

Street Epistemology can also be used to challenge scientific beliefs in a similar way that it can be used to challenge religious or political beliefs. Here are some ways that Street Epistemology can be used to challenge scientific beliefs:

Ask questions: Street Epistemology involves asking probing questions that encourage people to think more deeply about our scientific beliefs. Questions can be focused on how they arrived at our beliefs, what evidence they have for our beliefs, and how they evaluate the reliability of that evidence.

Challenge assumptions: Many scientific beliefs are based on assumptions that may not be fully understood or questioned. Street Epistemology can be used to challenge these assumptions and encourage people to examine the underlying premises of our scientific beliefs.

Explore alternative explanations: Science is an evolving field, and there are often multiple explanations for a given phenomenon. Street Epistemology can be used to explore alternative explanations and encourage people to consider different perspectives.

Use critical thinking: Street Epistemology is focused on promoting critical thinking, and this can be particularly useful when challenging scientific beliefs. By using critical thinking, people can evaluate the reliability of the evidence for our beliefs and make more informed decisions about what they believe.

It's important to note that Street Epistemology should be used with the goal of promoting critical thinking and self-reflection, not with the goal of attacking or belittling people for our scientific beliefs. Ultimately, it's up to the individual to decide what they believe, and Street Epistemology can be a helpful tool for encouraging people to think more deeply about our scientific beliefs, regardless of what those beliefs are.

Street Epistemology utilizes a variety of techniques to help people reflect on our beliefs, examine our thought processes, and develop a more reliable way of evaluating claims. Here are some techniques that are commonly used in Street Epistemology:

Active Listening: Active listening involves paying attention to what the other person is saying and trying to understand our point of view. This helps to build rapport and trust with the person, which is crucial for a productive conversation.

Reflective Summaries: Reflective summaries involve restating what the other person has said in order to confirm understanding and demonstrate that you are actively listening. This can also help the person to reflect on our own beliefs and thought processes.

Clarifying Questions: Clarifying questions are open-ended questions that are used to explore the person's beliefs and thought processes in more detail. These questions can help the person to think more deeply about our own beliefs and the reasons behind them.

Street Epistemology Tools: Street Epistemology has developed a set of tools that can be used to challenge beliefs in a respectful and non-confrontational way. These tools include “truth test,” “claim clarification,” “confidence scales,” “real reason check,” and “steelmanning,” among others. You can learn more about these and other aspects of SE in the self-directed SE learning course.

Socratic Questioning: Socratic questioning is a technique that involves asking questions to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection. Socratic questioning is often used in Street Epistemology to help people examine our own thought processes and beliefs more closely.

Empathy: Empathy involves putting yourself in the other person's shoes and trying to understand our point of view. This helps to build trust and can lead to a more productive conversation.

Overall, the techniques used in Street Epistemology are designed to encourage critical thinking, self-reflection, and respectful dialogue. By utilizing these techniques, Street Epistemologists can help people to examine our beliefs more closely and develop a more reliable way of evaluating claims. 

Resistance from the person being questioned is common in Street Epistemology, as people can be very defensive when it comes to our beliefs. Here are some ways that Street Epistemologists handle resistance:

Show empathy: When someone is resistant to questioning, it can be helpful to show empathy and validate our feelings. Acknowledge that it can be difficult to have one's beliefs challenged and that you understand how they might feel.

Ask permission: It can be helpful to ask permission before continuing the conversation. Ask if they are willing to continue the conversation and if they are comfortable answering more questions.

Reassure them: Let the person know that you are not trying to attack or belittle our beliefs. Reassure them that you are simply trying to understand our thought processes and that you value our perspective.

Take a break: If the person becomes too defensive or emotional, it may be necessary to take a break and come back to the conversation later. This can give the person time to reflect on the conversation and come back with a more open mind.

Reframe the conversation: If the person is resistant to a particular line of questioning, it may be helpful to reframe the conversation in a way that is more comfortable for them. For example, you could ask them to explain our beliefs in more detail or to discuss how they arrived at our beliefs.

Ultimately, the goal of Street Epistemology is not to change someone's mind, but rather to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection. If someone is resistant to questioning, it's important to respect our boundaries and not push the conversation too far. By showing empathy and asking permission, Street Epistemologists can help to build trust and create a more productive dialogue. 

Sensitive topics can be challenging to discuss, and Street Epistemology acknowledges the importance of being sensitive to people's emotions and beliefs. Here are some ways that Street Epistemology can handle sensitive topics:

Ask for permission: Before diving into a sensitive topic, it's important to ask for permission and make sure that the person is comfortable discussing it. Let them know that they are in control of the conversation and that they can choose not to answer any questions they are uncomfortable with.

Use a gentle approach: When discussing sensitive topics, it's important to be respectful and use a gentle approach. Avoid being confrontational or aggressive, and instead, try to create a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Show empathy: It's important to show empathy and understanding when discussing sensitive topics. Acknowledge the person's emotions and feelings, and try to see things from our perspective.

Be aware of your own biases: It's important to be aware of your own biases and assumptions when discussing sensitive topics. Avoid making assumptions about the person's beliefs or experiences, and try to approach the conversation with an open mind.

Use reflective listening: Reflective listening involves repeating back what the person has said to demonstrate that you are listening and to ensure that you understand our perspective. This can be especially helpful when discussing sensitive topics, as it can help to build trust and create a more productive dialogue.

Be willing to end the conversation: If a sensitive topic becomes too difficult or emotional, it's important to be willing to end the conversation. Let the person know that it's okay to take a break or to stop the conversation altogether.

Overall, Street Epistemology emphasizes the importance of respect, empathy, and understanding when discussing sensitive topics. By being sensitive to people's emotions and beliefs, Street Epistemologists can create a safe and non-judgmental environment where productive dialogue can take place.

