Kato Mukasa and CFIC Present The God Business and the Death of Reason in Africa

This presentation, given at CFIC’s Fall Virtual Conference on November 14, 2021, is a journey of the 5-year process of making Mukasa’s latest book. The book is entitled The God Business and the Death of Reason in Africa: Unlocking The Slave Mind of the African Child. The book describes how religion has been a major force in promoting mental slavery, with a history of slavery, colonialism and imperialism in Africa. It also provides a perspective on African American history.

How to Talk to a Science Denier by Lee McIntyre

If you met a science denier in person, would you know what to say? Facts don’t convince people, so what does? After 20 years studying science denial from his desk, author Lee McIntyre went on the road to talk to Flat Earthers, climate change deniers, and others about their beliefs. In this talk, given on December 11, 2021, McIntyre shared some of the conclusions published in his new book: How to Talk to a Science Denier. McIntyre is a Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University. Find the book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/675979/how-to-talk-to-a-science-denier-by-lee-mcintyre/9780262366717

Fusion: The Ultimate Energy Source; by Professor Allan Offenberger

Fusion energy is the greatest technological challenge for humankind says Allan Offenberger, Professor Emeritus of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta. Fusion, the source of energy in our sun and stars, can provide the clean, sustainable base load energy required to power our future in electricity, heat and hydrogen for stationary and mobile applications. Professor Offenberger gave this presentation about fusion on September 18, 2021. He was the Founding President of the Alberta/Canada Fusion Technology Alliance, now renamed the Fusion Energy Council of Canada. His research program for more than 40 years was focused on the development of high power lasers and their application to plasma physics and inertial fusion energy research.

What is a Computational Theory of Mind? By Keith Douglas

Advances in computing raise the prospect that the mind itself is a computational system. What is a computational theory of mind and what are some scientifically respectable alternatives? In his presentation at CFIC’s virtual Fall Conference on November 14, 2021, Keith Douglas also provided an analysis of the theories of Daniel Dennett presented in the book Consciousness Explained. Douglas studied philosophy and computing at McGill University, the University of British Columbia and Carnegie Mellon University and works in cyber security.

Naturalizing the Uncanny by Professor Josh Redstone

In this talk, given on November 14, 2021 at CFIC’s fall conference, Josh Redstone provided a scientific explanation of uncanny events and the reasons they elicit responses they often prompt from us. Professor Redstone teaches in the Philosophy Department at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. He holds degrees in Philosophy (BA, MA) and Cognitive Science (PhD). His research concerns philosophical and empirical questions that arise at the intersection of philosophy of mind, cognitive science, robotics, and AI.

Religion and the Actor by William B. Davis

William B. Davis presented his study of the discipline of acting and its influences at CFIC’s Fall Conference on November 14, 2021. Although best known as an actor, especially for his role as The Smoking Man on The X-Files, Davis began his career as a theatre director. He trained in England and worked as a director in British repertory theatres as well as running the Dundee Repertory Theatre. His second book, “On Acting … and Life” will be published in the Spring of 2022.

Being a Black Atheist by Kathleen Johnson

Africans and Black diaspora cultures are synonymous with Christianity. Not being spiritual or religious at all is a very rare thing if you are Black. Kathleen Johnson gave this presentation at CFIC’s Fall Conference on November 14, 2021 about her journey from Christianity to Mormonism and ultimately to Atheism.

The Political Turmoil in Turkey with Onur Romano and Cagri Sakir

This discussion about the recent political turmoil in Turkey was held on November 8, 2020. The perspectives of the discussion through both a domestic and international lens was about the country and its leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Topics include FETO, the education system, COVID-19, social media censorship and economic issues. Onur Romano is a CFIC Board Member who established multiple atheist organizations in Turkey and strives to build a network of atheist/secular/humanist NGO’s in the Middle East region. Cagri Sakir is an IT professional and graduate student living Ankara, Turkey, and a member of the Association of Atheism, Turkey.

