About CNY Skeptics
Central New York Skeptics (CNY Skeptics) is a community organization dedicated to the promotion of science and reason, the investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims, and the improvement of standards for science education and critical-thinking skills.
The Most Precious Thing We Have
CNY Skeptics subscribes to the premise that the scientific method is the most reliable and self-correcting system for obtaining knowledge about the world and universe. We don’t simply reject out of hand every unusual idea; however we do insist that unusual ideas require considerable supporting evidence before we accept them as being true. In other words, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
Policy on Faith-Based Claims
CNY Skeptics respects the religious and non-religious beliefs of others, and recognizes that spirituality is based on faith and is not testable. Consequently, spirituality in itself is of no interest to CNY Skeptics. If, however, a spiritual leader or spiritual group makes a testable claim, then that claim ceases to be a matter of faith and, as such, might be an area of interest to the group.
Technical Societies Council
CNY Skeptics is a member of the Technical Societies Council, a grouping of scientific, technical and educational organizations coordinated by the Technology Alliance of Central New York.
Officers and Committee Members 2008-2009
- Lisa Goodlin, Founder and President
- David Harding, Vice President
- Judy Hand, Secretary
- Michael Kingston, Treasurer
- Bill Busher, Past President, program committee
- Jess LaCelle, program committee and Skeptics in the Pub Coordinator
- Paul Knittel, program committee
- Bob Cunningham, refreshments and name tags
- Bryce Hand, general support and logistics
Advisory Board
- James Randi, founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation, magician, author, scientific investigator
- Michael Shermer, Ph.D., publisher, Skeptic Magazine, columnist, Scientific American
- Barry Williams, editor of Skeptic (Australia), executive director, Australian Skeptics
