This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Rotem Dan (talk | contribs) at 15:40, 12 May 2003 (Rephrased: .. presenting unquestionable evidence to demonstrate the falsehood of claims.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 15:40, 12 May 2003 by Rotem Dan (talk | contribs) (Rephrased: .. presenting unquestionable evidence to demonstrate the falsehood of claims.)(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 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.
A Skeptic generally refers to 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.