At the Fringe of Reason

At the Fringe of Reason

9 April 8pm: How to Predict the Future

Early attempts to see into the future involved rattles, whistles and entrails.  More sophisticated predictions can be made from trends and statistics, but despite many claims psychics still cannot accurately predict the future.  Using humour and audience participation Ash Pryce will explore our need for and belief in prophecy.  

10 April 8pm: Fictional Science or Science Fiction?

Edinburgh Skeptics take a wry look at how science is portrayed in TV and film; join them for an hour of inspiration and heart-felt face-palming.

11 April 8pm: Fire and Ice: Icelandic Volcanoes, and their links to Scotland

Volcanoes in Iceland have recently been in the public eye, disrupting flights across Europe. This talk, with Dr Kathryn Goodenough of the British Geological Society (BGS), will look at the origin of those volcanoes, and also show how some clues to Iceland’s volcanic past can actually be found in Scotland. 

12 April 8pm: A Statistical Look at Nessie

What does observer evidence tell us about the Loch Ness Monster? With Dr Charles Paxton of St Andrews University.

13 April 8pm: The Psychology of Superstition

Friday the 13th is the most superstitious date on the calendar, and many people still feel a vague sense of unease when making plans for that particular day. Superstition is alive and well, but why are so many people still superstitious? Could it be something to do with the natural way in which human minds work? Is being superstitious harmless or can it even be beneficial? This talk by Dr Stuart Wilson of Queen Margaret University will investigate these questions, offering a brief journey through the psychology behind our superstitious beliefs"

Check out Edinburgh Skeptics website for details of subjects and speakers for more information on each event.