Joe Nickell – Why Investigate the Paranormal | For Good Reason
Joe Nickell explains why he investigates the paranormal, as opposed to merely pronouncing his skepticism of it. He talks about his training as a detective and why it was formative, along with his background in magic. He explains why field experience [...]
Paul Kurtz – Skepticism and Religion | For Good Reason
Paul Kurtz talks about how skepticism is continuous with the methods of science, and why skepticism and science should apply to religion. He explains why he rejects the traditional is/ought distinction in the philosophy of science, and why he [...]
Paul Kurtz – Exuberant Skepticism | For Good Reason
Paul Kurtz discusses his new book Exuberant Skepticism. He details the origins of the contemporary skeptics movement, and whether or not it has developed according to plan. He contends that skeptical doubt is an antidote to foolish beliefs but [...]
James Randi – My Start in Magic and Skepticism | For Good Reason
James Randi describes his start in magic, and early experiences he had that inspired him toward skepticism, including mentalism shows when audience members believed him to be psychic, and sought financial advice. He talks about early predictions [...]
Tom Clark – Skepticism and Free Will | For Good Reason
Tom Clark discusses his skepticism of the concept of free will, which he bases in the naturalistic view of the self resulting from research in the cognitive neurosciences and philosophy. He explores reasons why the skeptics community may be [...]
Massimo Pigliucci – How to Tell Science from Bunk | For Good Reason
Massimo Pigliucci talks about whether people believe in science too much or believe in science too little. He describes to what extent areas on the frontiers of science, such as transhumanism and life-extension, merit open-mindedness. He explains [...]
Massimo Pigliucci – Nonsense on Stilts | For Good Reason
Philosopher and skeptic Massimo Pigliucci discusses the “demarcation problem” in the philosophy of science, which is how to tell what is science and what is not science, and what is pseudoscience. He talks about Karl Popper’s [...]
Ben Randford – Scientific Paranormal Investigation | For Good Reason
Ben Radford, one of the world’s only full-time paranormal investigators, contrasts his approach with that of TV paranormal investigators, such as the Ghost Hunters. He explains why his methods are scientific, and why their methods are [...]
Ray Hyman – The Life of an Expert Skeptic, Part 2 | For Good Reason
In this second part of the discussion at the NSF for the occasion of his being awarded the 2010 Phillip J. Klass Award by the National Capital Area Skeptics, Ray Hyman explores the origins of CSICOP, and the role that both Israeli psychic Uri [...]
Ray Hyman – The Life of an Expert Skeptic, Part 1 | For Good Reason
In this interview recorded at the National Science Foundation for the National Capital Area Skeptic’s presentation of the Philip J. Klass award to him, Ray Hyman explores the intersection of skepticism, magic, and psychology throughout [...]