Evolution and Islam by Dr. Ali Rizvi

In this presentation, given on May 27, 2020, Ali Rizvi described how scientific inquiry is hindered in Islamic-centred societies. Dr Rizvi, who is a secular humanist, ex-Muslim, and MD, lives in Toronto, Canada. He tirelessly promotes the values of atheism, rationalism and social justice both in word and in writ.

Mother Teresa: The Untold Story – by Dr. Aroup Chatterjee

The popular tendency is to deify myths, gurus, and personalities without investigating the claims thoroughly. Mother Teresa is one such personality. The book Mother Teresa: The Untold Story was written by Dr. Aroup Chatterjee. In this discussion of his book held on October 28, 2021, Dr. Chatterjee presented the book’s question if Mother Teresa deserves her exalted status for charity. Dr. Chatterjee, a medical doctor born and raised in Calcutta, is an Atheist.

Community-University Engagement with Professor Budd Hall

In this talk, given on November 18, 2020, Professor Budd Hall reviewed developments in Canada and at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, in the field of community-university engagement. The areas of focus were outreach, engaged learning and community-based research. Budd Hall is the Co-Chair of the UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education and Professor Emeritus in Community Development at the University of Victoria.

Mexico Through the Atheist Eye of a Wayward Canuck by Byron Hill

Byron Hill provided this wide-ranging informative and irreverent perspective about Mexico on December 9, 2020. Hill, who is an Atheist and a co-founder of the CFIC Victoria Branch, has owned and operated many successful businesses in Canada and Mexico. He lived in Mexico full time for eight years, became a Mexican citizen and maintains a residence there.

Media in Contemporary Society by Shreyashi Ganguly

Shreyashi Ganguly gave this presentation on January 13, 2021. Ganguly, who worked as a journalist at an English daily newspaper in India, is a graduate student of Sociology at the University of Victoria, in Canada. Using three theories of media Ganguly describes how modern culture is essentially made up of the messages media offers us. She also explores how social media facilitates marginalization and oppression of minority concerns.

The Blasphemous Art Project by Susanna McIntyre

In this presentation given on June 9, 2021, by the CEO of the Atheist Republic, Susanna McIntyre, talks about The Blasphemous Art Project assembled by her organization. McIntyre starts with an argument for the importance of blasphemy and digs into the inspiration and motivation behind the Blasphemous Art campaign as well as the backlash, lawsuits, and more. (This video contains sexually suggestive content. Viewer discretion is advised.)

The God Business and the Death of Reason in Africa by Kato Mukasa

Kato Mukasa gave this presentation, named after his book, on September 15, 2021. Mukasa is a human rights lawyer, human rights activist and Atheist. The book documents the history of Africa, slavery, colonialism and imperialism including a description of how religion has been a major force in promoting mental slavery.

The Medicine Wheel Revisited: Indigenizing the Enlightenment (by Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson)

This is a revised version of the recording originally published June 18, 2021. This version corrects a technical flaw in the original recording. The talk, given by Professor Lloyd Hawkeye Robertson on June 13, 2021, explored a process of indigenization. The process is a way of linking rationalism and scientific principles to traditional indigenous concepts in culturally appropriate ways, providing a means to address the challenge of providing a humanist alternative to religious tendencies within aboriginal populations. Professor Robertson was the Director of Life Skills for the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College and has performed indigenous counselling and education.

Conscientious Objection: the Religious Right’s latest weapon in the culture wars (trailer)

Trailer from a webinar held on May 9, 2020 regarding health care professionals demanding accommodation for their consciences. The webinar was hosted by Udo Schuklenk; Ontario Research Chair in Bioethics and Public Policy at Queen’s University at Kingston, and a Professor of Philosophy. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTvrBgz9yWw

Losing Our Religion (Panel Discussion)

This panel discussion was held at CFIC’s virtual Spring Conference on May 8, 2021. The participants were as follows. Moderator John Varghese is a CFIC board member and chairs the Communications Committee. John’s curious nature gradually raised his awareness to the awe and wonder a scientific temperament brings to each one of us and the possibility of rational, inclusive governance it brings to society.

