Michael Shermer Biography
Michael Shermer is a renonwed American science writer, historian of science, executive director of The Skeptics Society, and founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a publication concentrated on analyzing pseudoscientific and mystical assertions. The writer of over a dozen books, Shermer is best known for engaging in debates on pseudoscience and religion in which he highlights scientific suspicion.
Shermer was the co-producer and co-host of Exploring the Unknown, a 13-hour Fox Family television series broadcast in 1999. He donated a monthly Skeptic column to Scientific American magazine from April 2001 to January 2019.
Shermer is important because he has devoted his career to promoting scientific thinking and critical inquiry. He has written numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics, including the history of science, the psychology of belief, and the scientific method. His work has helped to raise public awareness about the importance of evidence-based thinking and has encouraged people to question beliefs and claims that lack empirical support.
In addition to his writing, Shermer is also a frequent speaker and media commentator, and he has appeared on numerous television shows and podcasts. His public lectures and interviews have helped to educate and inspire people around the world to think critically about the world around them and to embrace scientific skepticism.
Shermer’s work has had a significant impact on his field and society as a whole. By promoting critical thinking and scientific skepticism, he has helped to combat pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and other forms of misinformation that can be harmful to individuals and society. As such, anyone interested in promoting evidence-based thinking and rational inquiry would find his work valuable and relevant.
10 Quick Facts About Michael Shermer
- Name: Michael Brant Shermer
- Age: 69 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 8 September
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Science Writer, Historian
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Not Available
- Net worth: $5 million
Michael Shermer Age
Shermer is 69 years old as of 2023, he was born on 8 September 1954, in Los Angeles, California, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 8 September every year and his birth sign is Virgo.
Michael Shermer Height
Shermer stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 m) tall.
Michael Shermer Weight
Shermer has a moderate. However, details regarding his actual weight and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Michael Shermer Early Life and Education
Shermer was brought up in a non-religious household, prior to transforming to Christian fundamentalism as a teenager. He ceased believing in God during graduate school, impacted by a traumatic misfortune that vamoosed his then-girlfriend paralyzed. He remembers as an irreligious and an atheist, but chooses “skeptic”. He likewise supports for humanism.
Shermer was born on September 8, 1954, in Los Angeles, California. He is partially of Greek and German ancestry. Shermer was brought up in Southern California, mostly in the La Cañada Flintridge area. His parents separated when he was four and subsequently remarried.
Shermer studied at Sunday school but expressed he was otherwise raised in a nonreligious household. He started his senior year of high school in 1971 when the evangelical movement in the United States was growing in favor. At the direction of a friend, Shermer adopted Christianity.
He followed the Presbyterian Church in Glendale, California and observed a sermon delivered by a “dynamic and histrionic preacher” who prompted him to come forward to be saved.
He graduated from Crescenta Valley High School and enlisted at Pepperdine University, planning to pursue Christian theology. Shermer changed majors to psychology once he learned a doctorate in theology needed mastery in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Aramaic. He finished his BA in psychology at Pepperdine in 1976.
Shermer continued on to study experimental psychology at California State University, Fullerton. Discussions with his professors, along with studies in the natural and social sciences, led him to question his religious beliefs. He earned an MA degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 1978.
Michael Shermer Rise to Fame
Shermer initially gained attention in the 1990s through his writing, particularly his regular column “Skeptic” in Scientific American, which explored various topics related to skepticism and critical thinking.
In 1992, Shermer founded The Skeptics Society, a non-profit organization that investigates claims of the paranormal, fringe science, and other pseudoscientific beliefs. The society also publishes Skeptic magazine, which covers a wide range of topics related to skepticism and scientific inquiry.
Michael Shermer Family
Michael Shermer’s parents divorced when he was four years old, and later his father remarried, his mother with three children, who became his step-sister and two step-brothers, his father had a woman with whom he had two daughters, his half-sisters. His father died of a heart attack in 1986, and his mother died of brain cancer in 2000.
Michael Shermer Siblings
Michael spent her childhood alongside his step-sister and two step-brothers, his father had a woman with whom he had two daughters, his half-sisters.
