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In ordinary usage, skepticism or scepticism (Greek: skeptomai, to look about, to consider) refers to
- an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object,
- the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain, or
- the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism that is characteristic of skeptics (Merriam–Webster).
In philosophy, skepticism refers more specifically to any one of several propositions. These include propositions about
- the limitations of knowledge,
- a method of obtaining knowledge through systematic doubt and continual testing,
- the arbitrariness, relativity, or subjectivity of moral values,
- a method of intellectual caution and suspended judgment,
- a lack of confidence in positive motives for human conduct or positive outcomes for human enterprises, that is, cynicism and pessimism (Keeton, 1962).
In classical philosophy, skepticism refers to the teachings and the traits of the Skeptikoi, a school of philosophers of whom it was said that they "asserted nothing but only opined" (Liddell and Scott). In this sense, philosophical skepticism, or pyrrhonism, is the philosophical position that one should avoid the postulation of final truths. Turned on itself, skepticism would deny that it is infallibly certain that skepticism is the only basic perspective.
More on [ Skepticism ]
Mark Steel on climate change - http://socialistworker.org/2009/12/18/reality-a-stranger-to-climate-skeptics (yes, he's a comedian)
jvancemartin (Jeff Martin) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:37:07 -0000
Mark Steel on climate change - http://socialistworker.org/2009/12/18/reality-a-stranger-to-climate-skeptics (yes, he's a comedian)
How about how to do KM with an extremely limited budget, and how to persuade the skeptics? #KMers
ithorpe (Ian Thorpe) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:01:17 -0000
How about how to do KM with an extremely limited budget, and how to persuade the skeptics? #KMers
Read the Leaked Transcript of the UUWS Climate Skeptics Meeting http://ow.ly/T13n
SolarFred (Tor Valenza) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:42:14 -0000
Read the Leaked Transcript of the UUWS Climate Skeptics Meeting http://ow.ly/T13n
Climate change skeptics take a look http://bit.ly/4MXyjO
greenologie (Wendy Rosenoff) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:59:27 -0000
Climate change skeptics take a look http://bit.ly/4MXyjO
@akamrt yeah, see I'm not sure about that. I think forced use is helpful / necessary for the skeptics, not the draggers.
amichetti (Adrienne Michetti) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:43:35 -0000
@akamrt yeah, see I'm not sure about that. I think forced use is helpful / necessary for the skeptics, not the draggers.
http://bit.ly/6acIoA a comic answer to climate skeptics.
small_print (Donald Fraser) Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:40:42 -0000
http://bit.ly/6acIoA a comic answer to climate skeptics.
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Blinded by the Light - An article by Quigg Lawrence, the nephew of Mr. NDE George Ritchie.
Dying To Live Critique - A critique of NDE skeptic Susan Blackmore by Greg Stone, who points out mischaracterizations of religion and science in her work. The article contains her rebuttal and Mr. Stone's counter-rebuttal.
Embraced by the Light - Douglas Groothuis presents a Biblical response to the Mormon/new age teachings of Betty Eadie.
Embraced by the Light - Examines the Mormon and new age influence on Betty Eadie's presentation of her alleged NDE.
Embraced by the Light of Deception - Critically analyzes the non-Biblical theology of NDE author Betty Eadie.
Meta Description: [ Betty Eadie's best-selling book
]
Near Death Experiences - Allen M.D. - A doctor of internal medicine argues that the Near Death Experience is brain-based, and appeals to religious doctrines which deny the existence of an immaterial soul.
Meta Description: [ Near-death experience: Rational thinking on near death experiences NDE's from a Biblical Christian point of view. ]
Near-Death Experiences: In or Out of the Body - A brief article by NDE skeptic, Susan Blackmore.
Skeptic's Dictionary: Near Death Experiences - A brief article which criticizes the work of a few, notable Near Death Experience researchers.
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The Neurology of Spiritual Experiences - Draws conclusions from a small sample of 11 non-Western NDEs culled from popular Thai literature. The web author combines Western materialistic reductionism with Buddhism to devise an interpretation of the NDE.
The Watchman Expositor: Near Death Experiences - Critically analyzes the research methods of some NDE researchers and the possibly deceptive nature of the NDE.
What Happens After Death? - States that NDEs indicate that at death the soul separates from the body, and that a person's spirit is conscious and coherent at death. However, the site concludes that NDEs do not accurately reflect what lies beyond the grave.
Meta Description: [ For the entire existence of mankind, we have struggled with the question, "What happens after death?" Our answer to this dilemma has great implications for our life here on earth. Although many avoid the issue, we must sooner or later address the question. There are many competing answers to this... ]
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