Skepticon
Encyclopedia
Skepticon is the largest student organized skeptic
and atheist
convention held in the United States. Guest speakers are invited to discuss atheism
, skepticism
, and other related topics. This free event is sponsored by the Missouri State Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
, and is held on the campus of Missouri State University
.
To explain the goals of the event organizer JT Eberhard wrote: “Skeptics conferences are an important part of the movement. They not only grant people access to the icons of the movement, they also arm those in attendance with information; the key weapon for the side of reason. They also provide a sense of community for a group of people who can often feel isolated in a largely religious population.”
and Richard Carrier
, to campus to speak critically about belief in God. The event was considered particularly controversial because Springfield Missouri is also the home to the Assemblies of God
national headquarters and the campuses of several religious universities such as Evangel University
and the Drury University
.
In the years that followed the conference was able to attract additional speakers who were willing to reduce or forego their speakers fee in order to keep the conference free for attendees. Donors help with the cost of event space and speaker’s travel costs.
In July 2010 Skepticon received the ‘’Best On Campus Event’’ award from the Center for Inquiry
.
Shortly before Skepticon III in November 2010 critics questioned the naming of the convention, suggesting that the topics covered are focused more on Atheism than Skepticism. Event organizer J.T. Eberhard responded by saying "To say that skepticism applies to some truth claims but not to others, that dilutes skepticism".
At Skepticon IV (2011) the event featured a tour of a nearby creationist museum, two full days of lectures detailing science-related topics, and a performance by Atheist Evangelist Brother Sam Singleton. A local gelato
shop owner took offense to Singleton’s performance and posted a sign in the store window which read "Skepticon is NOT welcomed to my Christian Business." The resulting internet reaction had a negative impact on the store’s user ratings on a number of consumer satisfaction websites. Three days later the shop owner posted an apology on the website Reddit. Concern over whether the sign violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964
earned the incident the nickname “gelato-gate”.
, Victor Stenger, and J.T. Eberhard for the Atheist perspective and professors Charlie Self, Zachary Manis, and Greg Ojakangas presenting the Christian position.
, PZ Myers
, Richard Carrier
, and Amanda Marcotte
.
Skepticism
Skepticism has many definitions, but generally refers to any questioning attitude towards knowledge, facts, or opinions/beliefs stated as facts, or doubt regarding claims that are taken for granted elsewhere...
and atheist
Atheism
Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities...
convention held in the United States. Guest speakers are invited to discuss atheism
Atheism
Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities...
, skepticism
Skepticism
Skepticism has many definitions, but generally refers to any questioning attitude towards knowledge, facts, or opinions/beliefs stated as facts, or doubt regarding claims that are taken for granted elsewhere...
, and other related topics. This free event is sponsored by the Missouri State Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
Flying Spaghetti Monster
The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the deity of the parody religion the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Pastafarianism...
, and is held on the campus of Missouri State University
Missouri State University
Missouri State University is a public university located in Springfield, Missouri, United States and founded in 1905. It is the state's second largest university, with an official enrollment of 20,802 in fall 2011...
.
To explain the goals of the event organizer JT Eberhard wrote: “Skeptics conferences are an important part of the movement. They not only grant people access to the icons of the movement, they also arm those in attendance with information; the key weapon for the side of reason. They also provide a sense of community for a group of people who can often feel isolated in a largely religious population.”
History
The Skepticon conference grew out of a speaking engagement organized by a student group on the campus of Missouri State University. The students invited two well-known atheist speakers, PZ MyersPZ Myers
Paul Zachary "PZ" Myers is an American biology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris and the author of the Pharyngula science blog. He is currently an associate professor of biology at UMM, works with zebrafish in the field of evolutionary developmental biology , and also cultivates an...
and Richard Carrier
Richard Carrier
Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American historian. He is best known for his writings on Internet Infidels, otherwise known as the Secular Web, where he served as Editor-in-Chief for several years....
, to campus to speak critically about belief in God. The event was considered particularly controversial because Springfield Missouri is also the home to the Assemblies of God
Assemblies of God
The Assemblies of God , officially the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, is a group of over 140 autonomous but loosely-associated national groupings of churches which together form the world's largest Pentecostal denomination...
national headquarters and the campuses of several religious universities such as Evangel University
Evangel University
Evangel University is the national university of arts, sciences and professions in Springfield, Missouri. Evangel College was renamed Evangel University on June 8, 1998. The campus sits on that were originally part of . The first President of Evangel was Klaude Kendrick who served from 1955-1958....
and the Drury University
Drury University
Drury University is a private liberal arts college in Springfield, Missouri.The university enrolls about 1,550 undergraduates, over 2,000 adult part-time undergraduates and around 400 graduate students in six master's programs...
.
In the years that followed the conference was able to attract additional speakers who were willing to reduce or forego their speakers fee in order to keep the conference free for attendees. Donors help with the cost of event space and speaker’s travel costs.
