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An author who was once an evangelist and a creationist will defend scepticism in two Science Week lectures at The University of Western Australia next week.

Dr Michael Shermer's visit is part of the National Speaker Tour for National Science Week.  He is the founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine and a monthly columnist for Scientific American and is known as a "ghost-buster" and crusader against junk science.

In his free public lecture:  " Why Darwin Matters:  Evolution, Intelligent Design and the Battle for Science and Religion ", the public intellectual known in the US for defending evolutionary theory will ask why half of all Americans reject it.

He will argue that creationism and the intelligent design theory are not only bad science, they are bad theology and that science should be embraced by people of all beliefs.  The lecture will be held at 6pm at UWA's Octagon Theatre on Wednesday August 20.

"Why People Believe Weird Things:  Science, Pseudoscience and the Paranormal" is the title of his free school student lecture, which will focus on why some people believe in UFOs, alien abductions, reincarnation and so on.

Based on his book, "Why People Believe in Weird Things", his humorous and insightful talk will be held at 1pm at the Octagon Theatre on Thursday August 21.  Bookings can be made by calling Jenni Wallis on 6488 3263.

Media references

Ms Chris Hale (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences)  (+61 8)  6488 1141
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716