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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.
Find out more »April 2022
Race: biology or social construct?
Image by Nicholas Green, from Unsplash Skeptics member Chris will help us explore what is meant by the concept of "race". Is it a biological phenomenon or a social construct? Indeed, does the term have any meaning at all? Meet in the conference room at this venue: bar staff will help, if you can't find us. REMINDER: In discussions we ask everyone to respect when someone else is speaking and avoid interrupting them and to always ensure you are allowing…
Find out more »June 2022
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs)
Skeptics member Neil has kindly agreed to look into the once more topical subject of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), which used to be called UFOs - and perhaps still are by many. The Pentagon has revealed to the US Senate much more of what it knows than ever before - perhaps in the hope that people will stop accusing the US government of 'cover ups'. Skeptic, author and podcaster Mick West has taken a look at the updated information and…
Find out more »August 2022
Fact-checking websites: which are the best?
We'll take a look at some fact-checking websites to see which ones are most reliable and unbiased. I'll run through a few of them but please tell us which are your favourites! Parking at City of Perth car parks is free after 6pm weekdays. Drinks and food are available at the venue. Gold coin donation appreciated. Go down the stairs off Barrack St and ask the staff for the conference room.
Find out more »September 2022
The anti-vax movement: on the wane in Australia?
Despite gaining a lot of ground during the COVID-19 lockdowns of the past 2 years, the anti-vax movement in Australia seems to be losing momentum. We take a look at what's been happening and whether the anti-vaxxers have anything new to say about it all. Drinks and food are available at the venue, which is downstairs off Barrack St or the Hay St mall. Parking at nearby City of Perth car parks is free after 6pm weekdays. People protest during…
Find out more »January 2023
Planning the 2023 program
Bring your ideas for the year's program along and we'll map out what we hope to cover in 2023. If you know of someone who might be willing to speak on that topic, even better! Drinks and food are available at the venue. Parking at City of Perth car parks is free after 6pm weekdays. I appreciate a gold coin donation to help cover the cost of the Meetup platform.
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