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Revision as of 11:53, 1 April 2003 by 132.66.16.12 (talk) (split into separate pages, left disambig.)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Skepticism is used to refer to (A) Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position which encourages people to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions they have is 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.
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.