Public Lectures and Meet the Author
The New York City Skeptics Public Lecture Series and Meet the Author Series were established to help fulfill one of our primary goals: to promote skepticism, critical thinking, and science education among the general public.
As part of our commitment to sharing skepticism with as large an audience as possible, both programs are free and open to the public. Audio from each lecture is archived in the Past Speakers section of this page.
Upcoming Speakers
- May 5, 2008 - Carol Tavris
- April 5, 2008 - Massimo Pigliucci
- February 16, 2008 - Rebecca Watson
- December 8, 2007 - Steve Novella
- October 24, 2007 - John Rennie
Massimo Pigliucci: "Of Paradigm Shifts and the Objectivity of Science"
April 5, 2008
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Lecture recap available here.
Massimo Pigliucci is a Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Philosophy at Stony Brook University in New York. He has been published in Skeptic magazine, Skeptical Inquirer, and has been elected as a Consultant for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He also produces the "Rationally Speaking" blog and has authored the popular science book Denying Evolution: Creationism, Scientism and the Nature of Science.
Rebecca Watson: "Sex & Skepticism"
February 16, 2008
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Lecture recap available here.
Rebecca is the founder of Skepchick.org, an online magazine focused on women and critical thinking. Her articles and essays have appeared online and in newspapers and magazines across the United States. Her daily ramblings can be found at www.skepchick.org/blog. She occasionally poses in skeptic pin-up calendars.
Dr. Steven Novella: "An Introduction to Skeptical Activism"
December 8, 2007
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Noted scientist, author, and podcaster Dr. Steve Novella discusses the basics of a skeptical world view, why it is important, and shares his experiences as a skeptical activist.
Dr. Novella is an academic neurologist on full-time faculty at Yale University School of Medicine and the Author of Weird Science, a monthly column featured in the New Haven Advocate. He is the co-founder and President of the New England Skeptical Society and co-host of the Skeptics Guide to the Universe podcast.
John Rennie: "Scientific American's Century and a Half of Skepticism."
October 27, 2007
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In its long history of reporting on discoveries and inventions, Scientific American has frequently been at odds with proponents of the paranormal, the technologically dubious, the weird and the downright irrational. Editor in chief John Rennie discusses some of the magazine's (and his own) brushes with figures as diverse as the Wright Brothers, Harry Houdini and the Unabomber, not to mention the creationists, cold fusion advocates and nanotechnology cultists.
John Rennie is only the seventh editor in chief in the 162-year history of Scientific American magazine. Since his appointment in late 1994, he has been the creative force behind the modernization and reinvigoration of this great publishing institution. For several years, Rennie also worked by night as a sketch and improvisational comedian in New York, Boston and college venues. These days his major hobby is the study of Karate, in which he holds the rank of Yondan (4th degree black belt).