Street Epistemology is a method for encouraging critical thinking and evaluating the reliability of beliefs. However, it can be challenging to have productive discussions with people who are unwilling to provide evidence for our beliefs. Here are some ways that Street Epistemology can handle people who are unwilling to provide evidence for our beliefs:

Ask clarifying questions: Even if someone is unwilling to provide evidence for our beliefs, it's still possible to ask clarifying questions to better understand our thought processes. By asking thoughtful questions, Street Epistemologists can help to create a space for dialogue and self-reflection.

Explore the reasons for our beliefs: Even if someone is unwilling to provide evidence for our beliefs, it's still possible to explore the reasons behind our beliefs. By asking questions about our personal experiences, cultural background, or other factors that may have influenced our beliefs, Street Epistemologists can help to create a more nuanced understanding of our thought processes.

Encourage critical thinking: Even if someone is unwilling to provide evidence for our beliefs, it's still possible to encourage critical thinking by asking questions that challenge our assumptions and biases. By modeling critical thinking and intellectual humility, Street Epistemologists can help to create a culture of open-mindedness and self-reflection.

Acknowledge the limitations of evidence: While evidence is an important part of evaluating the reliability of beliefs, it's important to acknowledge that not all beliefs can be supported by empirical evidence. In some cases, personal experience, intuition, or other factors may play a role in shaping someone's beliefs. By acknowledging the limitations of evidence, Street Epistemologists can help to create a more nuanced understanding of the nature of belief.

Ultimately, Street Epistemology is about creating a safe and non-judgmental space for dialogue and self-reflection. Even if someone is unwilling to provide evidence for our beliefs, the conversation can still be productive if it encourages critical thinking and intellectual humility. By asking thoughtful questions, exploring the reasons behind beliefs, and acknowledging the limitations of evidence, Street Epistemologists can help to create a more intellectually honest and open-minded society. 

Street Epistemology can be used to improve communication and understanding between people with different beliefs in several ways:

Encouraging empathy: Street Epistemology emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding other people's perspectives. By encouraging empathy and active listening, Street Epistemology can help people to develop a greater appreciation for other people's beliefs and experiences.

Fostering intellectual humility: Street Epistemology emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our own fallibility and being open to changing our beliefs based on evidence. By fostering intellectual humility, Street Epistemology can help people to approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Challenging assumptions and biases: Street Epistemology encourages people to challenge our own assumptions and biases, as well as those of others. By exposing the flaws in our own thinking and the thinking of others, Street Epistemology can help people to develop a more nuanced understanding of different beliefs and perspectives.

Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for dialogue: Street Epistemology emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for dialogue, where people can explore different beliefs and perspectives without fear of ridicule or condemnation. By creating a culture of open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity, Street Epistemology can help people to engage in more productive and meaningful conversations.

Building common ground: Finally, Street Epistemology can help to build common ground between people with different beliefs by identifying shared values, goals, and concerns. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, Street Epistemology can help to bridge gaps and foster greater understanding and cooperation between people with different beliefs.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be a powerful tool for improving communication and understanding between people with different beliefs. By encouraging empathy, intellectual humility, critical thinking, and open-mindedness, Street Epistemology can help to create a more intellectually honest and respectful society. 

Street Epistemology can be taught to others through a variety of means, including:

Workshops and training sessions: Street Epistemology workshops and training sessions are a great way to introduce people to the key concepts and techniques of Street Epistemology. These sessions can be led by experienced Street Epistemologists or educators with a background in critical thinking and dialogue facilitation.

Online courses and resources: There are a growing number of online courses and resources available that teach the principles and techniques of Street Epistemology. These resources can include video tutorials, podcasts, blogs, and online forums.

Peer mentoring and practice sessions: Peer mentoring and practice sessions can be a great way to develop Street Epistemology skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. These sessions can be organized by local Street Epistemology groups or facilitated by experienced practitioners.

Books and reading materials: There are several books and reading materials available that provide an introduction to Street Epistemology and its techniques. These resources can be used as a starting point for self-directed learning or as a supplement to other training and practice methods.

Incorporating Street Epistemology into existing courses and curricula: Street Epistemology concepts and techniques can be incorporated into existing courses and curricula in critical thinking, philosophy, and other related fields. This can help to introduce students to the importance of evidence-based reasoning and encourage them to develop the skills and habits of critical thinking.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be taught to others through a combination of experiential learning, peer mentoring, and formal instruction. By providing people with the tools and techniques to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue, we can help to create a more intellectually honest and empathetic society. 

Street Epistemology can be used to improve one's own critical thinking skills in several ways:

Encouraging reflection: Street Epistemology encourages people to reflect on our own beliefs and thought processes. By questioning our own assumptions and biases, we can become more aware of our own thinking and develop a more nuanced and critical perspective.

Developing empathy: Street Epistemology emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding other people's perspectives. By developing empathy for others, we can become more aware of our own biases and assumptions, and better able to critically evaluate our own beliefs.

Practicing active listening: Street Epistemology requires active listening and engagement with others. By practicing active listening, we can become better at identifying the underlying assumptions and arguments in other people's beliefs, and better able to critically evaluate those arguments.

Applying critical thinking skills: Street Epistemology encourages people to apply critical thinking skills such as evaluating evidence, assessing arguments, and identifying logical fallacies. By practicing these skills in the context of Street Epistemology conversations, we can develop our critical thinking skills in general.

Learning from others: Finally, Street Epistemology provides an opportunity to learn from others who have different beliefs and perspectives. By engaging in respectful dialogue with others, we can learn from our experiences and insights, and broaden our own understanding of the world.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be a valuable tool for improving one's own critical thinking skills. By encouraging reflection, empathy, active listening, and critical thinking, Street Epistemology can help us to become more intellectually honest and curious individuals.