Michael Wife
Shermer is married to his lovely wife Jennifer Graf, a native of Cologne, Germany. The couple did their wedding on June 25, 2014, and together they are blessed with a daughter named Devin Ziel Shermer.
Michael Shermer Children
Shermer together with his wife are proud parents of a daughter named Devin Ziel Shermer.
Michael Shermer Net Worth
Shermer has an estimated net worth of $5 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Science Writer, and Historian. Through his various sources of income, he has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Michael Shermer Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Michael Shermer.
Michael Shermer Wiki
- Full Names: Michael Brant Shermer
- Popular As: Michael Shermer
- Gender:Male
- Occupation / Profession: Science Writer, Historian
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Skeptic
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Michael Shermer Birthday
- Age: 69 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Date of Birth: 8 September 1954
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Birthday: 8 September
Michael Shermer Body Measurements
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 m)
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: To be Updated
- Hair Color: To be Updated
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
Michael Shermer Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/ Wife: Jennifer Graf (m. 2014)
- Children: Devin Ziel Shermer
Michael Shermer Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $5 million
- Salary: Not Available
- Source of Income: Science Writer, Historian
Michael Shermer Career
Shermer’s career has been focused on promoting scientific skepticism and critical thinking. He has worked as an author, historian of science, and advocate for evidence-based thinking. Shermer began his career as a graduate student in experimental psychology at California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a master’s degree in 1978. He later earned a Ph.D. in the history of science from Claremont Graduate University in 1991.
Shermer’s early work focused on the psychology of belief and the cognitive processes that contribute to the formation of beliefs. In 1992, he founded The Skeptics Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The society publishes Skeptic magazine and hosts lectures, conferences, and other events related to skepticism and scientific inquiry.
Shermer is also a prolific writer, having authored numerous books on skepticism and critical thinking. Some of his most popular works include “Why People Believe Weird Things,” “The Science of Good and Evil,” and “The Believing Brain.” He has also contributed articles to various publications, including Scientific American, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.
Shermer is a frequent speaker and media commentator and has appeared on numerous television shows and podcasts to discuss his work and promote scientific skepticism. He is also a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, a scientific and educational organization dedicated to promoting scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
Michael Shermer Books
- Why People Believe Weird Things 1997
- The Believing Brain: From Spiritual Faiths to Political Convictions – How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them as Truths 2011
- The Moral Arc 2015
- Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational 2022
- Giving the Devil His Due: Reflections of a Scientific Humanist 2020
- Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician’s Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks 2006
- Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the Afterlife, Immortality, and Utopia 2018
- Skeptic: Viewing the World with a Rational Eye 2016
- The Science of Good and Evil 2004 Why Darwin Matters 2006
- Denying History 2000
- How We Believe 1999
- How We Believe: Science, Skepticism, and the Search for God 2003
- The Mind of the Market: Compassionate Apes, Competitive Humans, and Other Tales from Evolutionary Economics 2007
- Science Friction 2004
- The borderlands of science 2001
- A Manual for Creating Atheists 2013
- The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience 2002
- Mathemagics: How to Look Like a Genius Without Really Trying 1993
- Arguing Science : A Dialogue on the Future of Science and Spirit 2016
- Race Across America 1993
- Teach Your Child Math: Making Math Fun for the Both of You 1991
- In Darwin’s Shadow: The Life and Science of Alfred Russel Wallace : a Biographical Study on the Psychology of History 2002
- Teach Your Child Science 1989
- Secrets of Mental Math 2006
- Sport Cycling: A Guide to Training, Racing, and Endurance 1985
- Cycling: Endurance and Speed 1987
Michael Shermer Beliefs
Shermer was brought up in a non-religious household, before transformingto Christian fundamentalism as a teenager. He ceased believing in God during graduate school, influenced by a traumatic accident that left his then-girlfriend paralyzed. He identifies as an agnostic and an atheist, but prefers “skeptic”.
Michael Shermer Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
- Speaking at TED conferences: Shermer has been a featured speaker at several TED conferences, where he has given talks on a variety of topics related to skepticism, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry.
- Visiting the Galapagos Islands: Shermer has visited the Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin conducted his famous research on evolution. He has written about the experience of visiting the islands and the importance of Darwin’s work in shaping our understanding of biology and the natural world.
