About the Central Maine Skeptical Society
The Central Maine Skeptical Society (CMSS) is part of a growing skeptical movement that seeks to promote science, reason, and critical thinking.
New discoveries in scientific knowledge and technology have made tremendous improvements in human longevity and quality of life; yet far too many people seem to live in a world of “magical thinking” that denies the reality on which all of science is based.
For example, many Americans are unable to distinguish good science from pseudoscience, medical experts from quacks, and actual medicine from snake oil. Without a basic understanding of the principals of science and the Scientific Method, many people lack the ability to critically examine evidence and gullibly follow the latest fad diets and so-called “alternative” medicine.
So what’s the big deal?
In addition to harm to the individual (e.g., taking snake oil rather than real medicine), non-skeptical thinking at the government level creates a host of even more serious problems, from bad policy decisions based on pseudoscience (including everything from social inequalities for people of color and the LGBT community to meaningless “debates” on the reality of global warming) to the lowering of educational standards, most blatantly through the avoidance or watering down of the teaching of evolution, the cornerstone of all aspects of biology and modern medicine.
The CMSS is lucky to have access to knowledgeable speakers on skeptical topics through our partnership with the UMaine Skeptics, a student group at the University of Maine, in Orono. Together, we will have monthly meetings on campus to discuss skeptical topics and hear from experts in many scientific and medical fields. The CMSS also plans to provide relevant website, podcast, & book recommendations and host an online discussion group where members can further discuss (in a respectful manner) skeptical issues.
Want to learn more? Check out "What is a Skeptic” for Brian Dunning's explanation at http://skeptoid.com/skeptic.php.
A final note on Rules of Conduct:
All members of the CMSS realize that even the most logical of skeptics suffers from occasional lapses in judgment, has unconscious biases, or plain just doesn’t know everything about every topic. Since we are all at different places on our self-same journey to true skeptical thinking, all discussions must be respectful and posts must not contain personal attacks of any sort. Demeaning or abusive posts will be deleted with one warning given to the poster; a second infraction will result in removal from the group.
Be kind. Be respectful. Personal attacks will never change hearts and minds, which is our ultimate goal as we seek to promote science, reason, & critical thinking.
New discoveries in scientific knowledge and technology have made tremendous improvements in human longevity and quality of life; yet far too many people seem to live in a world of “magical thinking” that denies the reality on which all of science is based.
For example, many Americans are unable to distinguish good science from pseudoscience, medical experts from quacks, and actual medicine from snake oil. Without a basic understanding of the principals of science and the Scientific Method, many people lack the ability to critically examine evidence and gullibly follow the latest fad diets and so-called “alternative” medicine.
So what’s the big deal?
In addition to harm to the individual (e.g., taking snake oil rather than real medicine), non-skeptical thinking at the government level creates a host of even more serious problems, from bad policy decisions based on pseudoscience (including everything from social inequalities for people of color and the LGBT community to meaningless “debates” on the reality of global warming) to the lowering of educational standards, most blatantly through the avoidance or watering down of the teaching of evolution, the cornerstone of all aspects of biology and modern medicine.
The CMSS is lucky to have access to knowledgeable speakers on skeptical topics through our partnership with the UMaine Skeptics, a student group at the University of Maine, in Orono. Together, we will have monthly meetings on campus to discuss skeptical topics and hear from experts in many scientific and medical fields. The CMSS also plans to provide relevant website, podcast, & book recommendations and host an online discussion group where members can further discuss (in a respectful manner) skeptical issues.
Want to learn more? Check out "What is a Skeptic” for Brian Dunning's explanation at http://skeptoid.com/skeptic.php.
A final note on Rules of Conduct:
All members of the CMSS realize that even the most logical of skeptics suffers from occasional lapses in judgment, has unconscious biases, or plain just doesn’t know everything about every topic. Since we are all at different places on our self-same journey to true skeptical thinking, all discussions must be respectful and posts must not contain personal attacks of any sort. Demeaning or abusive posts will be deleted with one warning given to the poster; a second infraction will result in removal from the group.
Be kind. Be respectful. Personal attacks will never change hearts and minds, which is our ultimate goal as we seek to promote science, reason, & critical thinking.