Glasgow Skeptics

Glasgow Skeptics
Formation November 2009 (2009-11)
Type Nonprofit organisation
Legal status Society
Purpose Promotion of public understanding,
critical thinking and freedom of speech
Location
President
 Brian Eggo
Website glasgowskeptics.com

Glasgow Skeptics is a skeptical organisation based in Glasgow, Scotland. It aims to promote public understanding of science, critical thinking, and freedom of expression.[1]

History

Founded by Ian Scott, Glasgow Skeptics, aided by the Glasgow Brights, held their inaugural "Glasgow Skeptics in the Pub" Meetup on 10 November 2009.[2][3]

Activities

Skeptics in the Pub

Since the foundation of the Glasgow Skeptics in November 2009, its Skeptics in the Pub events have become increasingly popular. In March 2010, when Simon Singh lectured about his book Trick or Treatment and the British Chiropractic Association v Singh case, about 65 people attended the monthly meeting.[3] In December 2009, Ariane Sherine discussed her Atheist Bus Campaign.[4] In October 2014, Professor Helen Sang from The Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh gave a presentation titled "Would You Eat a GM Chicken?" on the ethics and hazards of genetically modified food in feeding a growing population.[5] During the 5th anniversary of Glasgow Skeptics in the Pub on 10 November 2014, LGBT, atheist and secularist activist Nate Phelps talked about his past experience in the Westboro Baptist Church, his escape from it and his efforts for Recovering from Religion.[6]

In recent years they have stepped up the frequency of their events, with the aim of filling as many Monday nights as possible throughout the year. They have been assisted in this endeavour with an increasingly close relationship with Edinburgh Skeptics, and other Scottish Skeptics in the Pub groups.

Debates

The 24 March 2014 Scottish independence debate.

As was as regular SITP talks, Glasgow Skeptics have hosted and organised a number of debates. Most notably discussions on Scottish independence before and after the 2014 referendum, and whilst the society itself officially remained "staunchly neutral" on the question, Guardian journalist Libby Brooks noted, and polls showed, a large majority of debate attendees was in the "Yes" camp.[7][8][9] After "No" won, however, public commenters stressed that the referendum had "energised" the electorate, and further discussions should keep it focused on what "how, where and in what direction" Scotland should go now.[7][10]

Glasgow Skeptics continue to organise and participate in debates, for events such as the EU Referendum, MSP and General Elections, and occasionally for other topics - including a debate with representatives from the Centre for Intelligent Design hosted by Glasgow University Christian Union.

Activism

Glasgow Skeptics have participated an a number of initiatives over the years. In 2010, they were involved in the UK-wide 10:23 Campaign, initiated by the Merseyside Skeptics Society, by taking a mass 'overdose' of homeopathic pills to publicly demonstrate their inefficacy.[3] In 2013, the Glasgow Skeptics launched a petition calling on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to cease funding the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital.[11] In 2014 they took part in the Good Thinking Society's Psychic Awareness Month[12] initiative.

References

  1. ↑ "Welcome". Glasgow Skeptics website. Glasgow Skeptics. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  2. ↑ Keith Gilmour; Billy Russell; Dick Hendry (10 November 2009). "Glasgow Brights (INAUGURAL GLASGOW SKEPTICS MEETUP) Meetup". Meetup.com. Glasgow Brights. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 Owen Duffy (9 March 2010). "Out of the labs, into the pubs". BBC News. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  4. ↑ "Interview: Ariane Sherine - Godless woman". The Scotsman. 1 December 2009. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  5. ↑ Peter Simpson (30 September 2014). "Scottish Food News – October 2014". The Skinny. Radge Media. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  6. ↑ "Son of 'the most hated family in America' to speak in Glasgow". STV Glasgow website. 10 November 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  7. 1 2 Libby Brooks (23 September 2014). "Scottish independence referendum: grief at the Glasgow Skeptics". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  8. ↑ ProductionAttic (2 April 2014). "Should Scotland be an Independent Country? - Glasgow Skeptics". YouTube. Glasgow Skeptics. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  9. ↑ "Five events discussing the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum". The List. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  10. ↑ Libby Brooks (26 September 2014). "Scotland after the independence referendum: week in review". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  11. ↑ Caroline Wilson (9 May 2013). "Glasgow homeopathic unit faces funding fight". Evening Times. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  12. ↑ "Psychic Awareness Month". Good Thinking Society. 2014-11-01. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
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