 

Some potential criticisms of Street Epistemology include: SE being atheist evangelism, manipulation, avoidant of facts, allowing for unqualified people to discuss epistemology, unnatural, and ineffective. Each of these are addressed in detail below:

SE is Atheist Evangelism
Accuracy Estimation (2017–Present): Mostly False
Accuracy Estimation (2015–2016): Partly True/Partly False
Accuracy Estimation (2013–2014): Mostly True

Ever since Street Epistemology began it has been criticized as a form of covert atheist evangelism—a charge primarily made by religious apologists. While we think this criticism is no longer quite as valid, things were a bit different in the early days of SE.

In order to properly explore this criticism, it’s important to share the common definitions of the following words:

atheist
1. Someone who lacks belief in one or more gods.
2. Someone who believes that there are no gods.

evangelism
1. The enthusiastically zealous attempt to persuade or convert others to a particular conclusion or worldview.

We understand where this criticism comes from. The concept of Street Epistemology originated in philosopher professor Peter Boghossian’s 2013 book, A Manual for Creating Atheists, an admittedly evangelistic title. The controversial book began to catch people’s attention and was regularly promoted in atheist circles as a better way to have conversations with religious believers. An expanding library of online content where SE was used to explore religious and supernatural beliefs also served to feed this criticism.

Boghossian’s book specifically encouraged readers to view faith as “pretending to know things you don’t know” and view theists as epistemic victims in need of an intervention, leading to the reasonable charge that SE was atheist evangelism. The word “street” in Street Epistemology and online examples conducted in parks and campuses practiced almost entirely by atheists no doubt added to the impression that SE might be similar to what a proselytizing street preacher might do.

Do all of these things combined make it reasonable to say that SE was atheist evangelism? Pretty much. However, even back then the main focus of Street Epistemology was more on the quality of our reasoning process, and less so on the result of it.

 

"The core of the intervention is not changing beliefs, but changing the way people form beliefs—hence the term ‘epistemologist.’ … the problem is with epistemologies people use, not with conclusions people hold.” – Peter Boghossian, A Manual for Creating Atheists

Relatively quickly, practitioners from the Street Epistemology community began departing from SE’s original, narrow focus on religious claims encouraged by the book, and began to see if SE could also be used to explore a wider variety of claims.

From 2015 to 2016, SE gradually broadened its focus from religious claims to pseudoscience and the supernatural, with an emphasis on adjusting confidence downwards, which then made SE appear more like evangelism for skepticism and naturalism, if anything.

Around 2017, SE continued to evolve into what it is now, where a wide variety of topics are explored, including but not limited to ghosts, karma, veganism, gender, gun control, immigration, and critical race theory. Today, everyone is encouraged to learn, practice, and apply SE in their discussions, including those who think God is real or not. This diversification of its practitioners, coupled with the fact that the SE community has broadened its focus beyond theistic and supernatural claims, could be considered reasons to think that SE is not evangelism for some specific point of view.

We’re unsure if Street Epistemology can ever be completely decoupled from its initial association with atheism or if this should even be an area of major concern for people interested in learning SE, but it’s probably worth being aware of.

While we think SE has come very far from its original form, little can prevent someone from using the approach who does have a desire to sway or change others to a specific conclusion or worldview, be that atheism, theism, or anything else for that matter. The idea that SE could be used to bring people around to their point of view may even be a major reason for why a lot of people are drawn to Street Epistemology in the first place.

However, while a changed worldview could very well occur from an SE talk, the primary goal is reflection on the quality of our reasoning. Ultimately, we think all beliefs worthy of being held should be able to stand up to such scrutiny. If SE serves to evangelize for anything it would be for people to value the attitudes and tools that aid in critical thinking in order to live a more examined life.

SE is Manipulative
Accuracy Estimation: False

Ideally, SE talks are intended to inspire reflection and a great way to do this is by having the clearest understanding of our conversation partner’s reasoning process. But manipulating or tricking people as you work toward this goal could interfere with your ability to truly understand your conversation partner’s reasoning and damage any trust you may have had.

Ever since examples began to appear, SE has been accused of being a form of manipulation. Over time, as people started to carefully deconstruct SE talks, efforts to make SE more ethical began to appear. Despite such efforts, the criticism that SE is sneaky or manipulative is still levied and therefore is something people interested in SE probably need to be aware of.

It’s important to make a distinction between the set of tools used during an SE talk (which do not inherently have any goals) and the goals of the SEer who is using those tools. If a person attempts to use SE tools in order to manipulate someone else, that doesn’t mean that the SE tools themselves are manipulative by design, no more so than a nail is a tool for spreading butter on bread should someone decide to use it for that.

In order to further explore this criticism, let’s take a look at the common definition of the following word:

manipulation
1. A deliberate, selfish, and dishonest attempt to change someone’s mind.

Street Epistemology is not intended to be manipulative because it emphasizes being honest and having a collaborative attitude, with the primary goal of reflection. But could an SEer manipulate their conversation partner while using the tools of SE without these things? Yes, that is possible, particularly if the SEer’s attitudes, behaviors, or additional goals run counter to the prevailing spirit of SE.

The following is a list of attitudes and behaviors that could shift an SE talk into the realm of manipulation and should be avoided:

• Hiding your goals
• Being disingenuous in our words or actions
• Revealing some goals yet intentionally hiding others
• Messaging excessively
• Leveraging emotions
• Leveraging expertise or a power dynamic
• Diminishing or hiding your own expertise
• Priming someone to receive a message
• Refusing to share your position when asked
• Expressing fake empathy or kindness
• Dismissing someone’s reasoning
• Asking leading or loaded questions
• Misrepresenting what someone said
• Using complex yet fallacious arguments
• Altercasting insincerely
• Sealioning
• Gaslighting

In addition to avoiding the attitudes and behaviors above, there are a couple of things an SEer can do to distance themselves from anything close to manipulation by simply revealing your goals to your conversation partner and obtaining their informed consent. We think it’s important that your conversation partner is on board with what it is you are hoping to achieve throughout your SE talk.

