Edinburgh Skeptics in the Pub is presented by Edinburgh Skeptics, founded in 2009 to promote science, reason and critical thinking in Edinburgh and Scotland.
Skeptics in the Pub in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Skeptics in the Pub talks are held on the third Thursday of most months at the Banshee Labyrinth, in Niddry Street (just off the Royal Mile). Talks are fee but we appreciate a donation to cover publicity and speakers' expense.
Other Skeptical Events in Edinburgh
We also run a book club, family-friendly days out, cafe and pub socials, and field a pub quiz team though we don't win as often as we should. Each August we present a season of talks "At the Fringe of Reason" as part of the Free Fringe.
For more details,
or just come along to one of our events. If you are new, then say "hi" to one of the committee who should be there wearing badges.
Skeptics in the Pub in the UK
Skeptics in the Pub began in London in 1999. It provided an opportunity for rational thinkers to meet and discuss all things skeptical as well as have a monthly presentation by a renowned skeptic or even believer followed by a Q&A.
Special Event - Fringe Preview
When?
Friday, June 1 2012 at 7:00PM
Download iCalendar file
(e.g. import to Outlook or Google Calendar)
Where?
The Banshee Labyrinth
29-35 Niddry Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LG
Who?
Helen Arney
What's the talk about?
Helen Arney previews her Fringe show “Voice of an Angle” for Edinburgh Skeptics.
Le Geek, c’est chic! New show of stand-up science, songs and silliness from Geek Songstress, Festival of the Spoken Nerd-ette and purveyor of the finest musical comedy.
In Dave TV’s ‘Top 10 stand-ups to see in 2011’ and hailed as the ‘Thinking Nerd’s Crumpet’, Helen has appeared on Radio 4’s ‘Infinite Monkey Cage’ and ‘Wondermentalist Cabaret’, featured on BBC 6Music and toured with Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince in ‘Uncaged Monkeys’.
‘Champion of musical whims’ (Evening Standard)
**** ‘Charming, witty and warm, with great one-liners’ (The List)
**** ‘Delightful… Lots of distinctive laughs. Classy stuff’ (Chortle)
When?
Thursday, June 21 2012 at 7:30PM
Download iCalendar file
(e.g. import to Outlook or Google Calendar)
Where?
The Banshee Labyrinth
29-35 Niddry Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LG
Who?
Danny Strickland
What's the talk about?
With millions of members and over 200 organisations world wide, the 12 step programme of recovery has been used to help people recover from addiction and dependence since 1935. The most well known of the 12 step groups is Alcoholics Anonymous, which claims to have in excess of 2 million members.
In his talk, Danny will discuss what exactly the 12 steps are, what they really mean and just how effective they are in tackling addiction. He will also explore questions such as are 12 step groups cults, is a belief in god central to the 12 step programme and if so, can atheists really use the 12 steps.
Danny spent almost three years as a member of a 12 step fellowship. Three years after attending his last 12 step meeting, Danny remains free from addiction. Just for today.
Danny is co-chair of Newcastle Skeptics, you can follow him on twitter @dts1970
Alt. Med. anecdote and evidence
When?
Thursday, July 19 2012 at 7:30PM
Download iCalendar file
(e.g. import to Outlook or Google Calendar)
Where?
The Banshee Labyrinth
29-35 Niddry Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LG
Who?
Stephen Makin and Ben Makin
What's the talk about?
Ben Makin has tried a complete alphabet of traditional, complimentary and New Age treatments and practices, she takes us on an rapid tour from Applied Kinesieology to Zen Buddhism, and asks “Where’s the harm?”
Dr Stephen Makin replies, looking at the evidence and discussing cases where real harm has been done by alternative practices, and explaining why skeptics should continue to fight against quackary and cons.
Ben Makin was raised on goats’ milk and home-made wholemeal bread and started her working life at Culpepper’s the Herbalist; she now maintains the Edinburgh Skeptics website. Stephen Makin was raised on soya milk and meditation, and ran away to Medical School to become a doctor. He is a Clinical Research Fellow in Stroke Medicine at Edinburgh University who spends too much time arguing with proponents of woo on the internet.