This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences.

Do you know what it means to be a sceptic?

Edgars Lapiņš reflects on the reason people close windows to avoid the "deadly" draft and breaks it down why healthy scepticism is important for everybody.

Caring deeply about critical thinking and public understanding of science, Edgars started organizing grassroots skepticism and science popularization events called SkeptiCafe in 2011, providing an informal platform of science communication for Latvia’s scientists and educators.

Drawing from academia at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Edgars promotes healthy skepticism about claims which lack evidence, ranging from alternative health treatments to the many myths surrounding GMOs, climate change and vaccination.

He advocates asking “How do we know?” more often and is keen to share his experience in using scientific research in recreational ultramarathon running.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)