Chris French - “Jinx!” – The Science of Freaky Coincidences
There are numerous well documented instances of coincidences occurring that seem to be so unlikely that many people are tempted into concluding that something more than the blind laws of probability is at work. In many contexts, including ostensibly precognitive dreams and so-called telephone telepathy, explanations involving paranormal abilities are invoked. This talk will address the question of whether or not it is reasonable for sceptics to explain away such instances as nothing more than “mere coincidences”. This will involve consideration of both the mathematics and the psychology of coincidences as well as addressing the issue of why coincidences have such powerful emotional impact.
About Chris French
Chris French is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, as well as being a Patron of the British Humanist Association. He is a member of the Scientific and Professional Advisory Board of the British False Memory Society. He has published over 150 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He frequently appears on radio and television casting a sceptical eye over paranormal claims, as well as writing for the Guardian and The Skeptic magazine which, for more than a decade, he also edited. He is the author of The Science of Weird Shit (2024), and the co-author of Why Statues Weep: The Best of The Skeptic (2010), Anomalistic Psychology (2012), and Anomalistic Psychology: Exploring Paranormal Belief and Experience (2014).
Safety & Comfort
We aim to be an inclusive organisation, welcoming attendees from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders. The directors reserve the right to remove any attendee whose continued presence represents a real or perceived threat to the smooth running of our events, or the security and comfort of other attendees. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.