Michael Shermer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Michael Brant Shermer, commonly known as Michael Shermer, is a prominent figure in the fields of skepticism and science communication. He is often referred to simply as "Shermer" in discussions related to his work in promoting scientific skepticism and critical thinking.
Birth and Death Dates
Michael Shermer was born on September 8, 1954. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to public discourse on science and skepticism.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Michael Shermer is an American author, historian of science, and science communicator. He is best known for his role as the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine and as a vocal advocate for scientific skepticism.
Early Life and Background
Michael Shermer was born in Glendale, California, and grew up in Southern California. His early life was marked by a curiosity about the world, which later translated into a passion for understanding human beliefs and behaviors. Shermer initially pursued a career in cycling, which he later abandoned to focus on academia. He attended Pepperdine University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. His academic journey continued at California State University, Fullerton, where he obtained a master's degree in experimental psychology. Shermer's educational background laid the foundation for his future endeavors in promoting critical thinking and skepticism.
Major Accomplishments
Michael Shermer's most significant accomplishment is the founding of Skeptic magazine in 1992. The magazine serves as a platform for promoting scientific skepticism and critical inquiry, challenging pseudoscientific claims and exploring controversial topics through a scientific lens. Shermer's work with the magazine has been instrumental in fostering a community of skeptics and encouraging public discourse on science and reason.
In addition to his work with Skeptic magazine, Shermer has authored numerous books that explore themes of belief, skepticism, and the intersection of science and religion. His books, such as "Why People Believe Weird Things" and "The Believing Brain", have been widely acclaimed for their insightful analysis of human cognition and belief systems.
Notable Works or Actions
Michael Shermer's bibliography is extensive, with several notable works that have contributed to his reputation as a leading voice in skepticism. "Why People Believe Weird Things", published in 1997, is one of his most influential books, offering a comprehensive examination of why individuals hold irrational beliefs and how these beliefs can be challenged through critical thinking.
Another significant work, "The Believing Brain", delves into the neuroscience of belief formation, providing readers with a deeper understanding of how beliefs are constructed and maintained. Shermer's ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner has made his books popular among both academic and general audiences.
Impact and Legacy
Michael Shermer's impact on the field of skepticism and science communication is profound. Through his work with Skeptic magazine and his numerous publications, Shermer has played a pivotal role in promoting scientific literacy and encouraging critical thinking. His efforts have helped to demystify pseudoscientific claims and have provided tools for individuals to evaluate information critically.
Shermer's legacy is also evident in the broader skeptic movement, which has grown significantly since the founding of Skeptic magazine. His contributions have inspired a new generation of skeptics and science communicators who continue to challenge misinformation and promote evidence-based reasoning.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Michael Shermer is widely quoted and remembered for his articulate and persuasive advocacy of scientific skepticism. His ability to dissect complex topics and present them in a clear, engaging manner has made his insights valuable to those interested in understanding human belief systems and the importance of critical thinking.
Shermer's quotes often emphasize the necessity of skepticism in a world filled with misinformation and highlight the importance of evidence-based reasoning. His work serves as a reminder of the power of science and reason in navigating the complexities of modern life. As a result, Shermer's contributions continue to resonate with audiences seeking to understand the world through a skeptical and scientific lens.
Quotes by Michael Shermer
Michael Shermer's insights on:
The Realistic Vision recognizes the need for strict moral education through parents, family, friends, and community because people have a dual nature of being selfish and selfless, competitive and cooperative, greedy and generous, and so we need rules and guidelines and encouragement to do the right thing.
If I make $100,000 a year and Elon Musk makes $100,000,000 a year and we both see a doubling of our incomes, while I should be thrilled at my newfound fortune of $200,000, if I compare it to Musk’s massive $200,000,000, that comparative difference may feel worse, even though I’m better off and no one is worse off for the Tesla and SpaceX CEO’s fortune.
Survival machines could evolve to be completely selfish and self-centered, but there is something that keeps their pure selfishness in check, and that is the fact that other survival machines are inclined “to hit back” if attacked, to retaliate if exploited, or to attempt to use or abuse other survival machines first.
The recent medical controversy over whether vaccinations cause autism reveals a habit of human cognition – thinking anecdotally comes naturally, whereas thinking scientifically does not.
The ultimate problem of utopian logic begins with a utilitarian calculus in which everyone will live in perfect harmony once we get rid of any dissenters who don’t see as clearly as the collective.
According to the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness – a statement issued in 2012 by an international group of prominent cognitive neuroscientists, neuropharmacologists, neuroanatomists, and computational neuroscientists – there is a convergence of evidence to show the continuity between humans and nonhuman animals, and that sentience is the common characteristic across species.
Try and penetrate with our limited means the secrets of nature and you will find that, behind all the discernible laws and connections, there remains something subtle, intangible and inexplicable. Veneration for this force beyond anything that we can comprehend is my religion. To that extent I am, in fact, religious.
What is the probability that Yahweh is the one true god, and Amon Ra, Aphrodite, Apollo, Baal, Brahma, Ganesha, Isis, Mithra, Osiris, Shiva, Thor, Vishnu, Wotan, Zeus, and the other 986 gods are false gods? As skeptics like to say, everyone is an atheist about these gods; some of us just go one god further.
In science, however, “God did it” is not a testable hypothesis. Inquiring minds want to know how God did it and what forces or mechanisms were at work. “God works in mysterious ways” will not pass peer review. Even such explanations as “belief in God” or “religiosity” must be broken down into their component parts to find possible causal mechanisms for the links between belief and behavior that lead to health, well-being, and longevity.
Rationality is the application of reason to form beliefs based on facts and evidence, instead of guesswork, opinions, and feelings. That is to say, the rational thinker wants to know what is really true and not just what he or she would like to be true.