Committee for Skeptical Inquiry

[SkeptInq@aol.com]

Dear CSICOP List Reader,

Following is some information on an interesting lecture series on science and
pseuodo-science.  Several CSICOP members are included as speakers. If you
happen to be in the area...

Barry Karr
CSICOP


 Investigating Modern Pseudo-Science
 The 2000 Old Dominion University College of Sciences
 Distinguished Visitor Lecture Series

 The millenium has changed.  Humanity has learned more about itself and
 its place in the universe in the last 1000 years than in all of the
 years prior.  This understanding is due solely to the evolution of
 science and the scientific method. In the last 1000 years we have
 discovered the nature of our solar system, the evolution of species, the
 fundamental building blocks of matter, and the physiology of the human
 body. In the last 100 years alone, we have eradicated many diseases and
 plagues, prolonged life, conquered distance, developed thinking
 machines, learned to fly, and visited other worlds.

 And yet, as the millenium changes, what are the marvels that continue to
 capture the public's attention?  Astrology, extrasensory perception,
 hidden codes in the Bible, ghosts, and unidentified flying objects.
 Have scientists ignored the real wonders of the universe?
 Why are such topics considered pseudo-science?  What can science tell us
 about such issues?

 To answer these questions, the College of Sciences at Old Dominion
 University is sponsoring a lecture series on Investigating Modern
 Pseudo-science.  The series will explore current topics in
 pseudo-science and discuss the status of each from a scientific
 perspective.  The series consists of seven distinguished speakers who
 will present scientific explanations for such topical issues as
 alternative medicine, Bible codes, UFOs, and astrology.  In addition,
 they will discuss why people find such topics so compelling.  Each
 speaker is considered an expert in his area and will present two
 lectures.  The Thursday evening lecture is aimed at a general audience
 and the Friday afternoon lecture is aimed at a scientific audience. Both
 lectures are open to the public and free of charge.

 See the attached schedule for specific event information or visit
 http://www.physics.odu.edu/htmlstuf/sue/cal-lec-99.htm

 For more information contact:

 Dr. Larry Weinstein
 Department of Physics
 Old Dominion University
 Norfolk, VA 23529
 (757) 683-3468
 weinstei@physics.odu.edu

  Investigating Modern Pseudo-Science
 The 2000 Old Dominion University College of Sciences
 Distinguished Visitor Lecture Series

 Schedule of Events

 Public Lectures                            Science Colloquia
 8:00 PM Thursdays                            3:00 PM Fridays
 Room 102 Mills Godwin Bldg                Room 200 Oceanography-Physics
 Bldg

 Robert Friedhoffer
 Professional Magician

 Jan 27 Magic Tricks - Science Facts     Jan 28 The Deception of
 Perception

 Wallace Sampson
 Editor of 'The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine'

 Feb 3  Alternative Medicine: Factors             Feb 4  Errors,
 Misinterpretations, and
  and Forces behind an Ideologically           Academic Legends:
 "Alternativism"
  Correct Social Delusion                 and the Science Literature

 Robert Park
 Professor of Physics, University of Maryland
    Director of the American Physical Society Washington Office

 Feb 10 Placebos Have Side Effects                    Feb 11 Perpetuum
 Mobile: Foolishness and
                             Fraud in the Search for Free Energy

 Joe Nickell
 Paranormal Investigator
 Feb 24 Investigating Strange Mysteries            Feb 25 Investigating
 Miracle Claims

 Howard Van Till
 Emeritus Professor of Physics, Calvin College
 Mar 16 Scientific Creationism:           Mar 17 The Legend of the
 Shrinking Sun:
  Science, Pseudoscience or               A Case Study Comparing
  Folk-Science?'                           Professional Science
  (in BAL room 104)                       and Scientific Creationism

 Dave Thomas
 President, New Mexicans for Science and Reason
 Apr 13 What Really Landed at Roswell?   Apr 14 The Bible Codes: A
 Skeptical Investigation

 Phillip Ianna
 Professor of Astronomy, University of Virginia
 Apr 20 Astrology? Today?                 Apr 21 The Search for Planets

 All lectures held on the Norfolk Campus of Old Dominion University.

 For more information, visit
 www.physics.odu.edu/htmlstuf/sue/cal-lec-99.htm
 or contact Prof. Larry Weinstein at 757 683 3468 or
 weinstei@physics.odu.edu