In July 2010 Skepticon received the ‘’Best On Campus Event’’ award from the Center for Inquiry
Center for Inquiry
The Center for Inquiry is a non-profit educational organization with headquarters in the United States whose primary mission is to encourage evidence-based inquiry into paranormal and fringe science claims, alternative medicine and mental health practices, religion, secular ethics, and society...
.
Shortly before Skepticon III in November 2010 critics questioned the naming of the convention, suggesting that the topics covered are focused more on Atheism than Skepticism. Event organizer J.T. Eberhard responded by saying "To say that skepticism applies to some truth claims but not to others, that dilutes skepticism".
At Skepticon IV (2011) the event featured a tour of a nearby creationist museum, two full days of lectures detailing science-related topics, and a performance by Atheist Evangelist Brother Sam Singleton. A local gelato
Gelato
Gelato is the italian word for ice cream and sorbet. Italians use the word gelato to mean a sweet treat that is served frozen. Indeed, gelato, just like ice cream, is made with Milk, cream, various sugars, flavoring including fresh fruit and nut purees....
shop owner took offense to Singleton’s performance and posted a sign in the store window which read "Skepticon is NOT welcomed to my Christian Business." The resulting internet reaction had a negative impact on the store’s user ratings on a number of consumer satisfaction websites. Three days later the shop owner posted an apology on the website Reddit. Concern over whether the sign violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed major forms of discrimination against African Americans and women, including racial segregation...
earned the incident the nickname “gelato-gate”.
Atheism vs. Christianity debate
Skepticon 2009 also featured a debate between Christian and Atheist experts on the question “Does God Exist”. Participants included Richard CarrierRichard Carrier
Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American historian. He is best known for his writings on Internet Infidels, otherwise known as the Secular Web, where he served as Editor-in-Chief for several years....
, Victor Stenger, and J.T. Eberhard for the Atheist perspective and professors Charlie Self, Zachary Manis, and Greg Ojakangas presenting the Christian position.
Confrontation vs. accommodation debate
A repeating theme for the speakers at Skepticon 3 (2010) was a discussion of the merits of confrontation vs. accommodation. It also featured a debate between James RandiJames Randi
James Randi is a Canadian-American stage magician and scientific skeptic best known as a challenger of paranormal claims and pseudoscience. Randi is the founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation...
, PZ Myers
PZ Myers
Paul Zachary "PZ" Myers is an American biology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris and the author of the Pharyngula science blog. He is currently an associate professor of biology at UMM, works with zebrafish in the field of evolutionary developmental biology , and also cultivates an...
, Richard Carrier
Richard Carrier
Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American historian. He is best known for his writings on Internet Infidels, otherwise known as the Secular Web, where he served as Editor-in-Chief for several years....
, and Amanda Marcotte
Amanda Marcotte
Amanda Marie Marcotte is an American blogger best known for her writing on feminism and politics. Time magazine described her as "an outspoken voice of the left" and said "there is a welcome wonkishness to Marcotte, who, unlike some star bloggers, is not afraid to parse policy with her...
.
Locations and Dates
| Dates | Location | Attendance | Speakers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 11, 2008 | Missouri State University | 250 | Richard Carrier Richard Carrier Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American historian. He is best known for his writings on Internet Infidels, otherwise known as the Secular Web, where he served as Editor-in-Chief for several years.... , PZ Myers PZ Myers Paul Zachary "PZ" Myers is an American biology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris and the author of the Pharyngula science blog. He is currently an associate professor of biology at UMM, works with zebrafish in the field of evolutionary developmental biology , and also cultivates an... |
Called Skeptics |
| November 20-22, 2009 | Missouri State University | 400 | Dan Barker, Emily Bradley, Richard Carrier Richard Carrier Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American historian. He is best known for his writings on Internet Infidels, otherwise known as the Secular Web, where he served as Editor-in-Chief for several years.... , D. J. Grothe, PZ Myers, Joe Nickell, Robert M. Price, Victor Stenger, Rebecca Watson Rebecca Watson Rebecca Watson is a blogger and independent podcast host. She is the founder of Skepchick and a co-host on The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe and Little Atoms podcasts.... |
Promoted as Skepticon II |
