Street Epistemology in the Time of Coronavirus
What an odd time we’re in.
6 May 2020
It wasn’t that long ago I was conducting campus interviews and planning trips to help develop and bring Street Epistemology to others. Now almost everyone is staying home, trying to stay safe, and finding their new normal.
For me, it seems like everything has shifted—a grand upheaval of sorts. People seem to be re-evaluating what’s important to them, and I’ve found many of my interests change.
The need to think critically, stay calm, push back on harmful ideas by asking questions, and recognize tribal thinking seems to be more necessary than ever. We must keep looking for opportunities to practice Street Epistemology with others on their claims, and encourage them to return the favor on our views.
As far as Street Epistemology International is concerned, we’re still moving forward. We’re growing financially from support via PayPal, Amazon Smile, Patreon, and other donors. We launched our SE Funding Request process, resulting in several submissions for consideration. In one instance, we purchased a brand new laptop for the organization, and shipped it directly to a content creator who will use it to produce SE-themed videos.
We’re also in the process of hiring a qualified person to research and submit grant proposals on our behalf. This should help us raise the funds necessary to develop course materials and begin the steps needed to formally test SE in a scientific setting. These two things alone should greatly propel street epistemology forward as they come to fruition.
Fan-managed Street Epistemology communities seem to be as active and diverse as ever, and I’m very grateful for the people who volunteer to keep those platforms running.
On the personal side, I’m sitting on a dozen conversations recorded weeks ago that just need to be edited and uploaded. I’m also planning to release some more “breakdown” videos, assist with building an interactive SE chat bot, and begin to sketch out a new SE video tutorial series. I’m also scheduled to return as a guest co-host on Talk Heathen, Truth Wanted, and The Atheist Experience in the coming weeks, which are always very exciting events for me.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Street Epistemology International through this time of uncertainty. We have not lost sight of our mission. Frankly, it’s never been more clear.
Best regards,
Anthony Magnabosco
Executive Director, Street Epistemology International
#SEIEDAM012
