How to Protect Minds from Mis & Dis-information: The Science of Mental Immunity

This month’s Humanist Community Gathering will feature Andy Norman, public philosopher, outspoken humanist, and author of the recently published book, “Mental Immunity.”

Join us at 5:30 pm for a special reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks to welcome Prof. Norman from Carnegie Mellon University. The program will begin at 6:30 pm. Following the presentation, stay for Q & A, a book-signing, and more socializing. Attendees can enter a drawing to win a signed copy of “Mental Immunity.”

While most of us now have had our vaccinations and boosters for Covid-19, unfortunately, we are still vulnerable to a different kind of disease, one that threatens our mental, rather than our physical, well-being. Conspiracy theories, evidence-defying ideologies, garden-variety bad ideas, and other “mind-parasites” compromise our belief systems and jeopardize our individual and collective health.

In this presentation, Andy will argue that minds and cultures have immune systems analogous to the biological systems protecting us from disease. With lessons from the science of mental immunity, Andy will focus on how we can protect our minds from mis and dis-information.

Andy Norman directs the Humanism Initiative at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he has also taught philosophy. In addition to publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, Andy is a regular contributor to *The Humanist* and *Free Inquiry*, secularist publications that feature his work on reason, faith, and the foundations of morality.

We will also stream the event live on YouTube. A link will be provided as we get closer to the event.

HumanistsMN policy requires that all attendees at our in-person events be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not already a member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted! Donate or join at https://humanistsmn.org/.

To register or comment on this event, view listing on Meetup.com.