About the Skeptics Toolbox
A creation of Ray Hyman, the Skeptic’s Toolbox began in 1989 with a workshop in Buffalo, New York, titled “Skeptical Inquiry: The Role of the Skeptic.” In subsequent years the workshop became anchored at the University of Oregon in Eugene, where Hyman taught psychology. Each summer, people from all over the country gather in Eugene for an intense weekend of skeptical investigation.
We hope to provide more information on Ray Hyman’s vision of the Skeptic’s Toolbox, as well as the fabulous experiences he has had over the years, on our website (www.skepticstoolbox.org). We also hope to continue working on the archives area of the site to provide a sense of the great breadth and depth covered during the past two decades. Please keep an eye on these areas in the future.
Unlike many of the conferences held by CSI, the Skeptic’s Toolbox is a much more intimate and informal affair during which participants get an opportunity to put the tools of science and skepticism directly to work on many paranormal or pseudoscientific claims and ideas. Along with fascinating case studies and experiences presented by a wonderfully engaging faculty, attendees break up into small groups and tackle a case study of their own under the guidance of a faculty member.