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Revision as of 16:39, 17 May 2003 by Heron (talk | contribs) (is used to refer to -> is)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Skepticism is (A) Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position in which people chooose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions what they have are actually true, and whether or not on can ever be said to have true knowledge like; 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.
A skeptic is a person who is taking a critical position in a given situation, usually by employing the principles of critical thinking to evaluate the validity of claims. 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.
Skeptical Movement: http://www.skeptic.com and http://www.csicop.org/si