Comments on: Introducing SkepticBlog

By: John Willow

John Willow — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:33:37 +0000

I’m looking at this site for the first time, and there are some very erudite writers on here. You, Tim, are not one of them. In answer to your generally broadcast question, yes, you are a demagogue. You also know nothing about the scientific method, and do not understand the concept of consensus. You are generally lowering the level of debate, which is a disservice to the many posters here who actually know what they’re talking about, but who are wasting their time responding to your juvenile rants. Wouldn’t you be happier on a site with other malcontents who are injecting their personal problems into issues of importance to all of us?

By: Bobby Elgee

Bobby Elgee — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:42:18 +0000

As a skeptic and amateur paranormal investigator, though I’ve been able to debunk nearly everything I’ve encountered, I have encountered a several startling and unexplainable things. Still, with all the popularity of ghost hunting recently, I continually encounter groups and individuals who don’t even make a half-hearted attempt to seriously debunk anything–and its very, very annoying. I’ve even encountered instances of people fabricating evidence for recognition. Thank you so much for a truly valuable Web site that honestly discusses these and other issues.

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:28:27 +0000

This looks an excellent site with lots of differing perspectives.So I thought I would throw my penny’s worth into the box, so to speak.Some might like to have a look at Intelligent Design Message from the Designers,of which a famous person said, if this is science fiction, it ranks alongside the most breath-taking of it’s kind, but if it is true it is earth shaking. So there you have a choice. I would add that if it is science fiction, then within the context of the theory contained in that book, so are the dangers of nuclear war and over-population and environmental degradation

By: Greg Cameron

Greg Cameron — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:54:27 +0000

Have recently taken an interest in the Skeptic world. If I look up the word Skeptic it seems to have many meanings. My first challenge was to ignore the issues that surround the word Skeptic. I now have my belief on its meaning. My second challenge is now defending my right to call myself a Skeptic and my right to challenge a statement or an event.This then turns into a debate on why I call myself a Skeptic. One answer to a question was “what is the point talking to you your a Skeptic” My modus operendi now is not to reveal my position, the other person or group will certainly disclose their background.
Finding it all very interesting, many excellent articles and helpful members. Thanks.

By: Julian

Julian — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:05:34 +0000

@Cormac

Steven did a post on exactly what you’re talking about. Don’t know if you had a chance to read it.

Skeptic – The Name Thing Again

By: Cormac O' Raifeartaigh

Cormac O' Raifeartaigh — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:58:23 +0000

I wonder what exactly is meant by the word skepticism. I think it would be helpful to define these concepts for the reader.

Speaking as a scientist, I guess I could consider myself a skeptic in the sense that I pay little attention to claims about the world that are not backed by scientific evidence (involving the scientific method and all it entails). However, I have reservations about the word ‘skeptic’ for two reasons

(i) there is a connotation of ‘I know more than the common herd’ – the wrong note to sound for those in the business of bringing science to a wider public

(ii) the word ‘skeptic’ is commonly used to describe one who disputes the consensus view on any given topic – at least in Europe. For example, many journalists adopt a ‘skeptical’ viewpoint on well-established facts simply in order to attract attention. Another example is the infamous book ‘The Skeptical Environmentalist’, where the author questions the scientific consensus on global warming (and misrepresents a great deal of scientific evidence along the way).

In short, I guess most scientists are also skeptics – but only in the neutral sense of the word…

By: Skeptical Battlegrounds, a review « FreeThought Fort Wayne

Skeptical Battlegrounds, a review « FreeThought Fort Wayne — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:59:32 +0000

[...] the Skeptical battlegrounds that must be fought now and in the future. The series is hosted at the SkepticBlog, a group blog dedicated to the hosts of a skepticism-themed TV series called the [...]

By: Audita Sum

Audita Sum — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:36:28 +0000

I heard about this from This Week in Science. Sounds interesting!

By: Some More Blogs For The Blog « Amorphous Intelligence

Some More Blogs For The Blog « Amorphous Intelligence — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:44:25 +0000

[...] fame), Dr. Kirsten Sanford (This Week in Science radio/podcast host), Mark Edward (some say template to the new CBS TV show The Mentalist), and Ryan Johnson (videographer, filmmaker, TV director [...]

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:22:52 +0000

Nice to see this site. I encourage anyone to get the news letter from Michael. I’ve done so for years. Just bought that book offered in the mailer before the one that came today. What was it, “Misquoting Jesus” I believe is the name of it. Must say I’ve enjoyed it immensely so far. It is interesting ‘believers’ still find ways to rationalize their belief system, even though they are confronted with facts put together in such a well researched method. Nonetheless it does make a very nice addition to my already existing library of similar topic books. Keep up the good work.

Steve