It’s also worth noting that even if an SEer did reveal some or all of their goals, your conversation partner or even observers themselves may later decide that your disclosure was insufficient in some way. It may not be possible to disclose absolutely everything all parties would find relevant. Trying your best to find that right level of disclosure each and every time you wish to engage someone using SE is an ethically murky area that the SEer will have to decide on based on their unique situation.

SE Avoids Facts
Accuracy Estimation: Partly True/Partly False

Another frequent criticism is that SEers seem reluctant to share any facts of their own during an SE talk. A related criticism is that SE by design does not care about any facts their conversation partner might bring to the discussion. We think it is important to understand (1) why someone doing SE might hold back their own facts and (2) why an SEer responds to their conversation partner’s facts in the way that they do.

Critics may view this decision to set aside our conversation partner’s facts (sometimes referred to as “reasons”) as an indication that the SEer is not interested in their conversation partner’s facts, or is perhaps covering up for their inability to address their conversation partner’s facts, but that is inaccurate.

First, the idea that SEers avoid injecting their own facts into their conversations is tied to an expectation around how our conversation partner might react to those facts. In the early days of SE there was an interest in a notable related phenomenon called “the backfire effect,” which hypothesizes that people become even more entrenched in their views if they encounter contradictory evidence. While more recent studies suggest that the backfire effect may not be as pronounced as originally thought, direct challenges against one’s claim in the form of contradictory facts do indeed seem to pose a liability to rapport and may change your SE interaction from collaborative exploration to contentious debate.

Despite these potential liabilities, there can be situations when the SEer shares their facts, or even corrects or challenges their conversation partner about their facts when doing SE. However, we don’t advise doing this before spending a bit of time considering by default because it’s important to consider how doing any of these things could impact your conversational goals and how your conversation partner might react.

If your conversation partner asks for your thoughts about their facts or for facts of your own, it’s probably best for the SEer to answer as clearly and concisely as possible. A conversation partner who questions their conversation partner (you) is likely engaged, interested, and also seeking clarity. Embrace it! Model the attitudes and actions you’d like to see from them in your response.

Many times a straightforward correction will result in a more guarded conversation partner. But sometimes a direct and sincere response will be well-received, resulting in greater openness. A gentle correction can even help build trust, particularly if it can be communicated clearly and compassionately. Authenticity is key, regardless. We suggest giving careful consideration when deciding to correct your conversation partner or share any facts with them.

Second, it’s fairly common during SE talks for a conversation partner to provide facts that they think support their view. When this happens, both the SEer and the conversation partner usually consider the relationship between their conversation partner’s facts to their level of confidence in the truth of the claim. Sometimes we decide to set aside a surfaced fact if we learn that it has no bearing on our conversation partner’s confidence in the truth of their claim, and it doesn’t seem helpful in any other capacity, like maintaining rapport. After we’ve identified the facts that impact our conversation partner’s confidence, we can then use SE to explore those facts.

Focusing on the relevant facts is a more efficient use of our time. In other words, we’re not avoiding our conversation partner’s facts, we're efficiently focusing our time on relevant facts.

Our conversation partner’s facts, relevant or otherwise, provide unique insights into their reasoning process, so it’s worth giving them due consideration when conducting SE.

SE-ers Are Unqualified to Do What They Do
Accuracy Estimation: Mostly False

Another criticism from some people is that those who use SE lack a specific level of expertise in psychology or epistemology which should be required in order to explore other people’s deeply-held beliefs.

The reason usually provided for the psychology-related side of this criticism is that SEers are unqualified to notice or deal with the ramifications of causing doubt in a deeply-held belief that may be tied to someone’s identity. Causing this kind of harm is certainly possible, perhaps even likely, in these specific situations. But we believe human beings are antifragile, or in other words, have the capability to thrive to a significant degree when facing stress. Virtually everyone goes through some fairly significant psychological distress due to having difficult conversations and tends to come out not just fine, but better off. Our default assumption for exploring people’s deeply-held beliefs is that humans are capable of handling such challenges unless it becomes obvious during your discussion by either your conversation partner’s words or actions that they are not. While experience in psychology might be helpful, our conversation partner’s inherent antifragility reduces the need for it.

The degree to which an SEer should be concerned about the psychological harm they may cause to their conversation partner while discussing their deeply-held belief is ethically murky territory and is best discussed openly with your conversation partner. For example, if the conversation partner explicitly states that they value truth over comfort, then the ethical calculation becomes more clear: the SEer has a strong reason to proceed. This emphasis on informed consent further reduces the need for qualifications in psychology. The conversation partner taking responsibility for the potential psychological harm they might endure in a conversation about their beliefs reduces the SEer’s responsibility for that harm and, consequently, requires less qualification from them.

 

"I never let my schooling interfere with my education." – Mark Twain

Another reason critics might give for thinking SEers are unqualified to challenge the quality of their conversation partner's reasoning is because they lack education in formal epistemology and hence don’t have enough understanding to deal with the intricacies of truth and ways of knowing.

Expecting practitioners of SE to have some level of expertise in epistemology is not a large leap to make. Street Epistemology contains the word “epistemology,” which is an academic word that few people are familiar with. However, it’s currently unclear if the quality of an SE conversation would be significantly improved by having additional expertise in epistemology.

While having some understanding of epistemology could prepare you for the types of concepts that are often revealed in an SE conversation, it seems that an advanced understanding of epistemology is not required. The epistemological concepts encountered in an SE conversation are fairly common and easy to understand, even for lay people. Interestingly, those who stick with SE eventually tend to gain some knowledge in formal epistemology when learning the approach and engaging with the broader SE community.

In our view, there are other ways to learn about psychological and epistemological concepts besides academia and there’s tremendous value in exploring these concepts with laypeople, many who may have never considered such things before to any significant degree. While one can have expertise in fields like psychology or epistemology, academic expertise in those disciplines is not necessary in order to have a great SE conversation about someone’s claim.

