Australian Skeptics

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Mascot of the Australian Skeptics.
Mascot of the Australian Skeptics.

The Australian Skeptics is a non-profit organisation based in Australia which investigates paranormal and pseudoscientific claims using scientific methodologies.

Contents

[edit] History

The Australian Skeptics were founded in Victoria in 1980, after a visit to Australia by James Randi, who encouraged its establishment based upon the American organisation Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).[1] It grew from a Melbourne-based organisation to a national one over the following years. As of 2007 it has some 2100 members from all Australian states and territories. Each state and territory has its own branch, and most have their own newsletters.

[edit] The Skeptic

The journal of the Australian Skeptics is called The Skeptic and has been published since 1981. The first issue, edited by the first President of the Australian Skeptics, Mark Plummer, appeared in January 1981. Three issues appeared in 1981 and it has appeared quarterly since 1982. The Skeptic is used extensively by the media in Australia seeking an alternative view on many of the issues examined by the Australian Skeptics. Since 1987, The Skeptic has been published by Australian Skeptics Inc, in New South Wales. Since 1990, it has been edited by Barry Williams.[2]

All back issues of The Skeptic are free to download from the Australian Skeptics web site.

[edit] The (Skeptic) TANK Vodcast

The TANK Vodcast, produced by Richard Saunders of Australian Skeptics and Mystery Investigators, is Australia's only skeptical podcast and vodcast. The show is hosted by Richard Saunders and Stefan Sojka, who also present interviews and investigations. The TANK Vodcast reporters include Jayson Cooke, Karen Stollznow, Kylie Sturgess and Michael Wolloghan. Previous guests have included James Randi, Eugenie C Scott, Phil Plait, Rebecca Watson, Tim Minchin and Alison Smith from SAPS.[3]

[edit] Debate

In June 2005, members of the creationist group Answers in Genesis – Australia debated a team from the Australian Skeptics online on Margo Kingston's web diary section of the Sydney Morning Herald website.[4]

[edit] Awards and prizes

Australian Skeptics is offering $100,000 (Australian) for proof of psychic or paranormal powers. $20,000 of it goes to the person who nominates the successful claimant (which may be the same person).

Annually, the Australian Skeptics award several prizes including an essay prize for young writers, a $10,000 cash prize for challenging paranormal beliefs and advancing scientific thinking, Skeptic of the Year, and the Bent Spoon Award. The Bent Spoon Award is given to "to the perpetrator of the most preposterous piece of paranormal or pseudo-scientific piffle" - only Australian individuals and groups are eligible for these awards.[5] [6] [7]

[edit] No Answers in Genesis

No Answers in Genesis is a website affiliated with the Australian Skeptics organisation that provides information to defend the theory of evolution, and, more specifically, counter young Earth creationist arguments put forward by Answers in Genesis. It was founded by Australian atheist and skeptic John Stear, a retired civil servant. The website contains links, essays and other postings that rebut creationist arguments against evolution. Stear states that the site is meant for educational purposes as well as to illustrate the problems with Young Earth Creationism. The site also contains simple introductions to evolutionary concepts.[8]

[edit] Prominent members of the Australian Skeptics

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Skeptic, Volume 1, Issue 1, 1981
  2. ^ Brief History of the Skeptic Accessed 13 April 2008
  3. ^ Tank Vodcast
  4. ^ Sydney Morning Herald debate
  5. ^ The Science Show, ABC
  6. ^ News from The Australian
  7. ^ 6 Minutes
  8. ^ No Answers in Genesis Official Site

[edit] External links

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