Events Search and Views Navigation
May 2020
Cryptozoology: online presentation
We will examine the many and varied facets of cryptozoology (hidden animals) with a real live zoologist (and skeptic): Kit Prendergast! Discovery of new vertebrate species, or species thought to be extinct, is a rare, yet not uncommon occurrence. However, the claims made by cryptozoologists do not stand up to scrutiny. Kit will critically evaluate the claims for various cryptozoological creatures and answer questions you've always wanted to ask about what may be lurking out there. To help a struggling…
Find out more »June 2020
Fads in psychology
Skeptics members Kate and Toni will talk us through various fads in psychology over the past century, with a focus on which are the most scientific verifiable and useful. So if you've ever done a Myers-Briggs assessment and come away going 'Huh?', this might help you understand why. This may or may not be an online event. We'll let you know once we've checked with our usual venue. Image: Yeshi Kangrang (via Unsplash)
Find out more »July 2020
Epistemology: how we know what we know
Skeptics member Chris will take us on a tour of how we know what we know... The talk will look at perspectives on ontology (i.e. what is truth, what is reality) and how these views inform research in the sciences and social sciences. Chris will map out common research methods and different types of evidence that can be collated. In the context of these, he will give some examples of how methods and types of evidence can be misused. This…
Find out more »August 2020
Book discussion: ‘Why people believe weird things’ Michael Shermer
We'll discuss Michael Shermer's book and at last we'll be face to face again! Get reading if you haven't already... In this age of supposed scientific enlightenment, many people still believe in mind reading, past-life regression theory, New Age hokum, and alien abduction. A no-holds-barred assault on popular superstitions and prejudices, with more than 80,000 copies in print, "Why People Believe Weird Things" debunks these nonsensical claims and explores the very human reasons people find otherworldly phenomena, conspiracy theories, and…
Find out more »September 2020
A skeptics’ guide to spotting logical fallacies
Skeptics member David J will run us through how to spot some of the more common logical fallacies. We might also talk about cognitive biases - those nasty things we're all still prone to, even as skeptics. Drinks and meals available at the venue.
Find out more »October 2020
Wisdom of the ancients and bogus science sign #5
Skeptics member Neil R will give us a rundown of ancient wisdom of the medical kind, pointing out the Seven Signs of bogus science and in particular, Sign #5 Drinks and meals available at the venue. The bar is downstairs, entry off either Barrack St or the Hay St mall. The conference room is on the right as you enter off Hay St - ask at the bar if in doubt.
Find out more »December 2020
End of year comedy fun
We'll have a bit of end of year fun with various video clips, e.g. Monty Python's Holy Grail witch scene, Bill Maher ‘unbaptising’ a Mormon, etc. Bring your favourite (video or sound file) on a thumb drive. Drinks and food available at the venue, which you enter off either Barrack St or the Hay St mall. We'll be in the conference room.
Find out more »January 2021
Hello 2021!
We'll welcome the new year with a bit of planning for the program of meetings as well as some general chat. Bring your ideas and your enthusiasm! This is your chance to see the kinds of topics and events that YOU want in the coming year... Drinks and food available at the venue. By Yeshi Kangrang (via Unsplash)
Find out more »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 »