Frequently asked questions
What is the SSS?
The Students' Skeptics Society (SSS) is a student organisation at NTNU in Trondheim. We aim to promote critcal thinking, as well as being a place to meet other local skeptics. We want to make Norwegian skepticism more sociable.
We screen relevant documentaries and films, and host lectures on interesting topics. We also host social events such as skeptical pizza gatherings (see programme for more details). Our events are open for everyone, you don't need to be a member nor a student. Neither do you have to be a skeptic, quite the contrary, we welcome people with differing opinions.
Why get organised?
The Students' Skeptics Society was formed for several reasons.
There are plenty of skeptics in Norway, but there's a noticable lack of skeptical social events. We wanted to change this, and to create settings were one could meet people with similar interests. We also want to show people that skepticism is fun.
Critical thinking is extremely important, and we feel there's a need for outspoken skepticism. It often seems like quacks and charlatans are a lot better at getting their claims out to the public, and way too often does this happen without the loud criticism it deserves.
Why should I become a member when non-members can attend your events?
Our events are open for non-members, since our first aim is to spread critical thinking. It's important for us that people with different opinions can attend our events, even though they don't want to be associated with our organisation. This also means that you can take part in as many events you should like, before deciding to become a member.
We of course appreciate it if you become a member if you're interested in what we do. The amount of members we have, will effect our chances of receiving sponsorships, as well as lecturers for our events.
Since our events are open for non-members, there aren't a lot of membership benefits, for the time being only one: Members have access to a selction of DVDs, books and magazines (see library). We hope to expand our collection, as well as introduce further benefits, in the future.
Isn't skepticism a purely negative way of thinking?
No, quite the contrary!
Skeptics are often portrayed as mere debunkers, focusing only on what's wrong, and relentlessy criticising falsehoods. This, however, is only a small part of the picture.
Skepticism is rooted in a positive view of the scientific method. Skeptics are interested in what's true, and are open to all claims as long as they're backed by evidence and valid arguments. Skeptics aren't set in their ways, the method is more important than the conclusion, and conclusions will change along with the evidence.
Is the SSS an atheist group?
No.
There's certainly a larger proportion of atheists among skeptics, than that among the general population. This, however, does not mean that there aren't any religious skeptics. It's also worth pointing out that not all atheists are skeptics.
The SSS has no aim on being an atheist organisation, and will not host events on the topic of religion, except for religious pseudoscience e.g. creationism and faith healing. Since we acknowledge that these might be interesting topics for many of our members, we have a handfull of books and (currently only) one DVD on the topic, in our library.
The SSS of course does not set any limitations on what members can discuss at our meetings. If you wish to discuss religion you may do so (and quite a few others will probably chime in). This is a policy set only for the organisation, not the individual members.
How can I get involved?
If you have any suggestions or comments, contact us, either by e-mail or at one of our events.
Other easy ways to help support the cause include bringing friends to the events, joining our facebook group and putting up posters.
If you're interested in lecturing at one of our events, or want a collaboration between your organisation and the SSS, contact us: skeptisk-leder(at)org.ntnu.no