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 - Experiencing the Strange with Daniel ReedLink visible for attendees
Have you ever encountered something strange, odd, or curious? How did you feel? How did you react? What did you think? In this presentation, we will look at what you can do if and when you encounter something that you can't explain. Whether it's lights in the sky, a strange noise, or maybe a mysterious track in a field, we'll look at steps that you can take to think more skeptically, check your impressions, and maybe solve your mystery. Join us for an evening of fun, stories, and critical thought!
Daniel A. Reed is the founder of the West Virginia Skeptics Society and a frequent contributor to the Skeptical Inquirer magazine and website. He works as a counselor during the day, but in his free time, he investigates the strange and unusual. He also regularly gives lectures and presentations on the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. You can reach him through his website (www.DanielAReed.com) or by emailing him at Daniel@DanielAReed.com.
Agenda:
7:00 - 8:00: Featured presentation
8:00 - 9:00: Q&A; 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 your participation is subject to the Triangle Skeptics events code of conduct. - Culture Club – Fourth WednesdaysLink visible for attendees
[Short intro paragraph identifying this month's cultural work]
[Link to more information about the cultural work, ideally from the publisher or creator]
[More details about this month's cultural work, including a blurb from the creator / publisher / a reviewer, or a Wikipedia article excerpt]
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 - 9:00: 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 your participation is subject to the Triangle Skeptics events code of conduct.
