Scientific skepticism

For a general discussion of skepticism, see Skepticism.

Scientific skepticism or rational skepticism (also spelled scepticism), sometimes referred to as skeptical inquiry, is a practical, epistemological position in which one questions the veracity of claims lacking empirical evidence. In practice, the term is most commonly applied to the examination of claims and theories which appear to be beyond mainstream science, rather than to the routine discussions and challenges among scientists. Scientific skepticism is different from philosophical skepticism, which questions our ability to claim any knowledge about the nature of the world and how we perceive it. Scientific skepticism uses critical thinking and inductive reasoning while attempting to oppose claims made which lack suitable evidential basis. The New Scepticism described by Paul Kurtz is scientific scepticism and scientific skepticism is a core part of the Brights Movement beliefs.

Characteristics

Scientific skeptics attempt to evaluate claims based on verifiability and falsifiability and discourage accepting claims on faith or anecdotal evidence. Skeptics often focus their criticism on claims they consider to be implausible, dubious or clearly contradictory to generally accepted science. This distinguishes scientific skeptics from professional scientists who often concentrate on verifying or falsifying hypotheses created by those within their particular field. Scientific skeptics do not assert that unusual claims should be automatically rejected out of hand on a priori grounds - rather they argue that claims of paranormal or anomalous phenomena should be critically examined and that such claims would require extraordinary evidence in their favor before they could be accepted as having validity.

Popular targets of criticism among skeptics include psychics, parapsychology, dowsing, astrology, creationism, homeopathy, tarot reading, alien abductions, and ESP, which are either pseudosciences or unsupported by existing evidence. Skeptics such as James Randi have become famous for debunking claims related to some of these. Many skeptics are atheists or agnostics, and have a naturalistic world-view, however some committed skeptics of pseudoscience including Martin Gardner express belief in a god.

From a scientific point of view, theories are judged on many criteria, such as falsifiability, Occam's Razor, and explanatory power, as well as the degree to which their predictions match experimental results. Skepticism is part of the scientific method; for instance an experimental result is not regarded as established until it can be shown to be repeatable independently.

By the principles of skepticism, the ideal case is that every individual could make his own mind up on the basis of the evidence rather than appealing to some authority, skeptical or otherwise.

Perceived dangers of pseudoscience

Skeptics adopt an approach to claims they believe are strange or unusual and advocate maintaining a doubtful attitude rather than one of acceptance or belief pending provision of conclusive evidence. Skeptics generally regard belief in UFOs and psychic powers and misguided if no empirical evidence supports such phenomena. The Ancient Greek philosopher Plato believed that to release another person from ignorance despite their initial resistance is a great and noble thing, although he advocated for many things a modern skeptic would not accept.

Bertrand Russell argued that individual actions are based upon the beliefs of the person acting and if the beliefs are unsupported by evidence then such beliefs can lead to destructive actions. James Randi also often writes on the issue of fraud by psychics and faith healers. Critics of alternative medicine often point to bad advice given by unqualified practitioners, leading to serious injury or death. Richard Dawkins points to religion as a source of violence, and considers creationism a threat to biology. Some skeptics support opposition to some cults and new religious movements because of their concern about what they consider false miracles performed or endorsed by the leadership of the group. They often criticize belief systems which they believe to be idiosyncratic, bizarre or irrational. See also Allegations against cults made by skeptics.

Notable skeptical media

See also: List of Skeptics and skeptical organizations

Magazines

• Skeptic magazine (US)
• Skeptical Inquirer magazine
• The Skeptic magazine (UK)
• Free Inquiry magazine

Television programs

• Penn & Teller: Bullshit!
• MythBusters

Podcasts

• The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
• Skepticality
• Skeptoid

See also

• The burden of proof
• Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (formerly CSICOP)
• Critical rationalism
• Empiricism
• Philosophical skepticism
• Skepticism

Further reading

• Carroll, Robert Todd (2003). The Skeptic's Dictionary: A Collection of Strange Beliefs, Amusing Deceptions, and Dangerous Delusions. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-27242-6.

• Randi, James (June 1982). Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions. Prometheus Books. p. 342. ISBN 0345409469. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

• Randi, James (1997). An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural. St. Martin's Griffin. p. 336. ISBN 0312151195. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Sagan, Carl (1997). The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. Ballantine Books. p. 349. ISBN 0345409469. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• Gardner, Martin (1957). Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science. Dover Publications. p. 373. ISBN 0486203948.

External links

• The Skeptic's Dictionary - Carroll, Robert Todd, contains many articles on science, alternative medicine, pseudoscience, etc
• A skeptical manifesto, Shermer, Michael, A philosophical analysis of scientific skepticism
• Proper Criticism. (csicop.org) - Hyman, Ray, Suggestions to upgrade the quality of Scientific skepticism
• Strategies for dissenting scientists. Martin, Brian, Society for Scientific Exploration. Journal of Scientific Exploration, Volume 12 No 4. 1998. (PDF), Strategies available for dissenting scientists.
• Carl Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit. Operation Clambake. 1998. Based on the book "The Demon Haunted World: Science as a candle in the dark". (ISBN 0-345-40946-9)
• New England Skeptical Society Newsletter Articles - Includes articles on such topics as Homeopathy, Intelligent Design, and other pseudoscientific topics
• sci.skeptic FAQ
• UK-Skeptics - the UK's rational skeptics organisation.
• Nonsense (And Why It's So Popular) A course syllabus from The College of Wooster.