Ancient Astronauts Built the Science Fiction of Egypt by Sean Manning

Sean Manning gave this presentation about science fiction stories in context of ancient Egypt on May 8, 2021 at CFIC’s virtual Spring Conference. Professor Manning is an ancient historian, Assyriologist, and philologist. He has published one book and about 25 articles for both scholarly and popular audiences, including “Armed Force in the Teispid-Achaemenid Empire”.

Saving the World One Tire at a Time; by Matt Paneitz

Matt Paneitz, Executive Director of Long Way Home, gave this presentation on March 20, 2021 about using sustainable design to promote education, employment, and environmental stewardship. Matt documented the inspirational project taking place in San Juan Comalapa, a Maya Kaqchikel community located in the Highlands of Guatemala. Matt has a degree in sustainability and a MA in education.

Star Trek and Science; by Michael Wong

Michael Wong gave this presentation about the scientific principles woven into Star Trek stories on May 8, 2021 at CFIC’s virtual Spring Conference. Michael is a research associate in the University of Washington’s Astrobiology program studying planetary atmospheres, habitability, biosignatures, and the emergence of life.

East, West, Islam: A Perpetual Misapprehension? Presentation by Amir Artaban Sedaghat

Amir Artaban Sedaghat gave this presentation on May 8, 2021 at CFIC’s virtual Spring Conference. He described how cultural differences and different meanings of words create distortions in communications between peoples of the East and peoples of the West. Artaban holds an MA in French Language and Comparative Literature, a Master’s Degree in Science du language, and a Doctorate Degree in Translation Studies from the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris 3. He currently teaches translation and French Studies at the University of Toronto.

Surviving Misinformation in a Global Pandemic by Zack Dumont

In this presentation, given on May 8, 2021 at CFIC’s virtual Spring Conference, Zack Dumont provides some expert advice in processing medical information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zach graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. Zack currently serves as the Manager of Clinical Pharmacy Services for the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. Zack is on the CFIC Board of Directors where he serves as Science Chair.

Why We Believe in God(s) by J. Anderson Thomson

In this presentation, given on May 8, 2021, at the CFIC virtual Spring Conference, Andy Thomson, MD, employs the science of faith in describing how and why the human mind generates religious belief. Dr Thomson is a practising psychiatrist in the United States and sits on the board of CFI (US). Dr Thomson has published on the subject of evolutionary psychology and using its principles to understand depression, suicide terrorism, and religious belief. He co-authored Why We Believe in God(s): A Concise Guide to the Science of Faith.

The Cost of Religion in Canada (2021) by Sandra Dunham

Sandra Dunham, CFIC’s Executive Director of Development, gave this presentation of CFIC’s Cost of Religion report on May 8, 2021, at the virtual Spring Conference. The report explores the category of Advancement of Religion as a charitable purpose, including the historical context of this category, the types of charities organized under the category and the wealth of these charities. The report also looks more broadly at the overlap between religion and charity. Read the full report here: https://centreforinquiry.ca/cost-of-religion-in-canada-2021/

Introducing Homo Naledi – trailer

John Mead helped break the news about Homo Naledi; the newly discovered human ancestor. Mead is a biology teacher and the Eugene McDermott Master Teacher of Science at Saint Mark’s School of Texas. Through his relationship with the project’s lead anthropologist, Mead documented the discovery on social media as it was happening. See the full presentation here: https://youtu.be/vpN1Bo8Olas?si=iICym6ajl1MNOmih

Appreciative Inquiry in Community Development – trailer

This presentation describes the basic tenets and philosophies of Appreciative Inquiry and how it is used within the change management process. See the full presentation, given by Patrick Makokoro, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsyngipLin8

Anti-Black Racism in Canada – trailer

This presentation describes the basic tenets and philosophies of Appreciative Inquiry and how it is used within the change management process. See the full presentation, given by Patrick Makokoro, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsyngipLin8

The Other Atheists – trailer

Ex-Muslim activist Ridvan Aydemir describes how atheists from Islamic backgrounds encounter obstacles which not only prevent them from finding their voices but also become a dividing barrier that separates them from the Western atheists with whom they try to align. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbwJe3xfsfE

