Skeptic: Promoting Science and Critical Thinking

Skepticality— the official podcast of Skeptic magazine

Skepticality — the pioneering original skeptics podcast — is a top-rated audio talk show dedicated to skeptical topics and interviews.

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MonsterTalk— presented by Skeptic magazine

MonsterTalk critically examines the science behind cryptozoological (and legendary) creatures, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or werewolves.

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Why We Believe in God(s): A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith

lecture by Dr. Andy Thomson
Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2 pm
Baxter Lecture Hall

IN THIS LECTURE BASED ON HIS NEW BOOK, psychiatrist Andy Thomson examines the evolution, history, anthropology, sociology, and psychology of religious beliefs and provides a brief and accessible guide to the exciting new discoveries that allow us to finally understand why and how the human mind generates, accepts, and spreads religious faith and god beliefs. Dr. Thomson is a staff psychiatrist at the University of Virginia’s Student Health Center and the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy, and maintains a private practice of adult and forensic psychiatry in Charlottesville, Virginia. He serves as a trustee of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science.

• SEE all upcoming lectures

SkepticBlog is a collaboration between eight of the most recognized names in the promotion of science, critical thinking & skepticism. It features the cast & producers of The Skeptologists, a pilot skeptical reality show.

The Power of Belief

In this 14-minute introduction to skepticism, Dr. Michael Shermer (Executive Director of the Skeptics Society) discusses why people believe weird things and elaborates on the power of belief systems. This lecture was delivered at the 2006 TED conference (Technology, Entertainment, Design) in Monterey, California.

• WATCH the video at TED.com
• VISIT MichaelShermer.com

Skeptics Mix Tape 2009

Think the best skepticism is the kind you can rock to? We’re pleased to offer you this selection of songs of science and skepticism — completely free! Download these MP3 files for non-commercial use at home or in your classroom.

• EXPLORE the mix tape

Fossil Fakes, Pt 2

In Part 1 we learned about some famous fossil hoaxes, accusations of hoaxes, and tricks for creating hoaxes. In this issue, we’ll look at more famous cases, and also ask: Why are fossils that are merely out of place also considered fossil fakes? And how much long-term mischief can fakery cause for the scientists who are working to understand the history of life? Let’s find out!

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  for the current issue

Led by various guest geologists and paleontologists, our often multi-day excursions tour some of the best geologic wonders in the United States. Visit some of the richest dinosaur-bearing deposits in the world, and collect amazing trilobites. Decipher the geologic story behind the amazing scenery at Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef National Parks, Death Valley, Kelso Dunes, the Great Basin, Redrock Canyon and more.

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geology tours!

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The Doubtful Newsblog presents timely paranormal and pseudoscience news for skeptics (because people really believe this stuff). The content is produced by Sharon Hill & Torkel Ødegård. Got a timely news story to add? Send it in! Here are today’s top news stories that deserve a little skeptical attention:

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Deepak Chopra
v. Michael Shermer:
The Afterlife

Deepak and Shermer debate the question of life after death.

• READ the essays in full

As pessoas gostam de ser enganadas

This interview with Michael Shermer appeared in the magazine ÉPOCA in January 2012. The following is in Portuguese. An English translation will be posted soon.

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My Dinner (and Drinks) with Christopher (Hitchens that is)

An essay tribute by Michael Shermer, written upon hearing of Hitchens’ cancer diagnosis in 2010.

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Skeptic’s Science Symposium Q&A

In this discussion panel with audience Q&A, five leading skeptics (Bill Nye, James Randi, Donald Prothero, Brian Dalton, and Michael Shermer) discussed their experiences communicating science to the public. Young audience members took advantage of these experts to ask excellent questions.

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