SKEPP is an independent Belgianskeptical organization. The organization’s name is a backronym for Studiekring voor de Kritische Evaluatie van Pseudowetenschap en het Paranormale.
To conduct critical research into claims that are either highly unlikely based on or contradicting current scientific knowledge. Specifically, SKEPP focuses on pseudoscientific claims as well as claims of paranormal events.
Not to reject claims or theoriesa priori. Their value is only determined after critical examination and an objective assessment of all arguments, free from philosophical, religious and political views.
To collect and to make available literature, documents and other materials that relate to the above-mentioned claims.
To communicate the results of its own and others' critical research by publishing a periodical, organizing lectures and conferences, conducting educational outreach via media, schools, etc.
To maintain contacts with organizations who share these or similar goals.
Activities
SKEPP gets most of its funding from member fees. On the initiative of board member and former editor-in-chief Tom Schoepen, SKEPP has been publishing its own three-monthly magazine since 2000, Wonder en is gheen wonder, a magazine for science and reason, which focuses on both pseudoscientific topics and topics related to the philosophy of science. The editors include Prof. Dr. Johan Braeckman, Dr. Griet Vandermassen, Geerdt Magiels and SKEPP founder Tim Trachet. In 2012, SKEPP hosted a series of lectures and discussions, featuring prominent scientists and philosophers, under the name Het Denkgelag, which has since grown out to become an independent non-profit that organises skeptical conferences. In 2015, SKEPP hosted the meant-to-be-yearly event "Zomerschool Kritisch Denken" aimed at educational professionals. Currently, SKEPP organises the monthly local editions of Skeptics in the Pub in Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven. Since 1996 SKEPP gives out annual awards to non-members: the Zesde vijs and the Skeptische Put. The Zesde Vijs is awarded to "someone who has distinguished themselves in the past year in spreading objective knowledge regarding pseudoscience and the paranormal, or who has made themselves noticed in the media by presenting a nuanced critical view or a thoroughly documented argumentation". This prize has been awarded to, among others:
The Skeptische Put is awarded to "someone who, according to SKEPP, has displayed exceptionally uncritical thinking and who has totally misunderstood the popularization of science and knowledge". The Skeptische Put has been awarded to, among others:
Since its founding, SKEPP has become quite widely known via the Belgian media. They are often called upon to present their critical perspective on paranormal or pseudoscientific topics. In 2004 the organization made headlines when thirty skeptics at Ghent University conducted a “mass suicide” attempt by taking an overdose of homeopathically diluted snake venom, belladonna, and arsenic. The goal of this action was to demonstrate that homeopathic products contain no active ingredients. Additionally, the Belgian health insurance organization were accused of putting themselves above the law as commercial entities by reimbursing alternative treatments. According to SKEPP, by reimbursing alternative treatments, health insurance organizations will give the impression to the Belgian public that these are effective medications or treatments. In 2014, the Belgian court of appeal in Brussels proved SKEPP right against the appeal of the Dutch physician Robert Görter, who was called a quack by the organization in 2004.
The One Million Euro Sisyphus Prize
Since 1 October 2012 the organization has pledged to award the 1-million-euro Sisyphus prize, to anyone who can demonstrate paranormal abilities under controlled conditions. This includes paranormal phenomena as well as homeopathy. The same challenge is also offered by various other European skeptical organizations and serves as the equivalent of the American One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, which was offered by the James Randi Educational Foundation. As of 8 March 2014, its website describes the prize as "the 25 000 euro prize". Applying for the prize would cost 50 euro. It informs that "the text and protocol are being rewritten and will soon be available again".
