Have you heard about the newest campus organization, the Free Thinkers Society?

While many “skeptic” and “free thinker” groups are based around pseudoscience and myths, this group focuses on how we come to believe what we believe, especially when those ideas aren’t correct. This actually lines up with the original Freethinkers Society that successfully helped fight for the separation of church of state in 1915.

While we all may be enticed by a good conspiracy theory, what really makes one buy into conspiratorial thinking? You may love to watch UFO videos and Bigfoot Hunters, but there is a jump you have to make before you start questioning every news article.

The group’s first meeting revolved around misinformation in our society and how people come to believe false information. This went into the trend of particularly the older generations to
question academic and media sources. How do you go about an informed conversation when any sources you give are immediately suspect? A good jumping-off point if you want to look deeper into misinformation before attending is “The Social Dilemma” on Netflix.

There is no judgment in this group; all opinions are welcomed. People can come with whatever political or social viewpoint but be prepared for an engaging conversation.

The main purpose of the group is to have meaningful discussions about what we believe and why. They try not to have set topics, but rather let the chat guide them. They meet socially distanced and with mask at a house just north of campus. If you’d like to join the discussion reach out to the current secretary Makenzie Cornell at mcornell002@drury.edu. Please bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to be more comfortable.

At their November meeting, they will be having elections for group roles and there will be discussion around the misinformation and messaging from both campaigns in this election.

Written by A.J. Sharer