What we’re about
Welcome to Triangle Skeptics. Our mission is to promote critical thinking, scientific literacy and skepticism as tools for advancing knowledge and decision making. We are skeptical but not cynical.
Our focus is on identifying good and bad examples of critical thinking, so that we can hone our own powers of observation, inquiry and deduction. We discuss, critique and attack ideas, but not people or personalities. Please be respectful of others and ideas different from your own. They might present an opportunity for you to learn something new. Also, please share your thoughts but be mindful of the length and frequency of your sharing so that everyone gets a chance to speak.
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."
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 get you booted from the group. Be polite and show respect.
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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Skeptics in the (Virtual) Pub - Third WednesdaysLink visible for attendees
[Intro blurb goes here]
Agenda:
6:30 - 7:00: Meet and greet; magic trick
7:00 - 8:00: Featured presentation
8:00 - until: General discussionHow to be:
Come with an open but critical mind, awareness of your own biases, and respect for your fellow humans. We're here to have a good conversation and a good time, and to that end we ask that everybody abide by the rules of civil conversation. - Culture Club – Anathem, by Neal Stephenson (parts 6–13)Link visible for attendees
This month's cultural work is the science fiction novel Anathem by Neal Stephenson. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time covering parts 1–5 in September, and will discuss the remainder this time. Thanks to Harrison K. for suggesting it.
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/anathem-neal-stephenson?variant=32205566017570
From the publisher:
A #1 New York Times Bestseller, Anathem is perhaps the most brilliant literary invention to date from the incomparable Neal Stephenson, who rocked the world with Snow Crash, Cryptonomicon, and The Baroque Cycle. Now he imagines an alternate universe where scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians live in seclusion behind ancient monastery walls until they are called back into the world to deal with a crisis of astronomical proportions.About Culture Club:
Our fourth-Wednesday meetups are dedicated to discussion of a piece of culture – be it a book, a movie, an outside lecture, or something else – that is of interest to the group. Even if you have not read, listened, or watched this month's selected work but merely think it sounds intriguing, we hope that you will join us, since an outsider's perspective enhances every conversation.You can browse the list of works we have already covered, and peep the queue of candidates for future meetings, here. If you would like to suggest a work for consideration, please check the link above first, and if you don't see it already listed, use this form.
Agenda:
6:30 - 7:00: Meet and greet
7:00 - 8:30: Discussion of featured work
8:30 - until: General discussion and selection of next workHow to be:
Come with an open but critical mind, awareness of your own biases, and respect for your fellow humans. We're here to have a good conversation and a good time, and to that end we ask that everybody abide by the rules of civil conversation. - Skeptics in the (Virtual) Pub - Third WednesdaysLink visible for attendees
[Intro blurb goes here]
Agenda:
6:30 - 7:00: Meet and greet; magic trick
7:00 - 8:00: Featured presentation
8:00 - until: General discussionHow to be:
Come with an open but critical mind, awareness of your own biases, and respect for your fellow humans. We're here to have a good conversation and a good time, and to that end we ask that everybody abide by the rules of civil conversation. - Skeptics in the (Virtual) Pub – Culture ClubLink visible for attendees
[Short identifying introduction for cultural work of the month]
[URL for work of the month]
From the publisher:
[Another paragraph selling the cultural work of the month to the undecided]About Culture Club:
Our fourth-Wednesday meetups are dedicated to discussion of a piece of culture – be it a book, a movie, an outside lecture, or something else – that is of interest to the group. Even if you have not read, listened, or watched this month's selected work but merely think it sounds intriguing, we hope that you will join us, since an outsider's perspective enhances every conversation.You can browse the list of works we have already covered, and peep the queue of candidates for future meetings, here. If you would like to suggest a work for consideration, please check the link above first, and if you don't see it already listed, use this form.
Agenda:
6:30 - 7:00: Meet and greet
7:00 - 8:30: Discussion of featured work
8:30 - until: General discussion and selection of next workHow to be:
Come with an open but critical mind, awareness of your own biases, and respect for your fellow humans. We're here to have a good conversation and a good time, and to that end we ask that everybody abide by the rules of civil conversation.
