About Kirk McDermid

With two decades as a university professor and faculty leader with a Ph.D. in Philosophy, I bring a unique blend of academic rigor and practical insight to every presentation. My passion lies in empowering adults to think critically, navigate complex information, and make informed decisions, whether in their professional lives or as engaged community members. Having recently returned to Canada and engaged with local initiatives like the Mid-Island Elder College and the Gifted Children's Association of BC, I am deeply committed to contributing to our community's intellectual growth.

My approach is dynamic and learner-centered, designed to foster deep learning and meaningful discussion. I don't just deliver information; I facilitate genuine engagement, ensuring your audience leaves inspired, challenged, and equipped with actionable insights.

Speaking Topics

I offer engaging and thought-provoking presentations tailored to the unique needs of your audience. Here are my core topics:

Critical Thinking & Navigating Information in the Modern Age

In an era of unreliable information and rapidly evolving technologies like AI, developing robust critical thinking skills is more vital than ever. This talk focuses on practical strategies to evaluate sources, identify biases, and construct arguments persuasive to others, fostering more discerning and evaluative capacities in the audience. I typically tailor the issues and examples discussed to resonate directly with your audience's industry or specific interests. Ideal for community groups, professional development seminars, and organizations seeking to enhance decision-making.

Ethical Decision-Making in Business and Life

From the boardroom to daily interactions, tough ethical decisions are ever-present. This presentation moves beyond dry theory to promote a perspective on ethical reasoning that truly transforms how individuals and organizations approach the challenges of daily ethical decisionmaking. Participants will gain actionable tools to make principled choices and foster a culture of durable responsibility. Perfect for business associations, leadership summits, and any group committed to ethical excellence and lasting change.

The Future of Learning: Navigating Higher Education's Challenges and Opportunities

Higher education faces unprecedented challenges, from concerns about declining standards and grade inflation to the disruptive impact of AI. This talk illuminates the systemic incentives that often subvert genuine learning, exploring how a focus on measurable metrics can distort educational goals and results. Drawing on decades of experience, I offer insights into developing true critical thinking, adaptable competence, and essential "meta-learning" habits. Discover how to advocate for meaningful evaluation, remove barriers to deep learning, and prepare learners for a future where AI reshapes the landscape, but fundamental skills remain paramount. Ideal for parent groups, educational conferences, university and college faculty/administration, and community groups interested in the future of education.

Philosophical Insights for Everyday Life

Beyond the core topics above, I offer intellectually stimulating presentations on a range of "esoteric" philosophical subjects that reveal surprising practical relevance and spark lively discussion. These presentations explore fascinating questions that challenge assumptions and deepen understanding of our world. Examples include: the philosophy of cheating in sports, the nature of miracles, the role of thought experiments in science, and whether there's a difference between 'knowing' and 'believing'. These talks are perfect for intellectually curious community groups, lifelong learning programs, and professional organizations seeking a unique and thought-provoking experience.

Want more examples?

I regularly give presentations & lead discussions for eldercollege.org, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the curiosity of mature students. Here's a list of recent course & discussion titles I've had with them:

• Understanding Bullshit

• Thinking about Conspiracy Thinking

• What is it Like to be a Bat?

• Listening Well to Talking Heads & Both-sides-ism

• Do you already know everything? (Plato says yes)

• “If you aren’t cheating, you aren’t trying” – sportsmanship and gamesmanship

• Armchair Experimentation: the Role of Thought Experiments in Science and Philosophy

Upcoming Events

Check details to see if you can attend!

March 3 4pm: The Ethics of Believing

With Elder College in Parksville

When is it morally acceptable to believe a claim—and when might it be unethical? In this session, we’ll explore a famous answer first proposed in the 1700s and consider whether it still holds up in today’s world. A one-session discussion on the responsibilities of knowing

March 10-April 7 4pm: How AI (doesn't) think like us

With Elder College in Parksville

5 weeks on how LLMs work, why they feel like real intelligence, and why they really aren't.

In April (TBD) 7pm: Logic and Bullshit in the Age of AI

With Nanaimo's "Bar Banter" series of speaking events

AI doesn’t just generate text; it generates a new kind of "epistemic void" that we easily confuse with the truth. We'll look at the technical difference between a liar and a bullshitter (they aren't the same thing) and how that distinction can equip us to handle human- and bot-produced BS.

April 15 & 22 9:30am: How Should We Punish?

With Elder College in Parksville

In these 2 sessions, we’ll explore how philosophers have understood punishment as a part of justice. What is punishment for—to deter, to reform, or to balance the scales? We’ll consider several key theories and reflect on what they reveal about fairness, responsibility, and the pursuit of justice today.

May 7-Jun 11 10am: Armchair Adventures: Thought Experiments in Science and Philosophy

With SFU's 55+ Program, on Zoom

Can we discover fundamental truths about the universe from our favorite chair? We’ll explore "thought experiments" – imaginary scenarios used by scientists and philosophers to explore reality without physical observation. From Schrödinger’s cat to the trolley problem, we’ll examine how these mental exercises reveal contradictions, clarify ideas for breakthroughs, or lead to new confusion.

Who I Speak To

My presentations are designed to resonate with a diverse range of adult audiences, including:

• Professional Associations & Industry Conferences

• Corporate Training & Leadership Development Programs

• Community & Service Organizations (e.g., Rotary, Lions Clubs)

• Lifelong Learning Institutes & Elder Colleges

• Public Libraries & Community Centers

• Parent Advisory Councils & Educational Groups

• University & College Departments

• Non-Profit Organizations

Testimonials

Don't just take my word for it. Here's what audiences and organizers have said:

"...folks were very very engaged and were left with much to think about."

Janet Walker, Northwest Bay PROBUS

I really enjoyed [it]. It even got me engaging with others in my personal life. Philosophy is such a great way to open discussion, seek some truths and hopefully understand things better…or in a different light.

Pat McCue, Elder College Learner

Booking/Contact

Bring an Engaging Speaker to Your Event

Ready to inspire your audience with a thought-provoking and impactful presentation? I would be delighted to discuss how my expertise can meet your organization's needs.

Please fill out the form below, or contact me directly to discuss your event, audience, and desired outcomes.

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