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troutman · 02-26-2013, 12:13 PM

Media Guide to Skepticism (draft)

http://doubtfulnews.com/media-guide-to-skepticism/

What is skepticism?

Skepticism is a process that uses reason and the tools of science to acquire knowledge.

The aim of applying a skeptical process to a claim is to determine if it is or isn’t true based on the evidence that exists for or against it.

Skeptic is not the same as “cynic”. Skeptics aren’t skeptical of EVERYTHING. Many things are true to the best of our knowledge and we use that knowledge to make predictions about what else might or might not be true. The “Skeptic” is often seen to be the “debunker”, the “downer”, or the “balloon buster”. That’s only true if one prefers a fictional conclusion rather than a factual conclusion. The Skeptical approach will arrive at the BEST answer, the answer most supported by science, the one most likely to be true.

02-26-2013, 12:13 PM	#120
troutman Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Crowsnest Pass Exp:	Media Guide to Skepticism (draft) http://doubtfulnews.com/media-guide-to-skepticism/ What is skepticism? Skepticism is a process* that uses reason and the tools of science to acquire knowledge.* The aim of applying a skeptical process to a claim is to determine if it is or isn’t true based on the evidence that exists for or against it. Skeptic is not the same as “cynic”. Skeptics aren’t skeptical of EVERYTHING. Many things are true to the best of our knowledge and we use that knowledge to make predictions about what else might or might not be true. The “Skeptic” is often seen to be the “debunker”, the “downer”, or the “balloon buster”. That’s only true if one prefers a fictional conclusion rather than a factual conclusion. The Skeptical approach will arrive at the BEST answer, the answer most supported by science, the one most likely to be true.