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eSkeptic for September 1, 2020

Dr. Michael Shermer considers the pitfalls of projecting the consequences of the pandemic for our future (the availability heuristic, the negativity bias, the difficulties of superforecasting, and the contingent nature of history). PLUS: In Science Salon # 131, Michael Shermer speaks with Stuart Ritchie his book Science Fictions: How Fraud, Bias, Negligence, and Hype Undermine the Search for Truth.

Distinguished Science Lecture
Dr. Ian Morris — On the Future of War and Human Values

Looking over the past 10,000 years historian and archaeologist Ian Morris reveals patterns in the past related to energy consumption and resources, and how our age of fossil fuels will likely be a temporary one as we transition to renewables, and how this transition may lead to new human values, including the value of peace in a long human history filled with war.

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    • 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.

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