Why so sceptical?

SkepDoc · 03-03-2009, 09:34 AM

What is a Skeptic?

Some people believe that skepticism is the rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse “skeptic” with “cynic” and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas — no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position. Ideally, skeptics do not go into an investigation closed to the possibility that a phenomenon might be real or that a claim might be true. When we say we are “skeptical,” we mean that we must see compelling evidence before we believe.

Skepticism has a long historical tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when Socrates observed: “All I know is that I know nothing.” But this pure position is sterile and unproductive and held by virtually no one. If you were skeptical about everything, you would have to be skeptical of your own skepticism. Like the decaying subatomic particle, pure skepticism uncoils and spins off the viewing screen of our intellectual cloud chamber.

Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, which involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion.

The key to skepticism is to continuously and vigorously apply the methods of science to navigate the treacherous straits between “know nothing” skepticism and “anything goes” credulity. Over three centuries ago the French philosopher and skeptic, René Descartes, after one of the most thorough skeptical purges in intellectual history, concluded that he knew one thing for certain: Cogito ergo sum — I think therefore I am. But evolution may have designed us in the other direction. Humans evolved to be pattern-seeking, cause-inferring animals, shaped by nature to find meaningful relationships in the world. Those who were best at doing this left behind the most offspring. We are their descendents. In other words, to be human is to think:

Sum Ergo Cogito —
I Am Therefore I Think.

From the Skeptics Society
http://www.skeptic.com/

okirun · 03-03-2009, 04:36 PM

As the great and late George Carlin has said, "Question everything."

DoubtnDude · 03-03-2009, 05:04 PM

Myself I am one of the I need to see it to belive it types . But I do laugh at the TV shows about hauntings like they were Americas Funniest Videos you have to enjoy when they hear a noise after they were told in advance that "when your in such & such room you hear this and that " and then they toss this "Ghost hunter" into a totally dark room and they are all pumped up and could hear a mouse fart at 50 yds and it never fails one yells "did you hear that?" or they scream and run
Like I said show me then maybe I would believe in it until then " Yawn " I remain a non beliver

Geri_Mars · 03-03-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okirun

As the great and late George Carlin has said, "Question everything."

I had no idea George Carlin was dead!!

But I agree..- Question EVERYTHING....

Gotta love George Carlin....my tribute to George

---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9o

Truthed · 03-03-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geri_Mars

I had no idea George Carlin was dead!!

But I agree..- Question EVERYTHING....

Gotta love George Carlin....my tribute to George

---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeSSwKffj9o

Well I'll be damned, its Geri_Mars!

Geri_Mars · 03-03-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truthed

Well I'll be damned, its Geri_Mars!

LMAO...yeaa I got lost and snowed under with work and other things but yeaa im back LOL

Truthed · 03-03-2009, 07:59 PM

Time for a partaaaaaay!!

Geri_Mars · 03-03-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truthed

Time for a partaaaaaay!!

*passes Truthed a beer* lol

03-03-2009, 04:36 PM	#22
okirun Investigator Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 230	As the great and late George Carlin has said, "Question everything." __________________ "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes constantly more valuable regardless of physical capacity."

03-03-2009, 07:59 PM	#27
Truthed Administrator Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,079	Time for a partaaaaaay!! __________________ "You Want To Believe" http://www.truthed.com truthed@truthed.com

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03-03-2009, 09:34 AM	#21
SkepDoc Junior Investigator Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1	What is a Skeptic? Some people believe that skepticism is the rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse “skeptic” with “cynic” and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas — no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position. Ideally, skeptics do not go into an investigation closed to the possibility that a phenomenon might be real or that a claim might be true. When we say we are “skeptical,” we mean that we must see compelling evidence before we believe. Skepticism has a long historical tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when Socrates observed: “All I know is that I know nothing.” But this pure position is sterile and unproductive and held by virtually no one. If you were skeptical about everything, you would have to be skeptical of your own skepticism. Like the decaying subatomic particle, pure skepticism uncoils and spins off the viewing screen of our intellectual cloud chamber. Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, which involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion. The key to skepticism is to continuously and vigorously apply the methods of science to navigate the treacherous straits between “know nothing” skepticism and “anything goes” credulity. Over three centuries ago the French philosopher and skeptic, René Descartes, after one of the most thorough skeptical purges in intellectual history, concluded that he knew one thing for certain: Cogito ergo sum — I think therefore I am. But evolution may have designed us in the other direction. Humans evolved to be pattern-seeking, cause-inferring animals, shaped by nature to find meaningful relationships in the world. Those who were best at doing this left behind the most offspring. We are their descendents. In other words, to be human is to think: Sum Ergo Cogito — I Am Therefore I Think. From the Skeptics Society http://www.skeptic.com/

03-03-2009, 05:04 PM	#23
DoubtnDude Junior Investigator Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 28	Myself I am one of the I need to see it to belive it types . But I do laugh at the TV shows about hauntings like they were Americas Funniest Videos you have to enjoy when they hear a noise after they were told in advance that "when your in such & such room you hear this and that " and then they toss this "Ghost hunter" into a totally dark room and they are all pumped up and could hear a mouse fart at 50 yds and it never fails one yells "did you hear that?" or they scream and run Like I said show me then maybe I would believe in it until then " Yawn " I remain a non beliver