The Skeptic Idea

[David Ogilsbie]

Taken From www.Skeptic.com

A Brief Introduction
All our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike
— and yet it is the most precious thing we have.

—Albert Einstein

The Skeptics Society is a scientific and educational organization of
scholars, scientists, historians, magicians, professors and teachers,
and anyone curious about controversial ideas, extraordinary claims,
revolutionary ideas, and the promotion of science. Our mission is to
serve as an educational tool for those seeking clarification and
viewpoints on those controversial ideas and claims.

Under the direction of Dr. Michael Shermer, the Society engages in
scientific investigation and journalistic research to investigate
claims made by scientists, historians, and controversial figures on a
wide range of subjects. The Society also engages in discussions with
leading experts in our areas of exploration. It is our hope that our
efforts go a long way in promoting critical thinking and lifelong
inquisitiveness in all individuals.

I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not to bewail, not to
scorn human actions, but to understand them.

—Baruch Spinoza

Some people believe that skepticism is the rejection of new ideas, or
worse, they confuse “skeptic” with “cynic” and think that skeptics are
a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that
challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional
approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all
ideas — no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a
method, not a position. Ideally, skeptics do not go into an
investigation closed to the possibility that a phenomenon might be
real or that a claim might be true. When we say we are “skeptical,” we
mean that we must see compelling evidence before we believe.

Skepticism has a long historical tradition dating back to ancient
Greece, when Socrates observed: “All I know is that I know nothing.”
But this pure position is sterile and unproductive and held by
virtually no one. If you were skeptical about everything, you would
have to be skeptical of your own skepticism. Like the decaying
subatomic particle, pure skepticism uncoils and spins off the viewing
screen of our intellectual cloud chamber.

Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, which involves
gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for
natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to
such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement.
But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and
therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions.
Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been
tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally
conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the
origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are
inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses
and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion.

The key to skepticism is to continuously and vigorously apply the
methods of science to navigate the treacherous straits between “know
nothing” skepticism and “anything goes” credulity. Over three
centuries ago the French philosopher and skeptic, René Descartes,
after one of the most thorough skeptical purges in intellectual
history, concluded that he knew one thing for certain: Cogito ergo sum
— I think therefore I am. But evolution may have designed us in the
other direction. Humans evolved to be pattern-seeking, cause-inferring
animals, shaped by nature to find meaningful relationships in the
world. Those who were best at doing this left behind the most
offspring. We are their descendents. In other words, to be human is to
think:

Sum Ergo Cogito —
I Am Therefore I Think.