Rationalism Social Justice and Critical Theory – trailer

Helen Pluckrose is a liberal political and cultural writer and speaker. She is the author of many popular essays on postmodernism, critical theory, liberalism, secularism, and feminism. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YazHG8dF2_U

The Case Against Islamic Reform – trailer

Armin Navabi, creator of Atheist Republic, presents his case against Islamic reform. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3puPp7W8qao

British Columbia House of Prayers – trailer

Professor Teale Phelps Bondaroff is a co-author of the British Columbia House of Prayers Report. See the full presentation about the report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnHicnbQnUk

Rejecting Retributivism – trailer

Professor of Philosophy and author Gregg D. Caruso gives his critique of retributivism. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjVFFxGjs6E

Basic Income for Canadians – trailer

Evelyn Forget describes how the conversation about Basic Income has changed in the wake of the pandemic. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nPkIfVP05k

The Appropriation of Sex Education by Conservative Populism – trailer

Professor Lauren Bialystok describes the politics of the Ontario government in repealing the comprehensive health curriculum of 2015. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj_uZT3cyUg

Secularism in Canada – trailer

Leslie Rosenblood, CFIC Secularism Chair and founding member of the Canadian Secular Alliance, gives examples of Canadian laws which undermine secularism. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdnFrRuoySs

Bad Science in Consumer Products and Services – trailer

Public health and consumer advocate Ryan Armstrong describes the impact on survival resulting from the use of alternative medicines. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KUjyF44rFM

Confessions of a Former Fox News Christian – trailer

Seth Andrews, author and atheist podcaster, brings attention to the narrative of fear in far-right American Christian media. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMjgbzu6soQ

Canada’s Undergound Astronaut – trailer

Marina Elliott, a Canadian caver, biological anthropologist and archaeologist, recounts her incredible journey into the Dinaledi cave in the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa. See the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVif7810KR8

Vaccines and the Misinformation Hydra – trailer

In her presentation for CFIC about vaccine misinformation, journalist and science writer Kavin Senapathy questions the motives of anti-vaxxers. Watch the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5d7stP9nsM

Rejecting Retributivism by Gregg D. Caruso

In this presentation, given on February 27, 2021, Professor of Philosophy and author Gregg D. Caruso detailed the argument for eliminating retributivism from the criminal justice system. The retributivist justification for punishment maintains that punishment of a wrongdoer is justified for the reason that they deserve something bad to happen to them because they have knowingly done wrong. Caruso is the author of Rejecting Retributivism: Free Will, Punishment, and Criminal Justice.

Basic Income for Canadians by Evelyn Forget

In this presentation, given on February 6, 2021, Evelyn Forget described how the conversation about Basic Income has changed in the wake of the pandemic. A basic income can help families build resilience and help businesses prepare better for economic shocks. Forget is a Professor of Economics and Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Canada.

This is Centre for Inquiry Canada

Watch this video to learn all about CFI Canada. We would love to receive your support. Go to www.centreforinquiry.ca and click on the Support button.

Secularism in Canada by Leslie Rosenblood

This presentation, given on January 28, 2021, by Leslie Rosenblood (CFIC Treasurer and Secularism Chair), discussed secularism in Canada: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s the means to maximal freedom for all.

Vaccines and the Misinformation Hydra by Kavin Senapathy

In this presentation, given on January 9, 2021, journalist and science writer Kavin Senapathy discussed the age-old alarmism over vaccines, including what social justice has to do with risk perception. Senapathy covers science, health, food, and parenting and is the co-founder and contributing editor at SciMoms.com.

Marina Elliott; Canada’s Undergound Astronaut

In this webinar staged on November 7, 2020, Marina Elliott, PhD, described her role in one of the most important paleoanthropological finds in history. Elliott, a Canadian caver, biological anthropologist, archaeologist, and Homo Naledi team member, recounted her incredible journey into the Dinaledi cave in the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa.

Jesus of Nazareth; Man or Myth? Richard Carrier vs. Zeba Crook

This debate between Richard Carrier and Zeba Crook was staged on April 5, 2014. Did a man named Jesus live in Palestine 2000 years ago? Crook, professor of Religious Studies at Carleton University thinks so, but historian and philosopher Carrier disagrees.