Skeptical movement

Skeptical movement is a modern social phenomenon that promotes the application of skepticism to the exploration and understanding of all phenomena. The movement is rooted in the scientific method, which involves questioning and testing hypotheses rather than accepting ideas on faith or authority.

History

The skeptical movement has its roots in the Enlightenment, a period in the 17th and 18th centuries when thinkers began to question traditional beliefs and customs. This period saw the birth of modern science and the scientific method, which involves questioning and testing hypotheses rather than accepting ideas on faith or authority. The Enlightenment thinkers were the first skeptics in the modern sense of the word.

Principles

The skeptical movement is based on the principles of scientific skepticism, which is the application of skepticism to the sciences. Scientific skeptics do not accept claims on faith or authority, but rather question all such claims and subject them to empirical testing. This approach is often characterized as "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence".

Organizations

There are many organizations dedicated to promoting skepticism, including the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, the James Randi Educational Foundation, and the Skeptics Society. These organizations publish magazines, host conferences, and offer resources for those interested in skepticism.

Criticism

The skeptical movement has been criticized for a number of reasons. Some critics argue that the movement is too dogmatic and dismissive of alternative viewpoints. Others argue that the movement is too focused on debunking and not enough on promoting positive scientific values.

See also

• Scientific skepticism
• Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
• James Randi Educational Foundation
• Skeptics Society