After philosophy was dismissed by physicist Brian Cox, Dr. Clio Bellenis decided that she had to speak out in favour of this oft-misunderstood subject. Addressing philosophical concepts such as personal identity and free will, Dr. Bellenis will talk some modern philosophical thought and the transferable arguments between the two disciplines. She hopes to establish that philosophy can be of huge worth to scientists, skeptics and in developing critical thinking.
Dr. Bellenis is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with an MA in Philosophy. She is also an atheist,a skeptic and a feminist.

Skeptics and philosophers throughout history have never been afraid to ask the big questions. But what about the biggest questions of all - about infinity, higher dimensions and logic itself? These are questions mathematicians have been working on - but not without venturing into philosophy and even skepticism. In this talk, Katie will discuss some icons of mathematics who are also (or should be) icons of skepticism and the history of philosophy.

Katie Steckles is a mathematician who works in public engagement, giving talks about maths and performing at science festivals. She's also well totally an atheist and that.

Since early man with his rattles and whistles first read the entrails of a rabid mule, people have thought it possible to see into the future. You can predict certain things based on trends, but an all seeing third eye with aspirations of being the new Nostradamus is not a reality. However, it is almost impossible to walk through a busy town centre without seeing adverts for tarot readers and psychics who can tell you what’s in your future- using my own prediction ability I see a loss of about £10 in the future of anyone deciding to engage with a bit of pub tarot.

So join us as we attempt to unravel the mysteries of predicting the future, from phrenology to crystal gazing- feeling your bumps and playing with balls if you will- this show will use humour and audience participation to investigate prophecy. Is there anything to it or is it all just bunk? (hint: it’s probably the latter. Not that I’m psychic or anything).

Confessions of a Former Health Food Shop Worker: Three and a half years behind the counter in a health food shop can be a learning experience in more ways than one. From vitamins and minerals to the latest celebrity-endorsed wonder supplement, no main street or shopping centre is complete without a purveyor of alternative therapies. Likewise, there are very few people who don’t associate vitamin C or echinacea with the treatment of colds or flu. If these ideas are so pervasive, one question is why? What is it about the sellers of these therapies that make them seem so valid or trustworthy?

Well, take it from a former believer: the answer is definitely not black and white.

This talk is open to the public, and is free to attend, with a suggested voluntary donation of the price of a drink!