Science, Spirit, Superstition and Skepticism

Aired Wednesday, 7 September 2016, 2:00 PM ET

Today’s Star is Michael Shermer

Skeptic-in-chief, Dr. Michael Shermer debates materialism in science, the reality of telepathy and God in Science with biologist, Rupert Sheldrake, and argues that to look beyond materialist explanations is to betray science and engage in superstition.

About the Guest Michael Shermer

Dr. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher and editor-in-chief of Skeptic magazine, a publication largely devoted to investigating pseudoscientific and supernatural claims. He is a monthly columnist for Scientific American, has been a college professor since 1979, and regularly contributes Opinion Editorials, book reviews, and essays to the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, Science, Nature, and other publications. Dr. Shermer has authored numerous books including: The Moral Arc: How Science and Reason Lead Humanity Toward Truth, Justice, and Freedom; The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods to Politics and Conspiracies; Why Darwin Matters: Evolution and the Case Against Intelligent Design, and The Science of Good and Evil. Dr. Shermer has an M.A. in experimental psychology from California State University, and a Ph.D. in the history of science from Claremont Graduate University. He appeared on such shows as The Colbert Report, 20/20, Dateline, Charlie Rose, and Larry King Live. His two TED talks, seen by millions, were voted in the top 100 of the more than 1000 TED talks.

His new book is “Arguing Science: A Dialogue on the Future of Science and Spirit” (Monkfish Press, September 27, 2016), a debate with Rupert Sheldrake, the biologist best know for his hypothesis of morphic fields and morphic resonance, on the nature and methods of science, its dogmas and its future.

His website is: http://www.michaelshermer.com