A Skeptical Look at Necrophilia - James Williams

 Monthly Talk format with Q&A. FREE ENTRY. Room open from 7:25. Voluntary donations are welcome to help cover costs. 

Come join us for the perfect Valentine's warm-up ❤ 

In 1995 dutch biologist Kees Moeliker was sitting in his office when he heard the thud of a bird hitting the glass wall of his building. Upon inspection, he discovered a male mallard duck lying dead on the ground. As he watched, a second living duck appeared, poked around the body for a moment, before copulating with it for 75 minutes. Moeliker had recorded the first known instance of Necrophilia in mallard ducks, and in 2003 he was awarded an Ig Nobel Prize for Biology. The incident is now remembered every year at Rotterdam Natural History Museum, on what has become known as Dead Duck Day. 

And it isn’t just ducks that have been observed exhibiting this behaviour. Necrophilia has been seen in many species of animals including dogs, cats, otters, sea lions and humpback whales. And of course, humans... But what is Necrophilia? How is it defined? Why do animals do it? Why might a person do it? And why is it so reviled? 

Come join us as we take a skeptical and entertaining look at the world of necrophilia. Discussing its zoology, humanity and philosophy, as well as its appearance in history, its existence in humans and its surprising role in our modern culture... 

About the speaker: James Williams is a storyteller, science communicator and skeptic based in Bristol who specialises in critically discussing dark and taboo topics with humour and irreverence. An enthusiastic humanist and scientific skeptic, he cares deeply about science, education, critical thinking and social justice. His series of talks on taboos have appeared in venues across the country - He spoke at last year's Skeptics on the Fringe - and covers other taboo topics such as cannibalism and bestiality. 

Entry is first-come-first-served basis and we will ask for a donation to help cover our costs. Your support is very welcome. Venue is strictly over-18 and access is via a narrow staircase. If you need help getting access, please let us know in advance (email contact@edskeptics.co.uk) and we will try to help.