Skeptics in the Pub with Special Guest Taner Edis

Join us for the St. Louis Skeptics in the Pub. Skeptics in the Pub is an informal social event designed to promote fellowship and social networking among skeptics, critical-thinkers, and other like-minded individuals. It provides an opportunity for skeptics, rationalists, and science enthusiasts to talk, share ideas in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, and discuss whatever topical issues come to mind. But most importantly, it's about having fun while promoting skepticism, science, and rationality. In addition to the fun people, bocce ball, and great conversation, Skeptics in the Pub sometimes features lively presentations from scientists, philosophers, magicians & mentalists, activists, and others who are passionate about the scientific outlook.

As always, our host will be Michael Blanford, President of the The Skeptical Society of St. Louis and Director of Education of the James Randi Educational Foundation. At 7PM, we will have a presentation by Taner Edis, an Associate Professor of Physics at Truman State University. Dr. Edis will give a talk entitled “Rejecting Materialism”, in which he will discuss the relationship between Islam and science. With Islam becoming increasingly important in Western countries, there is no better time to learn more about what Muslims really believe.

Dr. Edis' research interests span many areas relevant to skepticism. In addition to researching atmospheric modeling, the foundations of statistical mechanics and artificial intelligence, and the physics of complex systems, Dr. Edis also does work on the philosophy of science, the philosophy of religion, and criticism of paranormal and fringe science claims. Dr. Edis is a prolific writer, authoring The Ghost in the Universe: God in Light of Modern Science (https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Universe-Light-Modern-Science/dp/1573929778), Science and Nonbelief (https://www.amazon.com/Science-Nonbelief-Taner-Edis/dp/1591025613), An Illusion of Harmony: Science and Religion in Islam (https://www.amazon.com/Illusion-Harmony-Science-Religion-Islam/dp/1591024498). He also co-edited Why Intelligent Design Fails: A Scientific Critique of the New Creationism (https://www.amazon.com/Why-Intelligent-Design-Fails-Creationism/dp/081353433X). Dr. Edis has published frequently in Free Inquiry and The Skeptical Inquirer and has been a guest on both Point of Inquiry (1 (https://libsyn.com/media/pointofinquiry/POI_2007_04_27_Taner_Edis.mp3), 2 (https://media.libsyn.com/media/pointofinquiry/POI_2008_06_06_Taner_Edis.mp3)) and Reasonable Doubts (1 (https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/reasonabledoubts/Msxh/~3/228209377/rd09_islam_science_and_modernity.mp3), 2 (https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/reasonabledoubts/Msxh/~3/239102899/rd10_islam_science_and_modernity_part_2.mp3)). He also frequently blogs at The Secular Outpost (https://secularoutpost.infidels.org/).

Jack Patrick's has been a great host to St. Louis Skeptics in the Pub since the beginning. To maintain this relationship we ask that outside drinks not be brought into the event and that we support our host through the purchase of food and beverages.