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March 2021
QAnon: what is it and why?
We will look into how the QAnon phenomenon began, what it's all about and why it might have become such a rallying point. And no, believe it or not, it's not just in the USA. We will examine what is happening in 'Q-world' in Australia too. If you have any material to contribute, contact us at [email protected] Drinks and food available at the venue. Donation of $2 requested for group hosting costs.
Find out more »April 2021
Responding to misinformation: how to ‘do it right’
At this meeting we'll look into how we as skeptics respond to misinformation. Misinformation (and its deliberate associate disinformation) is everywhere. Dealing with it can be frustrating and tricky - because people are complex creatures! For one thing, misinformation can be 'sticky'. Fact-checking can reduce people’s beliefs in false information. However, misinformation often continues to influence people’s thinking even after they receive and accept a correction. It's therefore important to use the most effective debunking approaches to achieve maximum impact.…
Find out more »May 2021
Check that source!
As humans we love stories or anecdotes: it's how we've passed on knowledge for much of our history. But in modern times there are many untrustworthy sources of information and we need to be sure we're using the best sources to make our decisions and advise others. At this meeting we'll look at the criteria that make something a 'good source'. Neil will be presenting this one. Drinks and food available at the venue.
Find out more »June 2021
Principles of curiosity: a film about being skeptical
As most of us know, pop culture is chock-full of pseudoscience. The short film "Principles of Curiosity" from Skeptoid Media presents an easy process that anyone can follow to learn to tell what's real from what's not and to also help others do the same. (Skeptoid Media was started by US science podcaster Brian Dunning.) The film runs about 40 minutes, then we can talk about the points it makes and how best to apply them to current issues. Drinks…
Find out more »July 2021
Skeptics “members’ night”
Yes, here's your opportunity to show us your best skeptical-themed material - why not show off a little? Bring something that will take about 10 minutes max., whether a video clip, sound file, short presentation, game, quiz, discussion prompt or other fun & interesting item. Let me know what you have planned by emailing me on [email protected] I will bring laptop, audio speakers and we will definitely have the venue's projector from 7pm this time. Drinks and food available at…
Find out more »August 2021
James “The Amazing” Randi
The late James Randi is considered by many to be the most important figure in modern skepticism. He had a profound influence on the international skeptics’ movement. Randi investigated paranormal, supernatural and pseudo-scientific claims and used his skills as a professional magician to expose faith healers, psychics medical frauds and cult leaders. He also had a great sense of humour - described by some as "impish" - about it all. At this meeting member David Johnson will look at Randi's…
Find out more »September 2021
Freedom of speech – a skeptical view
What is 'freedom of speech' really? Does it even exist and if so, in what form? How much freedom of expression should our society give e.g. antivaxxers? Skeptics member Chris Hancock will take us through how 'free speech' does and doesn't work in our current milieu. He says: "I'll try to cover whatever people bring up. So feel free to post here or in Meetup. At the moment I'm thinking I'd like to firstly explore the ideal of free speech,…
Find out more »October 2021
A history of skepticism
This presentation by Skeptics member David Johnson will describe the various forms of skepticism and follow the history of each type from the ancient Greeks to the present time. Drinks and food available at the venue. We will be in one of the venue's conference rooms - ask a staff member if in doubt. (Pic: The Death of Socrates)
Find out more »January 2022
A skeptical 2022
The year will start with some brainstorming about what topics the group would like to cover and any actions we'd like to take this year. Bring your best ideas - and your enthusiasm! Drinks and food available at the venue.
Find out more »February 2022
Wellness, women & woo – from Skepticon 2021
At Skepticon 2021, author Annie McCubbin talked about 'Wellness, women & woo' and referenced her book 'Why Smart Women Make Bad Decisions : And How Critical Thinking Can Protect Them'. We'll view this (at times hilarious) presentation and discuss the points raised. Drinks and food available at the venue. Find us in the conference room - ask bar staff if unsure. A donation of e.g. $2 is appreciated, towards the cost of our Meetup platform.
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