Skepticism

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Skepticism is a philosophical point of view. A skeptic is one who is expressing skepticism. A common phrase is "healthy skepticism." By that, it is intended that a person does not accept all or part of a premise without further inquiry. The assumption is that the skeptical person will make the effort to become informed about the subject before deciding to accept or reject the idea.

Healthy skepticism becomes an obstacle to learning when a person rejects an ideas without becoming informed because it contradicts accepted wisdom. While skepticism is an important component in any quest for knowledge, a more useful point of view is discernment.

Introduction

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History

The two major schools of skepticism in Greek philosophy are the Academic and the Pyrrhonian.[1]

  • Academic: Named after Plato's Academy, the The philosophy that nothing can be known for certain
  • Pyrrhonian: Named after the Greek, Pyrrho of Elis (c. 360-275 B.C), it is the point of view of suspended judgement. The Greek, Aenesidemus (c. 100-40 B.C.), formulated it into a philosophy and adopted the title of "skeptic" (from skeptikos, meaning "inquirer") and "doubters"; (from ephektikos, meaning "one who suspends judgment")[1]

Scope

Replace this text when text for the article is added What is involved in the subject? For instance, if this is about an organization, what is the primary focus of the organization? Does it include peer-review? Is there a publication for non-technical members?

General

Types of skepticism organized skepticism


Modern skepticism

There needs to be an emphasis on skeptical objections about subjects that are not specifically addressed by mainstream science.

End notes

Replace this text when text for the article is added This is not a list of references (us them below). This is a place to include substantiating evidence not identified by the references. It is also a good place to include a bibliography.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Smith name, George H.. "A Note on the History and Meaning of Skepticism", Resources for Independent Thinking, http://www.rit.org/essays/history.php.

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