The 2010 Lorne Trottier Public Science Symposium Series

Confronting Pseudoscience: A Call to Action.

Mini-Poster - Trottier Symposium 2010

Webcasts now available.

Drs. Ben Goldacre, David Gorski and Michael Shermer on the threat of Pseudoscience
October 18, 2010
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Centre Mont Royal, 1000 Sherbrooke Street West

James Randi on investigating pseudoscientific and paranormal claims
October 19, 2010
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Stephen Leacock Building, Room 132 (Fieldhouse Auditorium)
McGill University

This year’s Trottier Symposium focuses on the difference between science and “pseudo” or “false” science. While real science accumulates facts and formulates testable theories to gain a unified understanding of the physical world, pseudoscience relies on anecdotes, ideology and cherry-picked data to support preconceived notions. Conventional science is a self-correcting, continuously evolving process based on critical thinking and plausible theories supported by peer-reviewed research whereas pseudoscience is often mired in dogma that is resistant to change. Pseudoscience masquerading as real science can lead to troublesome consequences, particularly when it comes to matters of health. Unfortunately, aided and abetted by the Internet, pseudoscience has been growing by leaps and bounds. Four outstanding, world-famous science communicators will discuss various aspects of pseudoscience and will provide guidance for separating sense from nonsense.

McGill University is proud to host the sixth annual Lorne Trottier Public Science Symposium, made possible through the generous support of Dr. Lorne Trottier and honouring his wish "to hold a public forum to inform, inspire debate and raise public awareness on contemporary issues confronting society today".

General admission - limited seating

The symposium will be available via delayed webcast and taped for television on Canal Savoir.

For additional information contact:
The Symposium Office at
514-398-2852 or
via trottiersymposium.science [at] mcgill.ca (email)

Cette conférence sera prononcée en anglais.

Back to top