- Investigating claims of the paranormal: As the founder of The Skeptics Society, Shermer has investigated numerous claims of the paranormal and other pseudoscientific beliefs. He has traveled around the world to investigate such claims and has written about his experiences in Skeptic magazine and other publications.
- Participating in debates and discussions: Shermer has participated in a number of debates and discussions related to skepticism and critical thinking, both in person and online. He has debated proponents of intelligent design, creationism, and other pseudoscientific beliefs, and has discussed these topics on a variety of television and radio programs.
Michael Shermer Social Impact
In 2011, Shermer founded the Skeptics Society Science Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports science education programs and provides resources for teachers and students. The foundation provides grants and scholarships to students pursuing careers in science, and supports educational programs and initiatives that promote critical thinking and evidence-based inquiry.
Shermer has also been involved in a number of community initiatives related to science education and skepticism. He has worked with schools and other organizations to promote science literacy and critical thinking skills, and has spoken at a variety of community events and forums on these topics.
In addition to his philanthropic and charitable work, Shermer has also been involved in a number of political and social issues related to science and skepticism. He has advocated for evidence-based policy making and has been a vocal critic of pseudoscientific beliefs and practices that he believes are harmful to individuals and society.
Michael Shermer Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Founding The Skeptics Society: In 1992, Shermer founded The Skeptics Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry. The society publishes Skeptic magazine and hosts lectures, conferences, and other events related to skepticism and scientific inquiry.
- Authoring multiple books: Shermer has authored numerous books on skepticism and critical thinking, including “Why People Believe Weird Things,” “The Science of Good and Evil,” and “The Believing Brain.” These books have been widely read and have helped to popularize the concept of scientific skepticism.
- Contributing to prominent publications: Shermer has contributed articles to a variety of prominent publications, including Scientific American, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. His writing has helped to popularize scientific skepticism and critical thinking among a wider audience.
- Receiving awards and honors: Shermer has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the 2001 Isaac Asimov Award from the American Humanist Association, the 2006 Stephen Jay Gould Prize from the Society for the Study of Evolution, and the 2016 Philip K. Dick Award for his book “The Moral Arc.”
Michael Shermer Legacy
Shermer’s legacy is one of promoting scientific skepticism, critical thinking, and evidence-based inquiry. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to promote these ideals and has inspired countless individuals to think critically about the world around them.
One of the key aspects of Shermer’s legacy is his role in popularizing the concept of scientific skepticism. Through his writing, speaking, and activism, he has helped to make skepticism and critical thinking more accessible to a wider audience. He has inspired countless individuals to question pseudoscientific beliefs and to embrace evidence-based inquiry.
Michael Shermer Behind The Scenes Stories
Shermer involves his experience with a psychic medium who claimed to be able to communicate with the dead. Shermer attended a demonstration by the medium and was initially skeptical of her claims. However, he was surprised when the medium accurately revealed some personal details about him that he had not disclosed to anyone.
Shermer was intrigued by this experience and began to investigate how the medium might have been able to obtain this information. He discovered that the medium had done some research on him before the demonstration, and had obtained some personal details from publicly available sources.
This experience reinforced Shermer’s belief in the importance of critical thinking and skepticism. He realized that even intelligent and educated individuals can be deceived by those who claim to have supernatural abilities, and that it is important to approach such claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and a willingness to investigate the evidence.
Michael Shermer Quotes
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Shermer
Michael Shermer is a renonwed American science writer, historian of science, executive director of The Skeptics Society, and founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, a publication concentrated on analyzing pseudoscientific and mystical assertions.
Shermer is an American national born on 8 September 1954, in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Shermer stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters).
Yes, Shermer is married to his lovely wife Jennifer Graf, a native of Cologne, Germany. The couple did their wedding on June 25, 2014, and together they are blessed with a daughter named Devin Ziel Shermer.
Michael has an approximate net worth of $5 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles as a Science Writer, and Historian.
Details about Michael’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Michael is a resident of Los Angeles, California, USA, we shall upload pictures of his house as soon as we have them.
Michael is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Shermer launched Giving the Devil His Due, a series of 30 reflections on essays that he had published the previous 15 years.
Michael Shermer Contacts
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