Here are our upcoming events
Tuesday 24th March at 19:30 – Talk: The Illusion of Truth: Magic, Misinformation, and the Paranormal
We live in a world where the line between illusion and reality is more blurred than ever. In an age overflowing with information—much of it false—how do we separate fact from fiction? How does misinformation shape what we believe to be true? In this talk, Dr Gustav Kuhn will share striking findings from psychological experiments that reveal just how easily our beliefs can be distorted. Along the way, he’ll explore how the boundaries between science and magic are not as clear-cut as they seem—and why that matters more than ever today.
Dr Gustav Kuhn is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Plymouth and director of the MAGIC-lab. A leading expert in the science of magic, he’s published over 100 research articles and two acclaimed books on the psychology of illusion. Gustav is president of the Science of Magic Association, a member of the Magic Circle, and an award-winning magician. His work regularly features on TV, radio, and in the press, blending science and magic to explore how our minds are fooled.
Venue: The B-Bar, The Barbican Theatre, Castle St, Plymouth PL1 2NJ (accessibility information can be found here www.accessable.co.uk/plymouth-city-council/access-guides/barbican-theatre )
This event is free and all are welcome, although a voluntary contribution (in cash please) to help cover speakers’ costs would be appreciated.
Monday 20th April at 14:30 – Social: Cafe Social and Discussion Group.
Join us for a discussion on topics of interest to humanists. The subjects will include: How do young people nowadays compare with young people in previous generations? What limits, if any, should be placed on the genetic editing of human embryos? **Note the earlier start time – we’re meeting in the afternoon rather than the evening** We’ll be in Cafe Momus on Manor Street, in the space at the back – if you’ve not been there before it’s the door to the right of the bar, pretty much directly opposite you as you go in. Let us know if you’re coming so we can give the Cafe an idea of numbers
Tuesday 28th April at 19:30 – Talk: Juries – how they work and how they may change.
This is a subject much in the news at the moment. Our speaker this month is Luke Fisher from the University of Plymouth. Luke will look at how the jury system works, its strengths and weaknesses, and what the government’s proposed reforms could mean for justice in this country.
Luke is one of the Portfolio Leads for the Law Programmes, a Law Clinic Director, and supervising Solicitor of the Family Law Clinic. He also delivers lectures on the Politics and LLB programmes, including on Professional Ethics, Legal Systems and Skills, and Legal Aid and Access to Justice, as well as delivering an annual lecture on Child Protection to the pediatric nursing and Early Childcare Years students. In the past Luke has been the EU Law module lead, and lectures on Brexit. He is a former Chair of Trustees for Plymouth Citizens Advice.
We will be in Room 115 in Rolle Building at the University at 19:30. The doors to the main entrance will be open for us between 19:15 and 19:30 (they are usually locked after 18:00). We will have someone there to let in any late comers, but please don’t delay too long! If you are not sure where it is, it’s just south of the James Street Vaults – see the campus map here
Sunday 3rd May at 11:00 – Social: Bluebell Walk and litter pick at Warleigh Point
Join us for a walk to look at the wonderful display of Bluebells (and other wildflowers) at Warleigh Point Nature Reserve. Meet at the reserve entrance at 11:00. Email us for further details
Saturday 30th May at 10:05 – Social: Wembury to Plymouth Walk
We will take the 48 bus at 10:05 from stop A11 on Royal Parade (see the map at the bottom of this page for where to find it), which gets to Wembury at 10:38. If you prefer to make your own transport arrangements you can meet us by the Old Mill Café at 10:50. Bring lunch, as we’ll stop on the way for something to eat, and we’ll end up at the Jennycliff café where we can have further drinks/snacks before catching the ferry back to Plymouth. The overall distance is about 6 miles.
Tuesday 24th June at 19:30 – Talk: Religious Education
Ed Pawson, who amongst many other roles is the RE Advisor to Plymouth SACRE, will be speaking to us about religious education in schools and how the teaching of the subject may change in the future.
Ed Pawson is the RE adviser to a number of SACREs in SW England. He spent 23 years as a secondary Religious Education teacher and subject leader. He is the Programme Director for Learn, Teach, Lead RE (SW) and the former Chair of the National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE). He has published work on Islam, Contemporary Issues in RE and spiritual development