We’re a group of free-thinking people in Bedford who like to get together in a casual atmosphere and talk about interesting things.
We find a speaker – typically a scientist or prominent skeptic who will speak for around 40 minutes. The subjects of the talks vary, but they will typically be about a common belief that either cannot be justified by the available evidence, or that can actually be demonstrated to be false by the available evidence – or else something that is just plain interesting or contentious.
Examples of subjects we have already covered are: Electric cars, Hypnotism, Fracking, The Alpha Course, Prostitution, Policing, Spin in Lobbying, Futurology, Academy Schools, Income Inequality and a whole lot more to come.
The talk is followed by a chance to question the speaker yourself, or just relax and listen to what people have to say.
Meetings are usually on the third Thursday of the month. Arrive at 7:00pm for a 7:30 start. Why not come along and join in?
Please note that after our April 2024 meeting, we are moving to a bi-monthly timetable. For full details, scroll down to the ‘Events’ section.
Non-skeptics are not only welcome, they’re actively encouraged!
Location: The North End Social Club, 60 Roff Avenue, Bedford, MK41 7TW
Ring the bell and wait to be admitted – our private room is immediately on the left.
Note: Disabled access is from the rear, car park side, under the fire escape.
Bedford Skeptics meetings are organised by Bedfordshire Humanists
Events
Please note, Bedford Skeptics events are now Bi-Monthly.
(Jan. / Mar. / May / Jul. / Sept. / Nov.)
Thursday 19th December 2024
No event this month.
Thursday 16th January 2025
We Were Social Before We Were Human
Dr. Colin Talbot
Colin Talbot will talk about the evolution of sociality and cooperation in humans and what it means for our social, political and economic institutions.
Groups selection (not just the selfish gene) produced humans who cooperated to survive. “It Takes a Village to Rise a Child” in the famous African saying. Which does not mean we aren’t also competitive – sometimes violently so – but without cooperation we would not be here as a species. As Colin wrote in his 2004 book, we are “paradoxical primates”.
Colin is Professor of Government (Emeritus) at the University of Manchester and a Research Associate at Cambridge. He now lives in Bedford.