Michael Shermer is an American author, historian, and founder of the Skeptics Society, an organization dedicated to promoting scientific skepticism. He is known for his work in the fields of psychology and science, particularly in examining beliefs and claims that lack empirical evidence. Shermer has written several books, including Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain. In addition to his writing, Shermer is a regular contributor to Scientific American and has appeared in various media outlets discussing topics related to science, skepticism, and critical thinking. He often explores the psychology behind why people hold certain beliefs, even in the face of contradictory evidence.