The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine

authoritarianism

The Michael Shermer Show # 238
Brian Klass on power and corruption, based on his book Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How it Changes Us

Michael Shermer speaks with Brian Klass about power and corruption, based on his book Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How it Changes Us.

eSkeptic for December 28, 2021

Michael Shermer speaks with Brian Klass about power and corruption, based on his book Corruptible: Who Gets Power and How it Changes Us. PLUS: In Memoriam: Edward O. Wilson (1929–2021) — entomologist, evolutionary theorist, and unifier of all knowledge. Read the interview from Skeptic 6.1 (1998).

The Michael Shermer Show # 199
David Potter — Disruption: Why Things Change

In episode 199, Michael Shermer and David Potter take a deep dive into disruptions. What are the conditions in which radical change happens? Is democracy in trouble? Not all radical groups are the same, and all the groups that the book explores take advantage of mistakes that have challenged belief in the competence of existing institutions to be effective.

eSkeptic for August 10, 2021

In episode 199, Michael Shermer and David Potter take a deep dive into disruptions. What are the conditions in which radical change happens? Is democracy in trouble? Not all radical groups are the same, and all the groups that the book explores take advantage of mistakes that have challenged belief in the competence of existing institutions to be effective.

eSkeptic for April 20, 2021

In episode 174, join Michael Shermer and Jordan Peterson (bestselling author of 12 Rules for Life) for this extraordinary conversation based on Peterson’s new book Beyond Order. PLUS: Save 40% on new digital subscriptions to Skeptic Magazine via Pocketmags.com, now through April 27, 2021!

The Michael Shermer Show # 174
Jordan Peterson & Michael Shermer on Science, Myth, Truth, and the Architecture of Archetypes

In episode 174, join Michael Shermer and Jordan Peterson (bestselling author of 12 Rules for Life) for this extraordinary conversation based on Peterson’s new book Beyond Order.

The Michael Shermer Show # 163
Helen Pluckrose — Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender, and Identity — and Why This Harms Everybody

In episode 163 of The Michael Shermer Show, Dr. Shermer speaks with Helen Pluckrose about her book (co-authored with James Lindsay) Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender, and Identity—and Why This Harms Everybody.

eSkeptic for March 9, 2021

Skeptic Magazine 26.1: Cosmic Beginning is Available Now! Instantly Download the Digital Edition or Pre-order the Print Edition Today. PLUS: In episode 163 of The Michael Shermer Show, Dr. Shermer speaks with Helen Pluckrose about her book (co-authored with James Lindsay) Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender, and Identity — and Why This Harms Everybody.

Donate

Get eSkeptic

eSkeptic logo

Be in the know!

Subscribe to eSkeptic: our free email newsletter and get great podcasts, videos, reviews and articles from Skeptic magazine, announcements, and more in your inbox twice a week. It’s free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe any time.

Sign me up!

Retrospective

Skeptic cover art by Pat Linse

Art of the Skeptic

In celebration of Skeptic magazine’s 100th issue, we present sage graphic art advice for skeptical groups and a gallery of art reflecting more than 47 years of skeptical activism from Skeptic’s long time Art Director, Pat Linse

Digital Free Trial

30 day FREE TRIAL on new digital subscriptions on your iOS or Android devices. Digital subscriptions are 1-year (US $14.99).

Browse by Topic

  • Tags

    aliens atheism belief climate change consciousness conspiracy theories creationism Darwin evolution evolution and/or creationism free will God human nature Intelligent Design morality mythology neuroscience politics pseudoscience psychology racism religion review science Science Salon skepticism The Michael Shermer Show UFOs universe violence

    • Detecting Baloney

    Baloney Detection Kit Sandwich (Infographic) by Deanna and Skylar (High Tech High Media Arts, San Diego, CA)

    The Baloney Detection Kit Sandwich (Infographic)

    For a class project, a pair of 11th grade physics students created the infographic shown below, inspired by Michael Shermer’s Baloney Detection Kit: a 16-page booklet designed to hone your critical thinking skills.

    FREE PDF Download

    Wisdom of Harriet Hall

    Top 10 Things to Know About Alternative Medicine

    Harriet Hall M.D. discusses: alternative versus conventional medicine, flu fear mongering, chiropractic, vaccines and autism, placebo effect, diet, homeopathy, acupuncture, “natural remedies,” and detoxification.

    FREE Video Series

    Science Based Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine

    Science Based Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine

    Understanding the difference could save your life! In this superb 10-part video lecture series, Harriet Hall M.D., contrasts science-based medicine with so-called “complementary and alternative” methods.

    FREE PDF Download

    Top 10 Myths of Terrorism

    Is Terrorism an Existential Threat?

    This free booklet reveals 10 myths that explain why terrorism is not a threat to our way of life or our survival.

    FREE PDF Download

    The Top 10 Weirdest Things

    The Top Ten Strangest Beliefs

    Michael Shermer has compiled a list of the top 10 strangest beliefs that he has encountered in his quarter century as a professional skeptic.

    FREE PDF Download

    Reality Check: How Science Deniers Threaten Our Future (paperback cover)

    Who believes them? Why? How can you tell if they’re true?

    What is a conspiracy theory, why do people believe in them, and can you tell the difference between a true conspiracy and a false one?

    FREE PDF Download

    The Science Behind Why People See Ghosts

    The Science Behind Why People See Ghosts

    Mind altering experiences are one of the foundations of widespread belief in the paranormal. But as skeptics are well aware, accepting them as reality can be dangerous…

    FREE PDF Download

    Top 10 Myths About Evolution

    Top 10 Myths About Evolution (and how we know it really happened)

    If humans came from apes, why aren’t apes evolving into humans? Find out in this pamphlet!

    FREE PDF Download

    Learn to be a Psychic in 10 Easy Lessons

    Learn to do Psychic “Cold Reading” in 10
    Easy Lessons

    Psychic readings and fortunetelling are an ancient art — a combination of acting and psychological manipulation.

    FREE PDF Download

    The Yeti or Abominable Snowman

    5 Cryptid Cards

    Download and print 5 Cryptid Cards created by Junior Skeptic Editor Daniel Loxton. Creatures include: The Yeti, Griffin, Sasquatch/Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, and the Cadborosaurus.

    Copyright © 1992–2022. All rights reserved. | P.O. Box 338 | Altadena, CA, 91001 | 1-626-794-3119. The Skeptics Society is a non-profit, member-supported 501(c)(3) organization (ID # 95-4550781) whose mission is to promote science & reason. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Privacy Policy.