Backyard Skeptics

Definition of a Skeptic:

(at present the links are not working on this site) 

In ordinary usage, skepticism or scepticism (Greek: skeptomai, to look about, to consider; also refers to

1. an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object,
2. the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain, or
3. the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism that is characteristic of skeptic

In philosophy, skepticism refers more specifically to any one of several propositions. These include propositions about

1. 1. an inquiry
   2. the limitations of knowledge,
   3. a method of obtaining knowledge through systematic doubt and continual testing,
   4. the arbitrariness, relativity, or subjectivity of moral values,
   5. a method of intellectual caution and suspended judgment,
   6. does not mean pessimism; or lack of confidence

In religion, skepticism refers to "doubt concerning basic religious principles (as immortality, providence, and revelation)"

The word skepticism can characterize a position on a single claim, but in scholastic circles more frequently describes a lasting mindset and an approach to accepting or rejecting new information. Individuals who proclaim to have a skeptical outlook are frequently called skeptics, often without regard to whether it is philosophical skepticism or empirical skepticism that they profess.

Activist skeptics, self-described "debunkers" (James Randi the most famous)  are a subset of scientific skeptics who aim to expose in public what they see as the truth behind specific extraordinary or supernatural claims. Debunkers may publish books, air TV programs, create websites, or use other means to advocate their message. In some cases they may challenge claimants outright or even stage elaborate hoaxes to prove their point, such as Project Alpha.

Because debunkers often challenge popular ideas, many are not strangers to controversy. Critics of debunkers sometimes accuse them of robbing others of hope. Debunkers frequently reply that it is the claimant, whom they many times accuse of exploiting public gullibility, who is guilty of abuse.

Who We Are

People who are curious to look outside the religious world, into the world of naturalism.  We are free-thinkers, agnostics, atheists, secular humanists and anyone who thinks rationally of the world around us.

Most skeptics do not claim that god does not exist - they say there is no evidence of any god, for one cannot prove a negative hypothesis.  It is the burden of the person who is making the claim to prove the existence of the claim.

Some people believe that skepticism is rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse “skeptic” with “cynic” and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo.  This is wrong.  Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims.  It is the application of reason to any and all ideas – no sacred cows allowed.  In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position.”

Skeptics rely on evedencial truths, or things in the our world that can be proven, generally by scientific means.

A scientific (or empirical) skeptic is one who questions the reliability of certain kinds of claims by subjecting them to a systematic investigation. The scientific method details the specific process by which this investigation of reality is conducted. Considering the rigor of the scientific method, science itself may simply be thought of as an organized form of skepticism. This does not mean that the scientific skeptic is necessarily a scientist who conducts live experiments (though this may be the case), but that the skeptic generally accepts claims that are in his/her view likely to be true based on testable hypotheses and critical thinking.

Common topics that scientifically-skeptical literature questions include health claims surrounding certain foods, procedures, and medicines, such as homeopathy, Reiki, Thought Field Therapy (TFT), vertebral subluxations; the plausibility of supernatural entities (such as ghosts, poltergeists, angels, and gods); as well as the existence of ESP/telekinesis, psychic powers, and telepathy (and thus the credibility of parapsychology); topics in cryptozoology, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster, alien visitations, UFOs, crop circles, astrology, repressed memories, creationism, intelligent design, dowsing, conspiracy theories, and other claims the skeptic sees as unlikely to be true on scientific grounds.

Most empirical or scientific skeptics do not profess philosophical skepticism. Whereas a philosophical skeptic may deny the very existence of knowledge, an empirical skeptic merely seeks likely proof before accepting that knowledge.