Good Thinking Society

Good Thinking Society is a British non-profit organization founded in 2012 by Simon Singh, a well-known author and commentator in the field of science. The organization is dedicated to promoting scientific skepticism and critical thinking, focusing on challenging pseudoscience, quackery, and misinformation in various areas including medicine, education, and consumer protection.

Mission and Activities

The Good Thinking Society aims to encourage curiosity and promote rational thinking. It engages in a variety of activities to fulfill its mission, including:

• **Investigations:** Conducting thorough investigations into claims of pseudoscientific practices and products, particularly those that may pose a risk to public health or exploit vulnerable individuals.
• **Legal Challenges:** Initiating legal actions or complaints to regulatory bodies when pseudoscientific practices breach laws or regulations.
• **Education:** Providing resources and support for educators and the public to foster an understanding of scientific methods and critical thinking skills.
• **Campaigns:** Leading campaigns on specific issues where public understanding of science is at stake, such as the promotion of vaccination and the critique of homeopathy.

Notable Campaigns

One of the society's most notable campaigns involved challenging the National Health Service (NHS) funding of homeopathy, which lacks scientific evidence for its efficacy beyond the placebo effect. The campaign led to a significant reduction in NHS spending on homeopathic treatments.

Awards and Recognition

The Good Thinking Society has been recognized for its contributions to science and skepticism. It has received accolades from skeptical and scientific communities for its efforts in promoting evidence-based thinking and challenging misinformation.

Criticism

While the Good Thinking Society has garnered praise for its work, it has also faced criticism, particularly from proponents of alternative medicine and those opposed to its skeptical viewpoint. Critics argue that the society's campaigns against alternative medicine practices are overly aggressive and dismissive of personal experiences.

See Also

• Skepticism
• Scientific method
• Evidence-based medicine
• Consumer protection

External Links

• Official website