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The Australian Skeptics is a non-profit organisation based in Australia which investigates paranormal and pseudoscientific claims using scientific methodologies.
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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.
The Skeptic
The journal of the Australian Skeptics is called the Skeptic and has been published since 1981.[2] 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. All back issues of the Skeptic are free to download from the Australian Skeptics web site.
The (Skeptic) TANK Podcast
The TANK Podcast, produced by Richard Saunders of Australian Skeptics and Mystery Investigators, is Australia's only skeptical podcast and vodcast. Guests have included James Randi, Eugenie C Scott, Phil Plait, Rebecca Watson and Alison Smith from SAPS.[3]
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]
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.
Prominent members of the Australian Skeptics
- Phillip Adams A.O.
- Peter Bowditch
- Professor Colin Groves
- Dr Donald Laycock (dec)
- Dr Steve Roberts aka 'Dr. Bob'
- Dick Smith
- Richard Saunders (Chief Spoon Bender)
- John Stear
- Karen Stollznow (Associate Editor)
- David Vernon
- Barry Williams (Editor)
References
- ^ The Skeptic, Volume 1, Issue 1, 1981
- ^ Brief History of the Skeptic Accessed 30 January 2007
- ^ Tank Podcast
- ^ Sydney Morning Herald debate
External links
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| Australian Skeptics • Bihar Buddhiwadi Samaj (India) • Center for Inquiry • Committee for Skeptical Inquiry • Dakshina Kannada Rationalist Association (India) • Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham (India) • Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations • Irish Skeptics Society • James Randi Educational Foundation • New England Skeptical Society • Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science • Science and Rationalists' Association of India • Skepchick International • The Skeptics Society • Tarksheel Society (India) |