SE is Unnatural
Accuracy Estimation: Mostly True

Another criticism of SE is that it appears unnatural when compared to the other ways people normally converse and as a result, it must not be useful, is unappealing, or should be avoided. While some people may not really care about whether or not SE is unnatural, enough people surface these points where we think you should at least be aware of it.

SE talks can be quite different from the typical types of engagements that we have with others about the beliefs they hold and the claims they make. Many people don’t usually see interactions like those in SE, so when they do, it can appear alien, boring, cringey, fake, or even fringe or countercultural. Just because SE is different, however, does not mean that it’s bad or a problem. When you consider how heated and ineffective talks on controversial topics can usually get, SE being different from how we normally interact may not be such a bad thing.

In a typical conversation on a contentious topic, both parties usually take turns sharing their thoughts, often with the idea of convincing the other person about the truth of their own view, and then pointing out where their conversation partner is mistaken. While directly contesting someone’s view has its place and seems to be the default mode for most people and cultures, doing so can cause defensiveness, heighten emotions, and introduce biases, to name but a few liabilities. However, in SE we intentionally try to take a softer approach to facilitate collaboration instead of confrontation. We do that by recognizing and accounting for the things our brains instinctively do to shelter foundational beliefs from scrutiny. This, among other things, leads to an approach that differs substantially from our traditional interactions, often resulting in greater reflection.

Another thing that might make SE seem unnatural compared to other forms of engagement is the noticeable lopsidedness of the interaction, as the SEer tends to ask their conversation partner lots of questions but will often hold back from expressing their own views. We message less and question more in SE to facilitate the most open and unbiased exploration into our conversation partner’s reasoning. While the SE-er can share their own views, doing so during the exploration of your conversation partner’s views can distract you both from reflecting on them. If this imbalance becomes a concern to your conversation partner, offer to become their conversation partner for a claim that you tend to make to help even things out.

SE may also seem unnatural when the SEer manages to keep calm throughout the whole conversation, especially if their conversation partner says something triggering or very likely to be false. Some people might even perceive the SEer as robotic or devoid of emotion. While it’s natural to have and express strong emotions, learning how to temper those emotions for the purpose of being able to explore our conversation partner’s views effectively is a crucial part of SE.

Something else that could lead people to think that SE is unnatural is when they observe several SE conversations and then begin to detect a pattern or are even able to predict where the conversation might be heading. When this happens, it can certainly begin to seem like the entire conversation is scripted. While there are some general steps to help keep SEers on track, these function more like general rules and principles that collectively create a structure of sorts, so the word “scripted” is too strong of a description of what ideally occurs during an SE talk.

This methodical approach and consistency we may see in SE talks likely comes from its science-minded underpinnings more than anything else. Like in science, we want to keep what works and discard what doesn’t, which means some tools and concepts stay and are consistent across SE conversations, while others are thrown out, which can help explain why SE might appear different or in some cases even predictable than a regular conversation to some people.

While a mental or written script of some kind can be helpful, following one too rigorously could give the impression that the SEer is not really listening. Perhaps worse, following a script too closely could cross the line into insincerity, which as we discussed could shift your talk from SE and into the realm of manipulation.

Although there are distinct steps that we try to guide our conversation partner across, we should never lose sight of authenticity. Creativity, compassion, and the needs and desires of our conversation partner should also be accounted for, even if it requires going “off script.”

Perhaps one day SE talks will be much more commonplace and people will no longer find them so unusual. Maybe folks will even routinely seek them out because of the value they can offer.

SE Is Ineffective
Accuracy Estimation: To be Determined

Another criticism is that SE is ineffective or doesn’t do the things people expect. This criticism centers around several things, including the lack of a commonly-accepted definition of Street Epistemology, inconsistent ways to describe or measure its effectiveness, variations in how SE is conducted, and the absence of scientific studies.

Although efforts have been made over the years to standardize SE in the form of books, discussions, videos, presentations, workshops, documents, and guides, these efforts have never been formally codified to the degree that is happening with this course, a necessary first step before others can begin to study it more rigorously.

Critics rightly claim that, since there is no academic or scientific literature on SE specifically, there’s no reason to place too much stock in the approach. Although there are related studies from which we can make certain inferences (e.g., the benefits of building rapport, active listening, etc.), we agree that the efficacy of SE cannot reliably be asserted with a high degree of confidence at present. Based on this lack of rigorous scientific study, our accuracy estimation for this criticism is as yet undetermined.

While anecdotal experiences seem to suggest that both the conversation partner and the SEer typically enjoy the process, finding it productive and revealing, and perhaps meets some definition of effective, we realize however the limitations of relying too heavily on these observations alone. We do think that the experiences of a multitude of SEers and conversation partner’s look encouraging enough to warrant the practice, promotion, and further study of SE in the interim.

We’re optimistic that academics will begin taking an interest in Street Epistemology so that controlled studies can be performed to determine its immediate efficacy and long-term impacts. Finding people to analyze SE and publish the results is a goal of the non-profit organization Street Epistemology International. 

 

Street Epistemology can be a useful tool for promoting critical thinking and respectful dialogue in a classroom setting. Here are some ways it can be used:

As a discussion starter: Street Epistemology questions can be used to prompt classroom discussions on a variety of topics, including religion, politics, and science. This can help students explore different perspectives and challenge our own beliefs in a respectful and non-threatening way.

As a teaching tool: Street Epistemology techniques can be used to teach students how to critically evaluate evidence and arguments, as well as how to engage in respectful dialogue with others who hold different beliefs.

As a tool for promoting empathy: Street Epistemology can help students develop empathy and understanding for others who hold different beliefs by encouraging them to listen actively, ask questions, and seek to understand the reasons behind those beliefs.

As a tool for developing communication skills: Street Epistemology can help students develop communication skills such as active listening, asking open-ended questions, and expressing our own beliefs in a clear and respectful manner.

