skepticism

Yesterday I picked up "Maybe Yes, Maybe No: A Guide For Young Skeptics" by Dan Barker. I must say that I am very pleased! This book is short and to the point. It begins in cartoonish way telling the story of a skeptical child who is confronted with friends who make claims about a haunted...

If there is one thing of which I am certain, it is this: When one leaves the northern hemisphere and ventures south, one enters a completely new world. Primitive cultures and civilizations abound, many of which cling to incredibly strange beliefs. One wonders, how could these people actually...

There is a 3-hour 3-part BBC series "A Brief History of Disbelief" which is being broadcast by some PBS stations. It seems that not all have procured it yet and this post is to encourage people to contact their local PBS station if it isn't already planning to show the series. See the...

Could my once best friend, Skepticism, be my own worst enemy? It is said that many people in my position have been greatly helped by spirituality. But dammit it is just so incredibly stupid. Looking at all of the stories from people that are meant to bring spirituality into my life, I cannot...

I'm toying with the idea of forming a new group, Skeptics For 911 Truth, closely affiliated with Scholars For 911 Truth and Justice and related groups. Anyone thought of doing something like this? I'm trying to think of a good design for a banner.

What do you think of the following argument against evidentialism (the notion that beliefs are worth only as much as their evidence): "Evidentialism, in itself, cannot be substantiated by way of evidence."

As an atheist who debates theists frequently, I often am warned that my immortal soul is in grave jeopardy. A range of religious individuals—not just Christians—have told me that disbelief in God will result in severe punishment after death. When Christians, in particular, are involved, it is...

Hi there, I'm not sure how to handle friends who believe in woo. I don't want to alienate these people who are my coworkers and my friends. I want to introduce them to skeptical thinking but at the same time, I feel like such a killjoy and don't like the conflict my different beliefs entail. I...

Hello All, A friend recently sent me this link on the subject of denial, scepticism, free speech and scientific orthodoxy which seems directly relevant to the mindset of many twoofers. It provoked a wordy response from me which I have included below the link. Perhaps the JREF ninjas would like...

The creator of Scooby-Doo, Iwao Takamoto, who learned to animate in the internment camps for Japanese-Americans during WW2, died today. I bring it up here because there may never have been a more brilliant introduction to the principles of skepticism than the Mystery Machine gang. Until that...

Hullo, OK, my second attempt at a thread. Over the years I have had much amusement discussing many things on internet forum, and have debated with some very intelligent and charming sceptics. One question which arose in those discussions is on the very nature of scepticism. Now firstly, I'll...

When trying to differentiate between skeptical belief and religious belief, skeptics often ask, "What would it take for you to change your mind?" If the answer that comes back is "Nothing," we'll label that a religious belief, for a skeptic will change his/her mind when the evidence for the...

I've been creating, using, and modifying lessons in skepticism and critical thinking. Various lessons include presentations, video clips, worksheets, and weblinks. They can all be found here: http://homepage.mac.com/phyzman/skepticism/ Current lessons include - Wiseman's Three-color Mind...

I became interested in the JREF and skeptical issues about two years ago. Since then, and increasingly so, I've found that I constantly encounter people who can't or wont think logically, who make ridiculous and unsubstantiated claims, and who have bizarre views about reality. What's worse...

And if you're a true skeptic, there must be a willingness to change your mind about god if presented with new / proper evidence. So, what type of new / proper evidence would be needed for you to abandon atheism? The problem is that many of us likely require something extraordinary, like god...

There doesn't seem to be a recent thread about this. The Global Consciousness Project's overall summary of results, August 1998 to March 2005, to be found on this page http://noosphere.princeton.edu/ , shows a probability of 1.869x10^-6. Can someone illustrate that this an example of...

This is related to my other thread ("Placebo effect", http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63574) but somewhat different. For this thread, please assume that the placebo effect is real; if you want to question that, do so on the thread above. Supposing that it is -...

I've been thinking about this for a while, and although I'm sure it's been discussed on these forums before, I figured it's time to see where everyone stands these days. I'm sure everyone is familiar with the Flying Spaghetti Monster by now. If not, a quick search with Google will give you all...

Obviously, the natural response is "no" because nearly all of us have humility and want to stress that skeptics don't think they're better than non-skeptics. But the more I think about it...my worldview is a LOT more mature, I come to better and more efficient conclusions, and I discuss things...

...removing emotions from the thought process?

Which are the best fictions (not necessarely Sci-F) in literature (including comics), movies and tv, which managed to succeed in creating an entertaining story, yet escaping from the cliché that the supernatural is blatantly true, and skeptics are in denial? A few ones that I barely remember...

I just finished watching the 20/20 special "Duped in America" and I must say I am pleased with the report. It was informative and even had a spot with Micheal Shermer. On a larger scale, I am glad that logic and critical thinking are becoming more and more common in media, with P&T:BS and...

I found this article today on the website of the Association of Renaissance Martial Arts. It contains a plug for Randi and this site. :) http://www.thearma.org/essays/Unbelief.htm

I have been a long-time lurker of these forums and just recently registered. Numerous times I have read of people delighting in informing people that have been "woo" influenced of their various skeptic beliefs. I advocate that, but only to a point. If someone is using "psychic" or other info...

Just wondering if the forum generally rejects woo-wooism in movies, TV, etc. For instance, I enjoy "Supernatural" as fantastical fluff as it is. Does your skepticism make it impossible for you to enjoy such vices?