Skepticamp Carthage
Sunday, May 7, 2023 - 1:00-3:00pm
Niemann Media Theater, Hedberg Library Room 159
Seeking sponsors! Email abarnhart@carthage.edu for more information about sponsoring or donating to SkeptiCamp Carthage.
SkeptiCamp Carthage 2023 Program
What is SkeptiCamp?
A SkeptiCamp is basically a skeptic conference organized by a local community of skeptics where the attendees themselves create and present the content. They are "open" in that everyone is encouraged to take part in their organization and giving talks.
It's a new breed of skeptic gathering based upon the wildly successful BarCamp format. Where BarCamp focuses on technology, SkeptiCamp focuses instead on critical thinking, science, pseudoscience, alternative medicine and the many topics of interest to skeptics. Both BarCamp and SkeptiCamp turn the traditional conference on its head, stripping away the barriers to organizing events and providing a range of meaningful ways for everyone to participate and have fun.Â
What is skepticism?
In this context, skepticism is the intersection of science education and consumer protection. We help people learn from science to avoid spending their money on products and services that do not work. We DO NOT use the term to deny or defy the findings of science. Skepticism is not cynicism.
What topics are appropriate for SkeptiCamp presentations?
There are no rules! If your skepticism in a topic is based upon evidence, then it is a viable topic for a SkeptiCamp presentation. Here is a list of titles from previous SkeptiCamp talks:
"Academic Freedom" and the Intelligent Design Movement
Creating Skeptical Happiness
Critical Thinking for Dummies
Multi-Level Marketing ("Incredible Business Opportunity")
Skeptical Dating
Methods of the Pseudo-Psychic
Applied Kinesiology: Dowsing for Diagnoses and other Questionable Medical Practices
Practical Techniques for Street Skepticism
Theatre Superstitions
Genetics and Natural Selection
Why vaccinate? Explanation of Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Encouraging Skepticism in the Education of Educators
The Detox Myth
How to be a Skeptical Shopper
How can you get involved?
SkeptiCamp lives and dies by its participants. If you would like to help in organizing the event please email Anthony Barnhart (abarnhart@carthage.edu). Otherwise, use the form below to submit a presentation for the event or register to attend. One of the organizers will be in touch with more information. The plan is for presentations to be relatively short (10-15 minutes) so that we can have a diverse and engaging sent of talks.
