is a public intellectual and founder of The Skeptics Society. He is currently a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University. Trained in psychology and the history of science, Dr Shermer speaks and writes widely about a wide variety of topics, not the least of which is the importance of reason, how the mind can access truth, the nature of belief, and the social structures needed to support an open society. His reach is as vast as his interests. Shermer has published dozens of books, hundreds of articles, and given countless speeches—including multiple widely-viewed TED Talks—on topics ranging from the nature of reality to the functioning of free markets to artificial intelligence and conspiracy theory. Some of his New York Times best-selling books include Why Darwin Matters, The Science of Good and Evil, and Giving the Devil His Due: Reflections of a Scientific Humanist. The latter, published in 2020, expresses his deep support for free speech and inquiry, which Shermer has exhibited in his own life while debating cordially but sincerely, those with very different views from his own. Coercion, in Shermer’s view, plays no part in the process of coming to truth. Through his work with The Skeptics Society and as professor Shermer continues to advocate the practice and teaching of critical thinking, which in part consists of deep reading, structured thinking, and an attitude of open-mindedness when faced with the complexity of the world. Dr Shermer has received many awards for his work, including the Philip J. Klass Award, the Isaac Asimov Award, the Carl Sagan Award, and has been a fellow, visiting scholar, and honored speaker on many occasions.
