The Sunshine Coast Skeptics Society aims to promote critical thinking (not cynicism) about life, the universe and everything. Curiosity about everything around us, drives us to find the best information we can about those things that cross our path. This helps us to engage with the real world and real world issues.

Carl Sagan once said "Our species needs, and deserves, a citizenry with minds wide awake and a basic understanding of how the world works." Without this, democracy itself may be undermined by spurious claims and misinformation that isn't evaluated critically. Therefore each month we host talks and discussions on a range of subjects: from critical thinking in schools to neuroscience; from humanism to terrorism; evolution to genetics. Most of these talks are completely free (although we are not adverse to accepting small donations to help us cover costs). We also have subscription forms available for the Skeptic magazine which provides a range of informed and in-depth articles about pressing issues of the day.

So come down, listen to the speakers, join in the discussions and become involved. Contact us at skeptics (at) embiggenbooks (dot) com

• Watch the talks
• Books of Interest

Peter Ellerton
Critical Thinking in Schools

Winner of the 2008 Prize for Critical Thinking, Peter Ellerton delivers the first of the Embiggen Books monthly Skeptics evening talks on bringing critical thinking and philosophy into schools. Please forgive our bad camera work (damn that auto-contrast!), we will get better! Along with a number of other dedicated teachers and philosophers Peter Ellerton maintains a tremendous website (PACTISS.org) full of a wide range of resources for teachers or parents, all aimed at educating for critical thought in our kids.

Dr Martin Bridgstock
The Skeptical Eye

Martin Bridgstock has been associated with the Australian Skeptics for nearly 25 years. In 1986 he was awarded the title of Skeptic of the Year (jointly with Dr Ken Smith) for the successful battle to prevent 'creation science' being taught in Queensland schools. Martin Bridgstock is a senior lecturer in the School of Biomolecular and Physical Sciences and runs the course Skepticism, Science and the Paranormal at Griffith University. He has received a string of teaching prizes and in 2006 was the recipient of the inaugural Australian Skeptics Prize for Critical Thinking. In this talk, Martin presented brand new evidence about paranormal belief in Queensland, and shows the importance of skepticism in combating both fraudulent and misleading paranormal claims. There is 20 minutes of Q&A after the talk.

Maria Proctor – Humanism

The Humanist Society of Queensland (HSQ) is an association of non-religious people who seek a rational constructive approach to all human affairs. It offers a positive alternative to all religions and dogmatic creeds. It acts to defend freedom of opinion and the expression of that opinion; as well as every civil liberty of the individual. It supports via legislation any other democratic and constitutional means to improve social conditions. It supports the widest conception of education for all people for the better understanding and enjoyment of human life. Newly elected HSQ President, Maria Proctor makes the journey from Brisbane to be with us to discuss Humanism and it's relevance to the community.

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