Irish Skeptics Society
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 | |
| Abbreviation | ISS |
|---|---|
| Formation | December 2002[1] |
| Type | Nonprofit organisation |
| Purpose | Promoting science and critical thinking[1] |
| Headquarters | Blanchardstown, Dublin |
Region served | Ireland |
Chairman | Paul O'Donoghue |
| Website | irishskeptics.org |
The Irish Skeptics Society (ISS) is a scientific skeptical organisation based in Ireland.[2] It was launched in December 2002[1] and publishes a newsletter called Skeptical Times.[3] The ISS is a member of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations (ECSO).[4]
The organisation regularly sponsors lectures on a variety of topics including self-awareness,[5] tolerance,[6] evolution[7] and popularisation of science.[8] In 2004, it sponsored a lecture by James Randi.[9] It is a signatory to Sense about Science's Keep Libel Laws out of Science campaign.[10]
Spokespersons from the organisation such as its founding member Paul O'Donoghue (a clinical psychologist) are often quoted on paranormal and pseudoscience topics such as homeopathy,[11] magnet therapy,[12] Spiral Dynamics[13] and UFOs[14] in the Irish press. Paul O'Donoghue has commented on the amount of coverage alternative medicine receives in the media.[15]
The Irish Skeptics Society hosted the 13th European Skeptics Congress from 7 to 9 September 2007 at the Davenport Hotel in Dublin.[16]