| November 19-21, 2010 | Springfield Expo Center | 1000 | Dan Barker Dan Barker Dan Barker is a prominent American atheist activist who served as a Christian preacher and musician for 19 years but left Christianity in 1984.-Biography:... , Richard Carrier Richard Carrier Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American historian. He is best known for his writings on Internet Infidels, otherwise known as the Secular Web, where he served as Editor-in-Chief for several years.... , Greta Christina Greta Christina Greta Christina is a prominent atheist blogger, as well as an author.- Life :Greta was born in Chicago on December 31, 1961, graduated from Reed College in 1983, and has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1984. She is openly bisexual, and is married to Ingrid, whom she has been with since 1998... , J. T. Eberhard, David Fitzgerald David Fitzgerald (author) David Fitzgerald is an American author, public speaker, historical researcher, and atheist activist.-Biography:Fitzgerald currently holds a degree in history from California State University, Fresno and has been actively researching the historicity of Jesus for over ten years... , D.J. Grothe D.J. Grothe Douglas James "D. J." Grothe is an American writer and public speaker who talks about issues at the nexus of science, critical thinking, secularism, religion and the paranormal. He is president of the James Randi Educational Foundation... , Amanda Marcotte Amanda Marcotte Amanda Marie Marcotte is an American blogger best known for her writing on feminism and politics. Time magazine described her as "an outspoken voice of the left" and said "there is a welcome wonkishness to Marcotte, who, unlike some star bloggers, is not afraid to parse policy with her... , PZ Myers PZ Myers Paul Zachary "PZ" Myers is an American biology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris and the author of the Pharyngula science blog. He is currently an associate professor of biology at UMM, works with zebrafish in the field of evolutionary developmental biology , and also cultivates an... , Joe Nickell Joe Nickell Joe Nickell is a prominent skeptical investigator of the paranormal. He also works as an historical document consultant and has helped expose such famous forgeries as the purported diary of Jack the Ripper. In 2002 he was one of a number of experts asked by scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr... , James Randi James Randi James Randi is a Canadian-American stage magician and scientific skeptic best known as a challenger of paranormal claims and pseudoscience. Randi is the founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation... , Brother Sam Singleton, Victor Stenger, Rebecca Watson Rebecca Watson Rebecca Watson is a blogger and independent podcast host. She is the founder of Skepchick and a co-host on The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe and Little Atoms podcasts.... |
Confrontation v. Accommodation |
| November 18-20, 2011 | Gillioz Theatre Gillioz Theatre The Gillioz Theatre was built by M. E. Gillioz of Monett, Missouri. Mr. Gillioz was in the business of building bridges, and the theater was built with steel and concrete. Wood was only used for handrails, doors, and doorframes. The original cost of the building was only $300,000. Renovation was... |
1100 | Dan Barker Dan Barker Dan Barker is a prominent American atheist activist who served as a Christian preacher and musician for 19 years but left Christianity in 1984.-Biography:... , Richard Carrier Richard Carrier Richard Cevantis Carrier is an American historian. He is best known for his writings on Internet Infidels, otherwise known as the Secular Web, where he served as Editor-in-Chief for several years.... , Greta Christina Greta Christina Greta Christina is a prominent atheist blogger, as well as an author.- Life :Greta was born in Chicago on December 31, 1961, graduated from Reed College in 1983, and has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1984. She is openly bisexual, and is married to Ingrid, whom she has been with since 1998... , J. T. Eberhard, David Fitzgerald David Fitzgerald (author) David Fitzgerald is an American author, public speaker, historical researcher, and atheist activist.-Biography:Fitzgerald currently holds a degree in history from California State University, Fresno and has been actively researching the historicity of Jesus for over ten years... , Julia Galef, Spencer Greenberg, Jen McCreight, Hemant Mehta, PZ Myers PZ Myers Paul Zachary "PZ" Myers is an American biology professor at the University of Minnesota Morris and the author of the Pharyngula science blog. He is currently an associate professor of biology at UMM, works with zebrafish in the field of evolutionary developmental biology , and also cultivates an... , Joe Nickell Joe Nickell Joe Nickell is a prominent skeptical investigator of the paranormal. He also works as an historical document consultant and has helped expose such famous forgeries as the purported diary of Jack the Ripper. In 2002 he was one of a number of experts asked by scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr... , Darrel Ray Darrel Ray Darrel Wayne Ray is a writer and speaker on leadership and organizational development and author of two books on the topic. He is the author of the book The God Virus: How Religion Affects Our Lives and Culture. Ray is founder of the organization "Recovering Religionists", a national self-help... , Dave Silverman Dave Silverman Dave Silverman is the current president of the American Atheists, a non-profit organization that supports the rights of nonbelievers and the removal of expressions of religion in public when possibly interpretable as governmental endorsement.... , Brother Sam Singleton, Rebecca Watson Rebecca Watson Rebecca Watson is a blogger and independent podcast host. She is the founder of Skepchick and a co-host on The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe and Little Atoms podcasts.... , Eliezer Yudkowsky Eliezer Yudkowsky Eliezer Shlomo Yudkowsky is an American artificial intelligence researcher concerned with the singularity and an advocate of friendly artificial intelligence, living in Redwood City, California.- Biography :... |
External links
- Category:Conventions in the United States
- Category:Conventions
- Category:Atheism
- Category:Skepticism
- Category:Conferences
- Category:Recurring events established in 2008