Event Listing
Lies, damned lies and statistics: How we get science coverage wrong
Dr. David Robert Grimes discusses the frequent problems in reporting science from misunderstandings to bad statistics to false balance, and discusses the factors that influence this and how such problems can be remedied.
Irregular Social
So that our April speaker event can mesh nicely with QED, we've moved our social for April to the second Thursday. Otherwise, it's the same old Skeptics in the Pub.
Manchester Skeptics in the Church (Inn)
Despite losing our speaker event this month, the social is on as normal, with all the usual chat, beer, coffee and discounted food.
Skeplit Has An Unquenchable Thirst
This month we will be discussing An Unquenchable Thirst, a memoir by Mary Johnson. In this book, Mary writes about becoming a member of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity and her struggles with her sexuality, faith and the order itself.
Manchester Skeptics in the Church (Inn)
Good grub, strong coffee, reasonably-priced ale, a proper beer garden and lively, informed conversation. If that sounds like your scene then get yourself along to our monthly social.
There's a 10% student discount on food, extended to all SITP attendees.Skeplit Puts Maths On Trial
In February, we will be discussing 'Maths on Trial' by Leila Schneps and Coralie Colmez.
This book covers ten trials in which maths was used or abused. From faulty calculations to a misunderstanding of probability, even the simplest numbers can result in disastrous courtoom consequences.
We will be meeting at The Vienna Coffee House so pop along for a chat and some cake.Switching Off Denial
Sceptics (or skeptics!) are people who don’t take things at face value; they demand facts, and are ready to change opinions based on the weight of evidence, even if that goes against personal preferences or beliefs.
Deniers, on the other hand, refuse to accept evidence that conflicts with their personal beliefs, desires or ideology. People in denial gather reasons and excuses, however flimsy, that allow them to not believe in whatever unwelcome truth they’re trying to avoid.
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Cartoon by Polyp.[/caption]
No serious sceptic could doubt that human-caused climate change is real, and serious – the evidence is just too overwhelming. However, many people are still in a state of denial over climate change, for a wide range of reasons. Fortunately, opinion polls show that the majority of the public accept the reality of the climate problem however, the number of people who take climate change seriously seems to be slipping back in some countries.
In his talk Dan Chivers will equip us with some handy weapons (otherwise known as science and facts) for tackling climate change denial head-on. See more at New Internationalist.
Dan holds a degree and two Masters in environmental science and politics, and is also the author of the upcoming "No-Nonsense Guide to Renewable Energy".Skeplit and the Secret History of Nasa
After our break for non-denominational Winterval celebrations, we are back for 2015!
Our first book/documentary will be Dark Mission: The Secret History of NASA by Richard Hoagland and Mike Bara. We will be discussing the 'evidence' presented regarding the occult origins of NASA and the mystical organisations that dominate it.
There are several videos on YouTube by the authors for those seeking an alternative to reading the book.
We will be meeting at The Vienna Coffee House so pop along for a chat and some cake. The truth is out there!Manchester Skeptics in the Church (Inn)
Good grub, strong coffee, reasonably-priced ale, a proper beer garden and lively, informed conversation. If that sounds like your scene then get yourself along to our monthly social.
Drawing the Line
An illustrated exploration of the history of controversial cartooning, and the story of it's relationship to free speech, by long time local pen dipper 'Polyp'.
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You can see more of Polyp's cartoons at www.polyp.org.uk[/caption]
From Roman times through to last week's shocking revenge attack, cartoonists have always been the focus of outrage, censorship and conflict. What is it about this often trivialized art form that evokes such powerful reactions?
We'll be including a look at the surprisingly familiar history of the medium's conflict with Christianity and socially accepted moral consensus, and in the discussion afterwards we'll pull at the complex knot of what it means to be offensive. Is there a simple way to untie it?