November 20, 2009 11:00 AM - 500 attended
Skepticon II
The Skepticon events began in Fall of 2008 when PZ Myers and Richard Carrier came to the MSU campus. This Fall, Skepticon II will build on the success of the first.
So far our lineup for the event is PZ Myers, Richard Carrier, Rebecca Watson, Joe Nickell, DJ Grothe, Victor Stenger, Robert M. Price, and Dan Barker, along with local presenters Dr. Mark Richter and JT Eberhard. The speakers will provide many of the reasons that belief in god is not only indefensible, but harmful to society as a whole. Our presenters will suggest ways to combat faith in government and in general. They will also rebut many of the common arguments in defense of belief in god.
Schedule:
Friday, November 20
11:00-11:40 Arrival, check-in at the Plaster Student Union http://search.missour...
(This is where the check-in table will be all weekend).
11:50-Noon Welcome, thanks yous, etc.
Noon-1:30 Panel Debate, "Does God Exist?" (Students)
2:00-4:00 Panel Debate, "Does God Exist?" Richard Carrier, Victor Stenger, Robert Price vs. Charles Self, Greg Ojakangas, R. Zachary Manis. DJ Grothe moderating.
4:00-5:30 Break
Carrington auditorium http://search.missour...
5:30-6:15 JT Eberhard, "Why do we criticize religion?"
6:30-7:30 PZ Myers
Saturday, November 21
10:00-11:00 DJ Grothe
11:10-12:10 Victor Stenger, "The New Atheism: Taking a Stand for Science and Reason"
12:20-1:20 Robert Price, "The Gospels and Thorough-going Skepticism"
1:20-2:20 LUNCH
2:20-3:30 Joe Nickell, "Investigating the Paranormal"
3:40-4:50 Dan Barker, "A Book of (Bad) Numbers"
5:00-7:00 Dinner break
Plaster Student Union
7:00-8:15 Richard Carrier, "Where the Hell Is Jesus!? Weird Stuff from the Gospels to the Apostles"
8:25 - 9:40 PZ Myers
9:50 - 11:00 Rebecca Watson
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A former member
We've met Dan and Annie Laurie a couple of times. Awesome people. Dan's a wonderful speaker. Everyone have a good time!
Posted November 4, 2009 at 6:07 AM -
A former member
Can anyone tell me where on campus this event will be?
Posted November 6, 2009 at 9:17 AM -
Jonathan Kraus
I spoke with JT last night and the first part of Friday will be in Plaster Student Union.
Posted November 6, 2009 at 10:12 AM -
Jonathan Kraus
He also said to expect a ton of people so get there a little early if you want a really good seat.
Posted November 6, 2009 at 10:13 AM -
A former member
If i attend, it probably won't be until Friday evening or Saturday. if you know if the events during those times will also be in Plaster SU, please let me know/post. thanks. Or if changes, please post or if phone # to check before I go. thanks.
Posted November 6, 2009 at 1:48 PM -
Patty Tweedle
This is amazingly exciting! Been out of touch for a bit...delighted that I logged on today!
Posted November 6, 2009 at 9:16 PM -
Jonathan Kraus
Frank, the location will change during the evenings, I will post it as soon as I have an updated schedule from JT.
Posted November 11, 2009 at 7:12 PM -
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Mriana
I'm excited because I get to meet Bob Price face to face. :D This will be really fun. BTW, I don't see any cost. I assume it's free? I ask so no one, including myself gets any surprises when they arrive Friday.
Posted November 19, 2009 at 12:03 PM -
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Mriana
COOL! I'll be there with bells on, esp since Bob said he will not only be glad to meet, but told me to bring my copy of "The Reason Driven Life". He's going to sign it for me. :D *Happy dance time!*
Posted November 20, 2009 at 1:44 AM -
A former member
I've attended conferences given by "the American Atheists" the "American Humanists" and "FFRF" -- and "Skepticon II" was was, by far, the most gratifying.
"Why?" -- because of: the young people who attended; the young people who participated; the young people who orgainzed; and the young people who will soon be taking over the leadership of the next generation of freethinkers, gave confidence to those of us who now must "pass the tourch."
Posted November 23, 2009 at 10:22 AM
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Candice TuckerRegularIt was an amazing experience being among so many atheists/freet
hinkers/skeptics! Difficult to listen to discussions on atheism from people around me without having my now reflexive defense mechanism popping up (usually happens when I overhear religious people saying ignorant things about atheists). I could get used to that though. ;) I was also very, very pleased with the speakers that attended. Very refreshing and invigorating to be there, and I can't wait until next year's Skepticon!
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John-Henry BeckTreasurer, Co-OrganizerGreat collection of speakers, very intellectually stimulating. And the turnout was pretty good for morale too, getting to meet quite a few freethinkers from around Springfield as well as out of town. Plenty of socializing to go with it. Can't wait for Skepticon III.
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Ben LawsonRegularI really enjoyed listening to all of the speakers. It's been a long time since I have had good, intelligent discussions on religion - it was so refreshing! I even had dinner on Friday with PZ Myers, Victor Stenger and Richard Carrier on Friday. Can't go wrong there! :D
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Yes, the event will be at MSU... and the event is free to all.