As a tool for promoting intellectual humility: Street Epistemology can help students develop intellectual humility by encouraging them to be open to new ideas, willing to question our own beliefs, and respectful of others who hold different beliefs.

It's important to note that Street Epistemology should be used in a careful and thoughtful way in a classroom setting, with a focus on creating a safe and respectful learning environment. Teachers should be trained in the techniques and principles of Street Epistemology, and students should be given clear guidelines for engaging in respectful dialogue. Additionally, it's important to recognize that some topics may be too sensitive or controversial for classroom discussions, and that teachers should use our judgment in selecting appropriate topics and approaches.

 

Street Epistemology can also be a useful tool for personal growth and self-improvement. Here are some ways it can be used:

To examine your own beliefs: Street Epistemology can help you examine your own beliefs and assumptions, and determine whether they are based on sound evidence and reasoning. This can help you develop a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the world around you.

To engage in respectful dialogue with others: Street Epistemology techniques can be used to engage in respectful dialogue with friends, family members, and others who hold different beliefs. This can help you better understand our perspective and build stronger relationships, even if you ultimately disagree on certain issues.

To improve your communication skills: Street Epistemology can help you develop communication skills such as active listening, asking open-ended questions, and expressing your own beliefs in a clear and respectful manner. These skills can be useful in all areas of life, from personal relationships to professional settings.

To develop intellectual humility: Street Epistemology can help you develop intellectual humility by encouraging you to be open to new ideas, willing to question your own beliefs, and respectful of others who hold different beliefs. This can help you avoid dogmatism and confirmation bias, and promote intellectual growth and self-improvement.

It's important to note that Street Epistemology should be used in a careful and thoughtful way in personal settings, with a focus on creating a safe and respectful environment. It's also important to recognize that not everyone may be open to engaging in this type of dialogue, and it's important to respect our boundaries and preferences.

Street Epistemology can be used to evaluate the credibility of news sources by encouraging individuals to critically examine the evidence and reasoning behind news stories, and to assess the reliability of the sources that are being cited. Here are some ways Street Epistemology can be applied to evaluating news sources:

Examine the evidence: When evaluating news stories, it's important to examine the evidence that is being presented. Are there facts or data to support the claims being made? Is the evidence based on reliable sources? By asking these types of questions, individuals can better assess the credibility of the story.

Assess the reliability of sources: It's also important to assess the reliability of the sources that are being cited in the news story. Are the sources reputable and trustworthy? Have they been cited accurately? By examining the sources that are being used, individuals can better evaluate the credibility of the story.

Consider alternative perspectives: Street Epistemology encourages individuals to consider alternative perspectives and to question our own assumptions. When evaluating news stories, this means being open to different viewpoints and considering alternative explanations for the events being reported.

Look for bias: Finally, Street Epistemology can be used to evaluate the potential biases of news sources. Are there political or ideological biases that might be influencing the reporting? Are there conflicts of interest that might be influencing the story? By being aware of these biases, individuals can better evaluate the credibility of the news source.

By using these techniques, individuals can better evaluate the credibility of news sources and make more informed decisions about what to believe and how to act on that information.

Street Epistemology is closely related to the concept of confirmation bias, which refers to the tendency of people to seek out and interpret information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs and to discount information that contradicts those beliefs.

Street Epistemology can help individuals become aware of our own confirmation biases and to question our assumptions and beliefs. By using Street Epistemology techniques, individuals can explore the evidence and reasoning behind our beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints and evidence.

For example, if someone holds a strong belief about a particular political issue, Street Epistemology could be used to help them evaluate the evidence and sources behind that belief. By asking questions and encouraging them to consider alternative perspectives, individuals can become more aware of our own confirmation biases and become more open to new information and perspectives.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be a powerful tool for combating confirmation bias by promoting critical thinking and encouraging individuals to question our own assumptions and beliefs.

Street Epistemology is related to the concept of "echo chambers," which refers to situations in which people surround themselves with like-minded individuals and consume information that reinforces our existing beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing information that contradicts those beliefs.

Street Epistemology can be used to challenge the echo chamber by encouraging individuals to question our own beliefs and assumptions and to engage with alternative perspectives and evidence. By using Street Epistemology techniques, individuals can explore the evidence and reasoning behind our beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints.

For example, if someone is only exposed to news sources and social media feeds that reinforce our existing beliefs, Street Epistemology can be used to encourage them to seek out alternative viewpoints and to consider evidence that contradicts our beliefs. By promoting critical thinking and encouraging individuals to question our own assumptions and biases, Street Epistemology can help to break down the echo chamber and promote more open-minded and informed thinking.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be a powerful tool for combating echo chambers by promoting critical thinking and encouraging individuals to consider alternative perspectives and evidence.

Yes, Street Epistemology can be used to evaluate conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories often rely on anecdotal evidence, logical fallacies, and unverified claims, which can make them difficult to evaluate objectively. However, by using Street Epistemology techniques, individuals can explore the evidence and reasoning behind conspiracy theories and evaluate our credibility.

For example, Street Epistemology can be used to ask questions that encourage individuals to critically examine the evidence and assumptions behind a conspiracy theory. This could involve asking questions like:

”What evidence supports this theory?”
”How reliable is the source of this information?”
”Have you considered alternative explanations or viewpoints?”
”What would it take to convince you that this theory is false?”

By asking these types of questions, individuals can explore the evidence and reasoning behind a conspiracy theory and evaluate its credibility. This can help to promote critical thinking and encourage individuals to consider alternative viewpoints and evidence.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be a powerful tool for evaluating conspiracy theories and encouraging individuals to think critically about the evidence and reasoning behind them. 

Street Epistemology is related to the concept of cognitive dissonance, which is the psychological discomfort that occurs when a person holds two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or ideas. This discomfort often leads individuals to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and to ignore or dismiss information that contradicts those beliefs.

