What we’re about
This is the official Meetup of New York City Skeptics, an all-volunteer nonprofit that promotes science and critical thinking.
For more information about us and our other activities visit www.nycskeptics.org.
You may also be interested in our official podcast, Rationally Speaking.
We also organize the Northeast Conference on Science & Skepticism (NECSS).
Had enough of astrologers, psychics, homeopaths, and spirit channelers? Yearning to talk with someone rational for awhile? Join us for our mothly discussion on critical thinking, science, and skeptical inquiry. Make sure you RSVP promptly, seating will be limited!
To keep the meetups friendly though, we will continue to, at least try, to stay away from controversial topics. The forbidden topics are religion, politics and global warming.
Upcoming events
14
When skeptics get it wrong
Malibu Diner, 163 W 23rd St, New York, NY, USWelcome to NYC Skeptic’s “Skeptic Dinners,” a series of events facilitated by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher and biologist at the City College of New York. The idea is similar to that of the Ancient Greek symposia: let’s get a small number of like-minded people together over drinks and food and discuss interesting subjects!
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To be skeptical means, literally (from the Greek root of the word) to be an inquirer, to keep an open mind and strive to adjusts one's beliefs to the evidence. But of course skeptics are human beings, so sometimes we get things wrong, occasionally spectularly so. At this dinner we'll examine some of the most common myths among skeptics and why we should do our best to correct them.
Suggested reading: "Weird Things Some Scientific Skeptics Say about Science," by Charles G.M. Paxton, in Skeptical Inquirer. (Free download)
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Since these are dinner events at a restaurant, you are expected to consume some food. Also please treat your rsvp seriously and update it if you decide not to come. If you don’t and we end up with empty seats, you may be barred from some of the next meeting. Thanks for understanding!
Malibu Diner is conveniently located in Chelsea, reachable by the #1 subway (23rd Street stop).14 attendees
The ethics of belief
Malibu Diner, 163 W 23rd St, New York, NY, USWelcome to NYC Skeptic’s “Skeptic Dinners,” a series of events facilitated by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher and biologist at the City College of New York. The idea is similar to that of the Ancient Greek symposia: let’s get a small number of like-minded people together over drinks and food and discuss interesting subjects!
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What is a "belief"? How is it different from faith? What are the ethical implications of endorsing or rejecting a given belief? In 1877, mathematician and philosopher William Kingdon Clifford published what turned out to be a highly controversial essay, "The ethics of belief." We will discuss Clifford's fundamental assertion that "It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone to believe anything on insufficient evidence."
Suggested reading: "The ethics of belief," by W.K. Clifford. (Free download)
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Note: Since these are dinner events at a restaurant, you are expected to consume some food. Also please treat your rsvp seriously and update it if you decide not to come. If you don’t and we end up with empty seats, you may be barred from some of the next meeting. Thanks for understanding!
Malibu Diner is conveniently located in Chelsea, reachable by the #1 subway (23rd Street stop).12 attendees
Past events
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