Had enough of astrologers, psychics, homeopaths, and spirit channelers? Yearning to talk with someone rational for awhile? Join us for discussion on critical thinking, science, and skeptical inquiry.

For more information on what skepticism is visit http://www.theskepticsguide.org/

Here's a good definition of skepticism from Steven Novella:

"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."

Meetings tend to take place in Northwest-ish Raleigh. Trying to make it reasonably convenient for Durham and Chapel Hill without excluding Knightdale, Clayton and Holly Springs.

Discussions usually revolve around science headlines, the latest paranormal scams and anti-science propaganda, but often veers off into subjects like naked mole rats, Dragon*Con and Doctor Who.

We're not conspiracy theorists, moon landing deniers, climate change deniers, or 9-11 Truthers. If you're looking for that sort of stuff in this group, you'll probably be disappointed.

We're also not a singles group. OK, sure, a lot of us are single and we do get together to socialize but dating isn't the primary function of the group. Creepy / aggressive / stalkery behavior is frowned upon and will probably get you booted from the group. Be polite, show respect, take "no" for an answer and, above all, don't be a dick.

Although we're mostly agnostic/atheist/secular we are not, strictly speaking, an atheist group.

Likewise, we're probably a bit left-leaning politically but the group as a whole doesn't endorse one particular party.

And yes, we tend toward the nerdy/geeky side but it isn't a requirement.