Street Epistemology can be used to address cognitive dissonance by encouraging individuals to explore the evidence and reasoning behind our beliefs and to consider alternative viewpoints and evidence. By using Street Epistemology techniques, individuals can examine our own beliefs and assumptions and evaluate whether they are consistent with the available evidence.

For example, if someone holds a belief that is inconsistent with the available evidence, Street Epistemology can be used to encourage them to examine the evidence and to consider alternative explanations. By promoting critical thinking and encouraging individuals to question our own assumptions and biases, Street Epistemology can help to reduce cognitive dissonance and promote more informed and open-minded thinking.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be a powerful tool for addressing cognitive dissonance by encouraging individuals to critically examine our own beliefs and to consider alternative viewpoints and evidence. This can help to promote more informed and open-minded thinking and to reduce the psychological discomfort that occurs when a person holds conflicting beliefs. 

Street Epistemology is related to the concept of motivated reasoning, which is the tendency for people to selectively interpret, evaluate, and remember information in a way that supports our preexisting beliefs and attitudes.

Street Epistemology seeks to address motivated reasoning by encouraging individuals to examine the evidence and reasoning behind our beliefs and to consider alternative viewpoints and evidence. By using questioning techniques to explore the reasons why a person holds a particular belief, Street Epistemology can help to uncover potential biases and assumptions that may be driving motivated reasoning.

For example, if someone holds a belief that is inconsistent with the available evidence, Street Epistemology can be used to encourage them to examine the evidence and to consider alternative explanations. By promoting critical thinking and encouraging individuals to question our own assumptions and biases, Street Epistemology can help to reduce the influence of motivated reasoning on beliefs and decision-making.

Overall, Street Epistemology can be a powerful tool for addressing motivated reasoning by encouraging individuals to critically examine our beliefs and to consider alternative viewpoints and evidence. This can help to promote more informed and open-minded thinking and to reduce the influence of biases on beliefs and decision-making. 

Street Epistemology is closely related to the concept of intellectual humility, which is the recognition of the limits of one's own knowledge and the willingness to acknowledge and learn from the perspectives of others.

Street Epistemology encourages individuals to examine our own beliefs and to be open to the perspectives of others. By using questioning techniques to explore the reasons why a person holds a particular belief, Street Epistemology can help to uncover potential biases and assumptions and encourage individuals to consider alternative viewpoints.

Through this process of questioning and reflection, Street Epistemology promotes intellectual humility by encouraging individuals to acknowledge the limits of our own knowledge and to be open to the possibility that they may be wrong. By promoting a more humble and open-minded approach to beliefs and decision-making, Street Epistemology can help to foster more productive and respectful dialogue between individuals with different perspectives and to promote greater understanding and cooperation.

Street Epistemology is closely related to the concept of civility, which involves treating others with respect, kindness, and dignity, even when we disagree with them.

Street Epistemology is a method of respectful and constructive dialogue that encourages individuals to examine our own beliefs and to be open to the perspectives of others. The goal is not to prove the other person wrong or to win an argument, but rather to foster a deeper understanding of why we believe what we believe and to encourage greater mutual respect and empathy.

By using questioning techniques to explore the reasons why a person holds a particular belief, Street Epistemology can help to uncover potential biases and assumptions and encourage individuals to consider alternative viewpoints. This process of respectful and open-minded dialogue can promote greater civility by helping individuals to better understand and appreciate the perspectives of others, even when they disagree with them.

Overall, Street Epistemology is a method of communication that emphasizes civility, respect, and empathy, and can help to promote greater understanding and cooperation between individuals with different beliefs and perspectives.

Street Epistemology International (SEI) is committed to addressing dysfunction in public and private discourse by encouraging rationality through civil conversation and providing people around the world with the resources needed to develop, practice, and promote Street Epistemology..

SEI aims to achieve this mission by providing resources, training, and support to individuals and organizations interested in learning and using Street Epistemology. This includes developing and promoting best practices for conducting effective Street Epistemology conversations, as well as providing online forums and resources for sharing knowledge and experiences.

Additionally, SEI seeks to promote awareness and understanding of Street Epistemology and its potential benefits by engaging with academic and professional communities, as well as the general public. This includes organizing and participating in conferences and other events, producing educational materials and resources, and engaging in outreach and advocacy efforts.

Overall, the mission of Street Epistemology International is to promote the use of Street Epistemology as a way of improving critical thinking, fostering constructive dialogue, and promoting greater understanding and empathy across diverse beliefs and perspectives.

Street Epistemology International (SEI) was founded in 2019 by a group of Street Epistemology practitioners who wanted to promote and advance the use of Street Epistemology as a way of improving critical thinking and fostering constructive dialogue across diverse beliefs and perspectives.

SEI began as a grassroots organization, with members connecting online and sharing resources and experiences through social media and other online forums. Over time, the organization grew and expanded its activities, offering online training and support for individuals and organizations interested in learning and using Street Epistemology.

In addition to providing resources and support for Street Epistemology practitioners, SEI has also engaged in outreach and advocacy efforts to promote greater awareness and understanding of the benefits of Street Epistemology. This includes organizing and participating in conferences and other events, producing educational materials and resources, and engaging with academic and professional communities.

Today, Street Epistemology International is a leading organization promoting the use of Street Epistemology as a way of improving critical thinking, fostering constructive dialogue, and promoting greater understanding and empathy across diverse beliefs and perspectives.

Street Epistemology International (SEI) is primarily funded through individual donations and volunteer efforts. SEI is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, which means that donations to SEI are tax-deductible in the U.S.

SEI relies on the generosity of its supporters to fund its activities and programs, including online training, outreach efforts, and advocacy work. In addition to individual donations, SEI welcomes support from foundations and other organizations interested in promoting critical thinking and constructive dialogue.

SEI has also started providing customized training solutions for businesses interested in incorporating aspects of Street Epistemology into their practices using SEI-approved instructors.

SEI also allows SE-themed merchandise here, of which it receives a small percentage of any sales.

