Distinguished Speaker Series
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When: Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 7 p.m.
Where: Collin County Community College (Spring Creek Campus), 2800 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano
Cost: Free
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Description
Ever wonder why people believe in UFO abductions, mind-reading, reincarnation, urban legends, not to mention "scientific creationism" and the pernicious myth that the Holocaust never happened? Dr. Michael Shermer, the founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine, is a genuine ghost-buster, a relentless crusader against superstition and pseudoscience. Based on his best selling book, "Why People Believe Weird Things" is filled with humor, insight, and personal anecdotes-a highly entertaining wake-up call that has proved a hit on college campuses. All events are open and free to the public.
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Event posted Dec. 12, 2007
Last updated Dec. 12, 2007
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Comments
Jeremy Dunck Staff
I enjoyed this presentation, though Shermer ran well over the hour of time. It was clear that "Why People Believe Weird Things" was an old speech; he unsubtly slipped into pitching his new book for the last half hour or so.
A lot of the presentation seemed undirected. Rather than outlining research or suggesting theories regarding the supposed topic, most of the time was filled with amusing observations and anecdotes. These got laughs, but did not clearly illuminate an overarching theme.
Why do people believe weird things? Psychology.
Why is Shermer a skeptic? Science! It works, bitches.
Shermer came across as egotistical on-stage, but off-stage after the presentation, he commented on self-doubt in his own frail powers of observation.
More of that, less with the jokes, please.
5 months, 4 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
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