Michael Shermer: Science in a post-truth world - How to convince someone if facts fail?

Post-truth era, fake news, and partisan politics: What are the cognitive biases preventing an informed political debate? And what are the consequences for science? Join us to this talk given by Dr. Michael Shermer, historian of science and renowned science journalist, and find out!

22.05.2017

University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 59, RAA-G-01 Aula

Free

Free

Michael Shermer is the founder of the The Skeptics Society & Skeptic Magazine and author of several popular science books like “Why People Believe Weird Things” and “How We Believe: The Search for God in an Age of Science”. He has been writing for the Scientific American since 2001 and will soon publish a new book about titled “Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the Afterlife, Immortality & Utopia".

In his talk, he will talk about how an informed debate is possible even if facts fail. The event is brought to you by the Swiss Study Foundation, Science Alumni UZH und Reatch - research and technology in switzerland.

About the organisers

reatch (research and technology in switzerland) is the young grassroots think tank for science, technology, and society. The goal is to establish a science-friendly culture that maximises the scientific potential for society without taking irresponsible risks.

The Swiss Study Foundation has been supporting excellent students and postgraduates at universities and technical colleges since 1991. The Foundation’s mission is to promote young people who are willing and capable of assuming leading positions in all sectors of society.

Science Alumni UZH is the association of graduates from the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich. Its goal is to foster an interdisciplinary network of former students and employees as well as to promote the dialogue between scientists and other members of society.