Sceptics vs. Skeptics: The Next Generation

[Vikram]

In the grand tradition of disciples who have, since time immemorial, built upon the wisdom of their gurus, I take the torch from great enlightened souls who have demonstrated eloquently the profound degree to which seemingly innocuous replacements of single letters can change the fundamental meanings of words. Please note that none of these subtle insights are mentioned in any dictionaries anywhere. The lowly compilers of the OED have yet to reach the level of intellectuality where they can begin to appreciate the subtle glory of a strategically placed bold and italicized letter.

We all have already experienced the pleasure of having the difference between sceptics and sKeptics explained to us at great length. The same vein of brilliance has yielded the following insights:

- analyse: To study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of by analysis
- analyZe: To state that it is a priori impossible that anything can be analysed

- metre: A device used to measure
- metER: A device that states that it is a priori impossible to measure anything and that it is a priori impossible that there exists a device that can measure anything

- fulfil: To bring into actuality
- fulfilL: To state that it is a priori impossible to bring anything into actuality and that it is a priori impossible that anything has ever been brought into actuality in the past or will ever be brought into actuality in the future

- plough: A farm implement used for breaking up soil and cutting furrows in it
- ploW: An implement that states that it is a priori impossible to farm and that it is a priori impossible to break up soil or cut furrows in it

- pyjamas: Loose-fitting nightclothes worn for sleeping or lounging
- pAjamas: Clothes that state that it is a priori impossible for clothes to be worn at any time of the day for any purpose whatsoever, and recommend that since it is a priori impossible for clothes to be worn, the term 'loose-fitting' be excised from the vocabulary

- cheque: A written order directing a bank to pay money
- cheCK: A written order that states that it is a priori impossible to direct banks to pay since it is a priori impossible that banks exist and it is a priori impossible that money exists, hence leading to the direct logical and philosophical conclusion that the Million Dollar Challenge is a priori fraudulent.

One can hope that this short primer enables its readers to navigate better the treacherous swamps of the English language. My eternal gratitude goes to those whose untiring efforts have revealed to us this entire dimension of linguistic complexity that we never knew existed.

[phildonnia]

See here (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53505) for an important discussion of the difference between "dueling" and "dualing".

[joesixpack]

I'm detecting a hint of anti-americanism in the initial post. The question is, is there one particular american we are anti? Or just american spelling in general?

[Dr Adequate]

You're new round here, aren't you?

You haven't met Interesting Ian (http://www.randi.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53284)?

He's a Limey. He's from Stockton-on-Tees, and I suppose someone has to be.

[Vikram]

Originally posted by joesixpack
I'm detecting a hint of anti-americanism in the initial post. The question is, is there one particular american we are anti? Or just american spelling in general?

Heavens no! This is just a parody of how Interesting Ian has ridiculously adopted the stance that somehow 'sKeptic' has a different meaning as compared to 'sceptic'.

There isn't even a tiny amount of anti-americanism in my post. Loads of anti-pseudophilosophicalgibberism though.

[joesixpack]

Oh, "Interesting" Ian. I see. He is "interesting".

I didn't mean to seem like I had a chip on my shoulder, I was just hoping to see some spelling humour.

[Dr Adequate]

"Spelling humour"?

You don't think it's a teensy bit funny to watch someone trying to distinguish between two totally different concepts through typography alone?

C'mon, the trans-Atlantic wars are as nothing compared to Interesting Ian with the wind behind him.

NB: if you are a citizen of the USA you should be spelling "humour" as "humor". Don't let us limeys corrupt you with our illicit use of the letter "u". They can probably lock you up for that these days.

[DangerousBeliefs]

Originally posted by joesixpack
Oh, "Interesting" Ian. I see. He is "interesting".

I didn't mean to seem like I had a chip on my shoulder, I was just hoping to see some spelling humour.

No harm done.

You stupid American

[Jeff Corey]

"I saw your advert in the bolour supplement."
First time I saw that, I found myself a bit bonfused.

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by joesixpack
I'm detecting a hint of anti-americanism in the initial post.

Yes, they are insulting Americans! :mad: Such gratitude considering the Americans bailed out the limeys in 2 world wars! :mad:

[Nex]

Originally posted by Dr Adequate
if you are a citizen of the USA you should be spelling "humour" as "humor". Don't let us limeys corrupt you with our illicit use of the letter "u".

Here's a little spelling humo/ur for you:

Spending too much time here will corrupt your perfect American spelling. I turned in some handwritten homework two weeks ago that had all these extraneous u's, and I spelled "analyze" as "analyse." My professor had a giggling fit when I told her why I was using American and Brit spellings. Usually the spellcheck catches it... *sigh*
(I'm primarily a visual learner, so if I see a word spelled a certain way fairly often, I'll unconsciously spell it that way myself.)

I've also inadvertently screwed up the HTML on my website that way.

Damn you, you accursed international iNtArWeB! :hit:

[joesixpack]

"I saw your advert in the bolour supplement."
Silly bunt

[Dr Adequate]

Originally posted by Nex
Spending too much time here will corrupt your perfect American spelling. I turned in some handwritten homework two weeks ago that had all these extraneous u's, and I spelled "analyze" as "analyse." My professor had a giggling fit when I told her why I was using American and Brit spellings. Because of coming on these forums, I've decided recently to make my spelling like the American wherever it's optional, such as "skeptic" and "-ize". But I can't get rid of the "u". I just can't. That's not optional. It would be like burning the flag, only much, much sillier.

[phildonnia]

To be fair to Ian, the term "philosophical s(k/c)epticism" is a school of thought that questions whether we can really know anything at all.

This is distinct from "s(k/c)epticism" as most people know it, and as used on these forums.

[Harlequin]

I thought that was why II posts here. He is actually a sceptic.
I figured that he didn't realize what kind of sceptics we were until he'd had so many arguments about materialism that he forgot why he came in the first place.