Street Epistemology International (SEI) is focused on promoting and advancing the use of Street Epistemology around the world. SEI offers a variety of activities and initiatives to support this mission, including:

Online training: SEI is building the infrastructure and materials for online and in-person training for individuals to learn the principles and techniques of Street Epistemology.

Outreach: SEI works to promote Street Epistemology through outreach efforts, including social media campaigns, public presentations, and collaborations with like-minded organizations.

Advocacy: SEI advocates for the use of Street Epistemology as a tool for promoting critical thinking, improving communication and understanding, and reducing harmful beliefs and behaviors.

Research: SEI supports research on the effectiveness of Street Epistemology as a method for challenging beliefs and promoting critical thinking.

Community building: SEI fosters a community of Street Epistemology practitioners and enthusiasts through its online forums, social media groups, and in-person events.

Overall, SEI seeks to build a global movement of people who are committed to using Street Epistemology to promote critical thinking and improve communication and understanding between people of different beliefs.

Street Epistemology International (SEI) is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting and teaching Street Epistemology to people around the world. To date, SEI is unique in its approach and focus.

One of the main differences between SEI and other organizations is the specific focus on Street Epistemology. While many organizations promote critical thinking or skepticism, SEI focuses specifically on the SE technique as a means of improving critical thinking skills and promoting healthy skepticism.

SEI is also unique in its approach to teaching Street Epistemology. The organization provides a variety of resources, including online courses, training materials, and community support, to help individuals learn and practice the SE technique. Additionally, SEI emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue and civility in all interactions, even when discussing contentious topics.

Another difference is that SEI is a relatively new organization, having been founded in 2019. Despite its relative youth, SEI has grown rapidly and has established a strong presence in the SE community. The organization is also unique in its global reach, with members and affiliates in countries all over the world.

Overall, while there may be other organizations with similar missions, SEI's specific focus on SE and its emphasis on respectful dialogue and community support make it a unique and valuable resource for individuals looking to improve our critical thinking skills and engage in productive discussions with others.

If you are interested in getting involved with Street Epistemology International, there are several ways you can do so:

Join an SE social media group: There are many SE communities filled with people who are interested in Street Epistemology and want to learn more about it. You can connect with other members, ask questions, and share your own experiences.

Attend a Street Epistemology workshop or event: Street Epistemology International hosts workshops and events around the world. Check our website calendar or social media pages to find out about upcoming events in your area.

Donate to Street Epistemology International: If you want to support the work of Street Epistemology International, you can make a donation. Your contribution will help fund our outreach and education initiatives.

Spread the word: You can also help promote Street Epistemology by sharing information about it with others. Talk to your friends and family members about the importance of critical thinking and encourage them to learn more about Street Epistemology.

There are several ways to support Street Epistemology International (SEI):

Donate: You can make a one-time or recurring donation to SEI through our website. Your donation will help support our mission of promoting critical thinking and rationality.

Volunteer: SEI is always looking for volunteers to help with various projects, such as organizing events or translating materials into different languages. You can contact us by emailing [email protected] to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Spread the word: Share SEI's resources and materials with your friends, family, and social media followers. You can also encourage others to support SEI by donating or volunteering.

Attend events: SEI hosts and participates in various events, such as workshops and conferences, throughout the year. Attending these events can help you learn more about SE and connect with others who share your interest in promoting critical thinking and rationality.

Support front-line Street Epistemologists: There are people around the world conducting SE talks. If you happen to spot an example, ask if you can offer your advice for improvement, share the discussion with others who might not stumble across it, or just give them a pat on the back.

Some of the accomplishments of Street Epistemology International include:

Growing the Street Epistemology community: SE International has helped grow the Street Epistemology community by providing resources, organizing events, and building a network of volunteers.

Spreading awareness of Street Epistemology: SE International has been successful in spreading awareness of Street Epistemology by producing educational materials, creating social media content, and appearing on podcasts and other media outlets.

Supporting research on Street Epistemology: SE International has supported research on Street Epistemology by collaborating with academic researchers, providing access to data and resources, and funding research projects.

Developing partnerships: SE International has developed partnerships and work agreements with other organizations that share its mission.

Organizing events: SE International regularly schedules online events, including gatherings specifically intended for SE content creators or SE club organizers.

Street Epistemology International encourages healthy skepticism and critical evaluation of its methods, and welcomes feedback and constructive criticism from the broader community and beyond. SEI recognizes that no single approach is perfect or appropriate for every situation, and that SE is still an emerging field that is constantly evolving and improving.

SEI members are welcomed to actively engage with critics and skeptics, and are committed to addressing any legitimate concerns or criticisms in an open, transparent, and respectful manner. The organization encourages open dialogue and constructive debate, and welcomes any suggestions for improvement or alternative approaches to SE.

Overall, SEI strives to create an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative community of individuals who are passionate about promoting critical thinking, rational inquiry, and intellectual humility, and who are committed to advancing the field of SE through ongoing learning, reflection, and improvement.

Street Epistemology International uses several approaches to measure the effectiveness of its programs. Some of these include:

Participant feedback: After participating in a Street Epistemology workshop or training, participants are asked to provide feedback on our experience. This feedback is used to make improvements to the programs and ensure that they are meeting the needs of the participants.

Surveys: Street Epistemology International conducts surveys to gather data on the impact of its programs. For example, surveys may be used to gather information on changes in participants' attitudes towards critical thinking and belief evaluation after completing a Street Epistemology workshop.

Case studies: Street Epistemology International collects case studies and success stories from participants in its programs. These case studies can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of Street Epistemology in promoting critical thinking and belief evaluation.

Research partnerships: Street Epistemology International collaborates with academic researchers to conduct studies on the effectiveness of its programs. These studies use rigorous research methods to measure the impact of Street Epistemology on participants' critical thinking skills and belief evaluation.

Overall, Street Epistemology International is committed to using evidence-based methods to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs and make improvements as needed.