The Association for Rational Thought
What is a Skeptic?
Modern skepticism is a response to the torrent of paranormal and
pseudoscientific claims that pervade our lives. The stories of ghosts,
flying saucers, miracle cures, lake monsters, and many other fringe beliefs
often go unchallenged. Skeptics provide the challenge.
While many of us are not scientists, we embrace the scientific method as
humankind's best invention for seeking knowledge. Skeptics are not cynics.
We don't simply reject every unusual idea. We do insist that unusual ideas
require considerable supporting evidence before we accept them as being
true. For example, if I claim to have a pet dog, you are unlikely to be
skeptical of that claim, as it is not unusual for someone to have a dog.
However, if I claim to have a dog that can speak English fluently and
intelligently, you would likely insist on a demonstration before accepting
it. This approach is often summarized as "extraordinary claims require
extraordinary evidence". We insist on having the evidence.
Cincinnati Skeptics, The Association for Rational Thought, meet to
discuss such claims. We debate the merits; we skewer dogmatism. We have fun.
The truth is out there. And skeptics are looking for it.
Here's a good article on how skepticism is relevant: The Danger of Knowing for
Sure
General information about us
A.R.T. is a local Cincinnati group committed to encouraging rational,
well-informed evaluation of fringe-science, pseudo-science and paranormal
claims. We sponsor programs and publish a newsletter, the
Cincinnati Skeptic.
ART was founded as a non-profit organization in 1992 and draws members
from within a 50-mile radius of Cincinnati. Our philosophies are compatible
with those of several national skeptical groups, such as CSICOP, the James Randi Educational Foundation, and the
Skeptics Society. In short, we believe that if a claim is made, its
proponents should be prepared to support that claim with observable facts.
Our membership overlaps to some extent with the Free Inquiry Group (FIG), a local humanist
organization, but we generally stay away from religious questions. We have
no official stand on religion, feeling that it is a question best left to
the individual. However, if a claim of a religious nature is made that can
be determined to be true or false on the basis of evidence, then it's fair
game. Examples of this sort of claim are the Shroud of Turin and faith
healing.
The A.R.T.
Bylaws are online, and detail the rules under which our organization is
run.
Membership information
It's easy to join the Association for Rational Thought. For a one-year
membership, send a check or money order for $15.00 to the address below
(send more, if you really want to support tri-state skepticism).
Please include your name, phone number, and e-mail address (if you've got
one).
For that nominal fee you'll receive notice of all member program plans
and updates, six issues of Cincinnati Skeptic, access to SANE (our e-mail-based
Skeptical Alert Network Effort), an invitation to our summer picnic, and the
opportunity to foster skeptical thought in the tri-state.
ART Membership Secretary
P.O. Box 24104
Cincinnati, OH 45224-0104
The 2010-2011 officers are:
Contact
our officers via email.
artcincy@gmail.com
More Info
To learn more about skepticism, check your library or bookstore for two
excellent publications: the Skeptical Inquirer, published by
CSICOP, and Skeptic
magazine, published by the Skeptics
Society
in Altadena, CA.
You can also check out some other skeptical resources on the
Web that we have collected.
Home | Search | Meeting Program
| Blog | Feedback | Skeptical Blurbs
|
Newsletters
|
Skeptical Links

|