Suncoast Skeptics

Whether you are skeptical about the paranormal, superstition, the supernatural, pseudoscience, or any other form of "woo" we would love to meet you.

Skeptics are people who ask questions. They inquire. They don't believe something just because everybody else does. They investigate. Not to be confused with denialism--our goal is to find the facts and discuss them; not to deny reality because we don't like it.

Everyone is skeptical. Some of us require more convincing evidence than others. If you tend to require more evidence than most, you might fit in very well here. If you have a pet conspiracy theory, however, you may not find the confirmation you seek, but you are still welcome to discuss the facts with us.

Some people think that skeptics don't believe anything. That's not true. Maybe we can't be absolutely certain about the world around us, but we can show that some things are more likely true than others. Skeptics believe many things. We study the evidence and we use the methods of science to help us find what is most likely true.

Others think that skeptics are party poopers because some studies show that a popular belief is wrong or very doubtful. Anyone who studies science will tell you that the real world is magical enough. We don't need to have beliefs that are probably not true just to make life interesting.

Come to the next Meetup and see what you think. We meet regularly for discussions over food and drink.

I have included some resources here that will tell you a little bit more about Skepticism (with a capital S).

Skeptic Magazine - A quarterly top notch magazine, but also a great website with links to various resources

The Skeptic's Dictionary - If you find something in here that you hold near and dear, please look into if further

Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) - These folks are actively working to investigate dubious claims

Skeptical Inquirer - Bimonthly magazine from CSI on all topics that deserve scrutiny

The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe - By far the most subscribed podcast for Skeptics. Informative and entertaining

Science-Based Medicine - A blog "Exploring issues and controversies in the relationship between science and medicine.

[Parts of the first and last two paragraphs of this page excerpted from Skepdic.com]

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Sunday at 10:00 AM, 13 Skeptics attended
Skeptic's Cafe - Sarasota
They rated it 5.003 (3 ratings)

RSVP required by 9 AM so we can be sure to arrange the seating. This event will continue on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month at The Savory Street
May 23 at 6:00 PM, 11 Skeptics attended
Skeptic Supper South -
They rated it 5.002 (2 ratings)

RSVP required if you want to join us for dinner and discussion at Saltwater Cafe (Laurel Road and US 41 between Venice and Sarasota). 6:00 - Arrive and mingle 6:20 -... Learn more
May 20 at 10:30 AM, 12 Skeptics attended
Skeptic's Cafe - Venice
They rated it 5.001 (1 ratings)

Please RSVP by 9 AM so we can be sure to arrange the seating. This event will continue on the 1st and 3rd Sundays each month at Ophelia's - Nokomis
May 19 at 5:00 PM, 8 Skeptics attended
Reading Skeptically May - Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich
They rated it 5.001 (1 ratings)

For April, we read Microcosm by Carl Zimmer We chose Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich as our book for May's discussion. The sub-title of the book is "How the... Learn more
May 16 at 7:00 PM, 16 Skeptics attended
Team Trivia - Hillview Gecko's
They rated it 4.003 (3 ratings)

We've been having fun at Gecko's on Hillview Street in Sarasota. It's a less formal discussion than our regular dinners so it has been a great way to socialize. Let's... Learn more
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