Skepticism: Two Meanings

[Clancie]

Here's an interesting definition of a skeptic (from Wikipedia). I think it sheds light on some of the different approaches here, especially in paranormal (including religious) discussions:



Skepticism can mean:

Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position in which people chooose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not one can ever be said to have true knowledge; or

Scientific skepticism - a scientific, or practical, position in which one does not accept the veracity of claims until solid evidence is produced in accordance with the scientific method.

[BNiles]

I think that most of the skepticism we find in these threads is of the scientific nature. Not many people claiming to know the meaning of life, just a few claiming to have supernatural powers. A philosophical belief structure is inferred from meaning, whereas objects and occurrences in nature can be measured scientifically.

[TLN]

Okay...

What's the point here?

[CFLarsen]

TLN,

Isn't that pretty darn obvious?

The point is that Clancie opens up new threads, where she throws something to the lions, without contributing anything herself, in the (vain) hope that we will forget all those pending questions that awaits her.

As well as the embarrassing fact that JE's shows are, in fact, edited for content.

The meaning is oh so clear.

[MRC_Hans]

Except for the type of information that those two types of skepticism are applied to, I really do not see any difference between them.

Hans

[voidx]

Originally posted by Clancie
Here's an interesting definition of a skeptic (from Wikipedia). I think it sheds light on some of the different approaches here, especially in paranormal (including religious) discussions:

Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position in which people chooose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not one can ever be said to have true knowledge; or

Scientific skepticism - a scientific, or practical, position in which one does not accept the veracity of claims until solid evidence is produced in accordance with the scientific method.
I think your mistaken to be honest. It states a philosophical position. Please explain how your belief in mediumship, life after death, telepathy/psi/esp is purely philosophical. Then notice that it is used to examine knowledge and perceptions that we have. Since we cannot prove mediumship, life after death, telepathy/psi/esp, then we must stick to Scientific skepticism, especially when you believe that what certain mediums do is not cold-reading.

[voidx]

Also I'm going to echo CFL's sentiment a tad. How is your analysis of JE's LKL readings coming along for Renata's thread? And do you think things have died down enough to post those additional JE transcripts you mentioned?