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《　今回のworkshop　》
○workshop参加人数：13名（うち新人の方：2名）
○【前半】：Understanding Pseudoscience and Strengthening Critical Thinking
○【後半】：Investing in Me

ディスカッションの様子はInstagramへ
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≪FIRST HALF≫

Understanding Pseudoscience and Strengthening Critical Thinking

In modern society, we are constantly exposed to an overwhelming amount of information. Some of it looks scientific because it uses technical terms or impressive visuals. Yet, not all such information is supported by real evidence. This is where pseudoscience becomes a serious concern. Pseudoscientific claims often sound convincing but lack proper scientific testing. For example, the idea from “Messages from Water” suggests that water crystals change shape depending on the words attached to them, even though no reliable experiments support this. Similarly, products marketed with “minus ions” promise health benefits without solid scientific proof. These ideas spread easily because they appeal to emotions rather than logic. Social media accelerates this process by amplifying content that is surprising or comforting, regardless of accuracy. As a result, many people encounter misleading claims before they ever see factual explanations. This can influence decisions about health, relationships, and daily life. It may also weaken trust in genuine scientific research. Developing critical thinking skills is therefore essential. We need to examine the credibility of sources and look for reproducible evidence.

Understanding common logical fallacies can also help us avoid being misled. At the same time, it is important to recognize why people are drawn to pseudoscience. Emotional needs, personal experiences, and cultural influences all play a role. When discussing misinformation, empathy is crucial. Simply telling someone they are wrong rarely changes their mind. Instead, guiding them to reflect and question can lead to more meaningful conversations. In this lesson, we will explore how pseudoscience spreads and how we can respond thoughtfully.

Note:

・“Messages from Water”: 『水からの伝言』（水の結晶である氷から言葉や音楽への反応が読みとれるとする江本勝氏の著作。）

・“minus ions”:マイナスイオン

<Questions>

Q1. Have you ever believed something that later turned out to be pseudoscience? What made it feel convincing at the time?

Q2. Which pseudoscientific ideas—like “Messages from Water” or “minus ions”—have you seen people around you accept, and why do you think they resonated with them?

Q3. When someone you care about believes a claim you know is incorrect, how do you balance being honest with being kind?

Q4.  What strategies have helped you personally decide whether information is trustworthy?

Q5. In a world where emotional comfort sometimes outweighs facts, how can we encourage critical thinking without dismissing people’s feelings?

≪LATTER HALF≫

Investing in Me

“What a man can be, he must be.” Psychologist Abraham Maslow said this. In other words, people always want to grow. Whether young or old, when we invest in our own growth, it can give our life more meaning and satisfaction.

In my 20’s and 30’s, I honestly wasn’t investing in myself at all. In my 20’s, I was an awful corporate slave, “Shachiku” in current Japanese. Since I was too scared to ask for help in my younger days, I was incredibly slow at work. Then I got married at 29, and as some of you know, life at home was really tough. I never had a chance to think about my personal growth. When I realized that importance, so many years had already passed.
Today, I’d love to hear what “investing in yourself” means to each of you.

<Questions>

Q1: What self-investment do you think of right now? Which ones do you “want to do” and which do you “need to do”?

Q2: Does self-investment include your hobbies? Why or why not?

Q3: Suppose your ideal self-investment is 100%. What percentage are you doing right now? Why?

Q4: What are the barriers to investing in yourself? How can you improve such situations? Please share your group’s summary.

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