the official site of Michael Shermer

In the Year 9595

In his January Skeptic column for Scientific American, Michael Shermer ponders the question of artificial intelligence. We have all ... (January 1st, 2012)

Sacred Salubriousness

In the December Skeptic column for Scientific American, Michael Shermer looks at new research on the link between religion, ... (December 1st, 2011)

The Real Science behind Scientology

In this month's Skeptic column in Scientific American, Michael Shermer takes a brief look at Scientology. (November 1st, 2011)

As Far As Her Eyes Can See

Michael Shermer reviews Lisa Randall’s (December 1st, 2011)

Faith Healing

A torrid tale of quackbusting in 1920s America sheds light on modern medical scares A review of Pope Brock’s Charlatan. America’s Most ... (February 1st, 2008)

The Einstein Enigma

A review of Walter Isaacson’s Einstein: His Life and Universe. In the final weeks of his life Albert Einstein learned of the death of his old ... (May 7th, 2007)

Social Singularity: Why Things Are Getting Progressively Better

Michael Shermer discusses the problem of tribalism, which we inherited from our primate ancestors, and which we must overcome if we are to achieve a ... (October 31st, 2011)

Transhumanism, the Singularity and Skepticism

Michael Shermer is interviewed about his views on the future of Artificial Intelligence, the technological singularity, transhumanism, and skepticism. (October 25th, 2011)

The Nightline Face-off: Does God Have a Future? Deepak Chopra v. Michael Shermer

Science and faith do battle as archrivals Michael Shermer and Deepak Chopra debate in this ABC Nightline Face-off from March 2010. (October 5th, 2011)

The Elephant in the Room of Science Illiteracy

Many different causes are blamed for American scientific illiteracy, but one that is not given due credit is the effect of creationism. (January 11th, 2012)

Cranks and Physics

A  ”crank” is a particular variety of pseudoscientist or “true believer” – one that tries very hard to be a real ... (January 9th, 2012)

Barnum’s Maxim strikes again

The latest scam about "HHO gas" being a perfect welding gas and a source of new energy is a resurrection of an age-old con game. (January 4th, 2012)

Anti-science propaganda: how Ben Stein’s new ‘documentary’ film entitled Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed equates evolution with Nazism. Was anyone really fired for their belief in Intelligent Design? Read these four articles and listen to the Skepticality podcast to find out!

1. Ben Stein’s Blunder
2. The Richard Sternberg Affair
3. The Expelled Case
   of Caroline Crocker
4. Was Guillermo Gonzalez Expelled?
5. READ Dawkin’s open letter to a victim of Ben Stein’s propaganda
6. WATCH a parody of the film
   on RichardDawkins.net: Sexpelled: No Intercourse Allowed

Listen to the following Skepticality episodes that deal with the subject.

• episode 74
• episode 76
• episode 77

Does Belief Help Us to Survive?

I don’t think religious beliefs are different from any other kind of beliefs: political attitudes, commitments to political parties, or economic ... (August 10th, 2009)

Confessions of a Former Environmental Skeptic

In his 1964 Republican presidential nomination acceptance speech Barry Goldwater gave voice to one of the most memorable one-liners in political ... (April 15th, 2008)

Scientology, Anonymous

Imagine reading the following press release: Hello, Jews. We are anonymous. Over the years, we have been watching you. Your campaigns of ... (February 18th, 2008)