What we’re about
June/July 2020: Due to the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, all March, April, May, June, July (and beyond) Suncoast Skeptics events have been replaced by virtual / online versions. We have standing events every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and often other events appear on our calendar, so there are lots of opportunities to get together virtually! Please feel free to join the group and take part in video/audio calls via Zoom ( https://zoom.us/ ). We'll resume regular in-person meetups once the health community advises that it is safe to do so, possibly in late 2020 or sometime in 2021. Thank you for your understanding!
The Suncoast Skeptics is a group which values critical thinking and rational, evidence-based decision-making. We are passionate about a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, science, epistemology, social issues, morality, and, obviously, pragmatic skepticism.
Are you someone who has a thick skin and enjoys having your beliefs and biases challenged? Do you have a rational mind and a thirst for learning new things? Do you believe that doubt is valuable, that not knowing all the answers is something which drives us to explore the world? Are you willing to accept convincing evidence over wild speculation? Do you possess a curiosity which keeps you expanding your understanding of yourself and reality? If so, this is the group for you.
Our group members come from many backgrounds and hold a diversity of beliefs on many issues. Most are atheists or non-religious, and we do tend to be liberal / progressive on many issues. Most of us are humanists and wish to reduce the harm we see in the world. But those are not universal or required traits. So long as you bring to the table patience, polite debate, and challenging ideas, you might enjoy joining us!
We meet regularly for Sunday morning brunches, Wednesday dinners, and trivia nights. Many of our meetings are discussions where attendees talk about important issues of the day. Some of the topics we've covered over the years include choosing authorities and sources, gun control, alternative medical treatments, organic crops, space exploration, public education, and the economics of Star Trek, just to name a few.
Through 2017, the Suncoast Skeptics have largely been a social discussion group, but things are in motion to build a new platform within the group. We're adopting explicit Humanistic values and will be looking for ways in which the group can provide service to our Sarasota and Manatee communities through charity works, volunteerism, and educational outreach. If this sounds like something you would like to see move forward, please let us know!