Skepticism
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[edit] Definition
As used on the JREF forums, the term Skepticism generally refers to Scientific Skepticism:
- A philosophy in which claims are challenged before being accepted or rejected.
[edit] Other definitions
In common usage, “Skepticism” generally means disbelief or suspicion of a claim, or a tendency to automatically disbelieve claims.
“Skepticism” also refers to Philosophical Skepticism, which is the position that absolute certainty of any claim is irrational.
“Skepticism” may also refer to Activist Skepticism, which is the active practice of questioning and challenging popular claims.
These alternative definitions of Skepticism unfortunately lead to confusion in argument as to just what anti-skeptics are attacking and just what skeptics are defending. Like “atheism”, and “cynicism” the term “skepticism” has also acquired a negative connotation which is quite independent of its literal meaning.
The opposite of skepticism is generally considered to be “belief”, or “credulity”, among others.
[edit] Skepticism and Science
Skepticism, in the sense of suspicion of claims, is an integral part of the scientific process. New hypotheses are eventually tested by experiment, but it is not always appreciated that a properly designed scientific experiment also attempts to disprove the hypothesis in question (See: Wason's Four-card Task). Even if experimental results should support the hypothesis, the experiment is repeated by others, and with greater and greater precision. This process continues even after the new hypothesis is accepted, to allow for the possibility that an anomaly may appear at even greater precision.
[edit] Criticism of Skepticism
Skepticism in the sense of habitual disbelief is probably what non-skeptics have in mind when attacking the skeptical outlook as “closed-minded”. While habitual disbelief (or even habitual doubt) might earn this description, most self-described skeptics hold to scientific skepticism, to which the criticism does not apply. The philosopher and writer Miguel de Unamuno describes the distinction:
- Skeptic does not mean him who doubts, but him who investigates or researches as opposed to him who asserts and thinks that he has found.
The history of science provides answer enough to claims that skepticism is “closed-minded”. Scientific progress routinely refines or even overturns its own prior conclusions. Scientific methodology employs rigorous safeguards against prejudice and preconceptions. No closed-minded pursuit could possibly have led to our current understanding of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics which so completely disagree with the prior theories they supplant.
Skepticism has also earned a reputation for engendering a negative, or jaded attitude, possibly because skeptics are the first to attack extraordinarily hopeful claims.
[edit] Activist Skepticism
Activist Skeptics (also “Debunkers”) are people and organizations that actively investigate, challenge and/or disprove extraordinary claims.
In some cases Activist Skepticism proceeds by applying scientific rigor to claims. The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry organization proceeds along these lines, its stated purpose being to
- encourage the critical investigation of paranormal and fringe-science claims from a responsible, scientific point of view and disseminate factual information about the results of such inquiries to the scientific community and the public.
Many skeptical organizations take a more passive approach, inviting claimants themselves to prove their own claims in a scientific setting. Many of these, such as the JREF offer cash rewards for such proof.
Although the popular media is often criticized for its non-skeptical attitude, some investigative journalism has entered the realm of activist skepticism. ABC’s 20/20 reporter John Stossel is particularly noted for this approach to his subjects. Popular serial programs such as Penn & Teller’s Bullshit! and Mythbusters are devoted to skepticism in a more fun and fast-paced style.
[edit] Philosophical Skepticism
Philosophical Skepticism is the philosophical position that nothing can be known for certain; since facts, observations, and even the very rules of logic and rationality rest upon assumptions at some point. This is quite different from Skepticism in the usual usage, although it represents the original meaning of the term “Skepticism”.
Philosophical skeptics are known for proposing such unfalsifiable possibilities as “This may all be a dream”, “Perhaps I’m just a brain in a jar”, or “Perhaps the entire universe was created five minutes ago.”. Occasionally anti-science posts on the JREF forums fall into Philosophical Skepticism, asserting that the foundations of science are merely beliefs accepted on faith.
One response to Philosophical Skepticism is that we have more cause to believe certain facts than we have to believe any philosophical framework suggesting an alternative. Philosopher George Moore cited “Here is a hand” as an example of what became known as “Moorean facts”. While it involves certain assumptions to believe “Here is a hand”, believing the contrary can only be done by discarding the rational framework in which any assumptions can mean anything at all.
Science then, can be saved from Philosophical Skepticism by ensuring that all its conclusions follow from Moorean facts. Yes, you may rationally question the foundations of science, but only if you’re willing to believe absolutely nothing.
[edit] Alternate Spelling
"Skepticism" is the American spelling corresponding to the British “Scepticism”. Other than the minor spelling difference, these denote the same concept.
One frequent poster on the JREF forums claimed that “Scepticism” referred to something like Philosophical Skepticism, whereas “Skepticism” had the usual meaning. As there was never supplied any supporting evidence for this usage, we are inclined to remain skceptical.
