Workshop 1 – Wisdom of Crowds? How to Think Rationally About Other People’s Opinions

Leader: Julia Galef

Almost every social, professional, or academic interaction involves receiving, analyzing, and judging the opinions of someone else. But how much credence should we give to the opinion of other people? In this workshop Julia Galef will offer insights and tips on how we can best answer that question, including examining the biases and logical errors that can influence not only the opinions of others, but also our own.

Workshop 2 – How to Use Podcasting for Social Activism

Leaders: Steve Novella and George Hrab

The workshop will cover the opportunities, strategies, and technical aspects of creating a successful podcast in order to promote a cause or support activism. We will cover the various supportive social media that provide opportunities for marketing and outreach.

Lunch

(not included in registration)

Workshop 3 – Think. Question. Grow: Fun Activities for Skeptical Kids

Leaders: Syd LeRoy and Karen Strachan

Foster curiosity and encourage critical thinking for your young skeptics in fun and challenging ways. Karen Strachan and Syd LeRoy will teach you engaging games and activities they’ve learned from working with kids of all ages at Center for Inquiry’s Camp Inquiry. The best part is, your kids will be having so much fun that they won’t even know they’re learning (the same goes for you at this workshop)!

Workshop 4 – Sensational Skepticism

Leaders: Marc David Barnhill and Bob Blaskiewicz

Question: What do you do when a student excitedly announces, “They’ve discovered Noah’s Ark!”? Answer: Build a career around it. Marc David Barnhill and Bob Blaskiewicz present will skepticism as an enjoyable educational opportunity occurring in the overlap of disciplines (including psychology, the physical sciences, philosophy, history, and rhetoric). Workshop attendees will explore how the sensationalism of extraordinary claims in all disciplines may be used to advance critical thinking.