What we’re about
The mission of the Skeptical Society of St. Louis is to promote the application of critical thinking and scientific principles to everyday problems and complex societal issues. We use the term "skeptic" in our name to associate the organization with the ideas of Scientific Skepticism promoted by Carl Sagan and to distinguish the organization from philosophical skepticism or cynicism. To quote Dr. Steven Novella, host of the popular podcast The Skeptics Guide to the Universe,
"A skeptic is one who prefers beliefs and conclusions that are reliable and valid to ones that are comforting or convenient, and therefore rigorously and openly applies the methods of science and reason to all empirical claims, especially their own. A skeptic provisionally proportions acceptance of any claim to valid logic and a fair and thorough assessment of available evidence, and studies the pitfalls of human reason and the mechanisms of deception so as to avoid being deceived by others or themselves. Skepticism values method over any particular conclusion."
Our primary activity is Skeptics in the Pub, an informal social event designed to promote fellowship and social networking among skeptics, critical-thinkers, and other like-minded individuals. We also provide special awards to 2 deserving students at the annual Academy of Science St. Louis Science Fair. These are monetary awards which are deposited directly into the student's 529 account for their future education.
A NOTE ON ATHEISM: While there is an overlap between the Skeptics and Atheists communities, we are not an atheist organization. Our focus is on the love of science and the desire to learn how to apply critical thinking within our lives. People of all persuasions are welcome!!
Join our group on Facebook for more information.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and your donation is deductible to the limits allowed by law. Please donate to support our cause.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Skeptics in the Pub (SitP) with Susan Gerbic: Telling stories with WikipediaAlpha Brewing Company, St. Louis, MO
We have the good fortune to host Susan Gerbic again!
Will will open a SSSL tab at the main bar (drinks only) after 6:00 PM for attendees who wish to socialize a bit before the Susan's presentation which will start around 7:00 PM.
Susan Gerbic founded and runs the crowd-sourced project Guerrilla
Skepticism on Wikipedia (GSoW) which has written over two thousand (2,000) Wikipedia articles concerning science, pseudoscience and people of science. With over a hundred editors from all over the world, located in a private Facebook group called The Secret Cabal, they work in many languages and are always looking for more people to train for the team.Susan will explain the project as well as remind us of the importance of one of the most visited websites in the world. Bring your questions!
Susan was also one of SSSL's first SitP speakers when we started holding events after the COVID lock-downs. Please come out to support Susan and the SSSL.
As is our custom, this event is free of charge. Please do consider supporting our gracious host, Alpha Brewing, before or during this event. They have many delicious food and beverage options available.
SSSL would also appreciate any financial support you can offer to support our Science Fair awards, SitP and other events:
- Give STL Day on or before May 9th: https://www.givestlday.org/organization/sssl
- SSSL homepage any time: https://skepticalstl.com/
Finally, I'll leave you with a couple of additional resources provided by Susan: