AOF Activities & Events

International Skeptics Day is like a party for your brain, where doubt is the guest of honor! This special day lands on October 13th each year, inviting everyone to question the usual and embrace some healthy skepticism.

But there’s a twist. This day also gets celebrated on January 13th and sometimes even on the first Friday-the-13th of the year, making it a triple treat for those who love to question everything.

The day’s roots stretch way back, touching on historical figures like Pyrrho of Elis and William of Ockham, who taught us the importance of questioning our beliefs and the knowledge we take for granted.

The essence of International Skeptics Day is not just about doubting for the sake of it but encouraging a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking. Imagine a world where everyone accepted things at face value. There’s not much room for progress, right? That’s where this day steps in, urging us to question the established, seek evidence, and maybe even play devil’s advocate at the next group hangout.

Remember that the essence of skepticism is not about being negative, but about keeping an open mind, and not just accepting things on someone's word. It’s about looking for evidence, asking questions, and not taking “because I said so” for an answer.