Committee for Skeptical Inquiry

CSICOP Banquet

Skeptical Inquirer

CSICON 2011-Barbara Forrest

Bill Nye lectures at 2013 CFI Summit

CSI Staff Halloween Party 2016

Uri Geller

Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), formerly known as the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), is an organization that promotes scientific skepticism and challenges fringe science and pseudoscience. Founded in 1976 by Paul Kurtz along with James Randi, Carl Sagan, and other prominent academics and scientists, CSI aims to encourage the critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a responsible, scientific point of view, and disseminate factual information about the results of such inquiries to the scientific community and the public.

History

The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry was established in 1976 in Amherst, New York. Its formation was inspired by a growing concern among its founders about the uncritical acceptance and proliferation of paranormal claims in society and the lack of a strong scientific critique of these claims. The organization was initially focused on investigating claims of the paranormal, such as ESP, astrology, and psychokinesis, but over time, its scope expanded to include a wide range of pseudoscientific and fringe science claims.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of CSI is to promote scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims. The Committee publishes the Skeptical Inquirer, a bimonthly magazine dedicated to exploring scientific skepticism. The magazine features articles on a variety of topics, including health claims, UFOs, cryptozoology, and conspiracy theories, written by experts in their fields.

CSI also hosts conferences, lectures, and workshops that provide a platform for skeptics, scientists, and the public to discuss and challenge pseudoscientific claims. Additionally, the organization awards individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of science and skepticism through its annual In Praise of Reason Award, among others.

Criticism and Controversy

While CSI has been praised for its efforts in promoting scientific skepticism and education, it has also faced criticism from proponents of the claims it challenges. Critics argue that the Committee sometimes dismisses legitimate research and experiences too quickly and that it operates with a bias towards debunking. However, CSI maintains that its work is necessary for protecting the public from misinformation and for encouraging a more critical and scientific approach to understanding the world.

Notable Members

Over the years, CSI has been associated with many notable figures in the scientific and skeptical community, including Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Bill Nye. These individuals have contributed to the organization's mission through their work, public appearances, and support of CSI's goals.

See Also

• Scientific skepticism
• Pseudoscience
• Fringe science
• Skeptical Inquirer