| Revision as of 15:33, 19 May 2003 editRotem Dan (talk | contribs)1,671 editsm skepticism -> skeptics← Previous edit | Revision as of 09:57, 24 May 2003 edit undoLordK (talk | contribs)198 editsm sp / grNext edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| '''Skepticism''' is '''(A) ] - a philosophical position''' in which people chooose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions |
'''Skepticism''' is '''(A) ] - a philosophical position''' in which people chooose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not on can ever be said to have true knowledge; or '''(B) ] - a scientific, or practical, position''' in which one does not accept the veracity of claims until solid evidence is produced in accordance with the ]. | ||
| Scientific skepticism is related to, but not identical to, philosophical skepticism. Many scientists and doctors who are skeptical of claims of the ] are nonetheless not adherents of classical philosophical skepticism. When critics of controversial scientific or paranormal claims are said to be ''skeptical'', this only refers to their taking a position of scientific skepticism. | Scientific skepticism is related to, but not identical to, philosophical skepticism. Many scientists and doctors who are skeptical of claims of the ] are nonetheless not adherents of classical philosophical skepticism. When critics of controversial scientific or paranormal claims are said to be ''skeptical'', this only refers to their taking a position of scientific skepticism. | ||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
| == Some common misconceptions about skeptics == | == Some common misconceptions about skeptics == | ||
| In common use, a '''skeptic''' refers to a person who is taking a critical position in a given situation, usually by employing the principles of '']'' and the '']'' to evaluate the validity of claims and practices. Skeptics are often confused, or denounced as ], it should be noted, however, that skeptics choose their approaches methodically, not |
In common use, a '''skeptic''' refers to a person who is taking a critical position in a given situation, usually by employing the principles of '']'' and the '']'' to evaluate the validity of claims and practices. Skeptics are often confused, or denounced as ], it should be noted, however, that skeptics choose their approaches methodically, not arbitrarily. | ||
| ==== Skeptics vs. Debunkers ==== | ==== Skeptics vs. Debunkers ==== | ||
Revision as of 09:57, 24 May 2003
Skepticism is (A) Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position in which people chooose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not on can ever be said to have true knowledge; or (B) Scientific skepticism - a scientific, or practical, position in which one does not accept the veracity of claims until solid evidence is produced in accordance with the scientific method.
Scientific skepticism is related to, but not identical to, philosophical skepticism. Many scientists and doctors who are skeptical of claims of the paranormal are nonetheless not adherents of classical philosophical skepticism. When critics of controversial scientific or paranormal claims are said to be skeptical, this only refers to their taking a position of scientific skepticism.
Some common misconceptions about skeptics
In common use, a skeptic refers to a person who is taking a critical position in a given situation, usually by employing the principles of critical thinking and the scientific method to evaluate the validity of claims and practices. Skeptics are often confused, or denounced as cynics, it should be noted, however, that skeptics choose their approaches methodically, not arbitrarily.
Skeptics vs. Debunkers
Skeptics are related to debunkers but the latter refers more to the active practice of debunking, which is, presenting unquestionable evidence to demonstrate the falsehood of claims.