The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Scientific Inquiry

[Jimmy Snyder]

If that is a literal statement, I would be too if I were you.

What are you skeptical of, and why?

 

[Moridin]

Skepticism of unsupported claims or claims that contradict established evidence is always an interesting approach, and through history, as shown to be a valuable position. It is also one of the foundations of science.

 

[BoredNL]

What are you skeptical of, and why?

I am skeptical of every claim that is either not obvious or that I think may only seem obvious, but more so towards some claims than others. I go by the importance of the matter and the apparent irrationality of a claim to decide what to be most skeptical about. I am also highly skeptical of my own logic and reasoning, because that is at the base of all my thoughts which guides me in my judgment of everything else.

I don't see how you could make the claim that you are only skeptical of yourself and nothing else. You must have thoughts about other things that brought you to be skeptical about yourself, and by being skeptical of yourself you are being skeptical of those things that you think about.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

I am skeptical of every claim that is either not obvious or that I think may only seem obvious, but more so towards some claims than others. I go by the importance of the matter and the apparent irrationality of a claim to decide what to be most skeptical about. I am also highly skeptical of my own logic and reasoning, because that is at the base of all my thoughts which guides me in my judgment of everything else.

This doesn't really let me know what you are skeptical of. Can you give me an example? Do you have any doubts as to the shape of the earth? Was there a world-wide flood?

 

[BoredNL]

This doesn't really let me know what you are skeptical of. Can you give me an example? Do you have any doubts as to the shape of the earth? Was there a world-wide flood?

This is only a partial list, but here you go. I'm skeptical of alternative medicines, psychiatry, political documentaries, rhetorical documentaries in general, religion, common perceptions amongst others in society dealing with things from sexuality, relationships, family, patriotism, etc, politics and policy (especially since the Bush era), and current econonics (including advertising, business practices, and the common teachings that influence society on such things). I'm pretty much skeptical about anything and everything, but I am more serious about some than others, as I've said.

I'm curious. What are you skeptical of?

-Phil

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

I'm pretty much skeptical about anything and everything, but I am more serious about some than others, as I've said.

In that case, is it possible that in fact it is your own judgment that you are skeptical of.

I'm curious. What are you skeptical of?

My own judgment. If you asked me if the Earth was round, I would say yes. And if you asked me if I was sure, I would say no. I always answer that one "no".

 

[BoredNL]

In that case, is it possible that in fact it is your own judgment that you are skeptical of.My own judgment. If you asked me if the Earth was round, I would say yes. And if you asked me if I was sure, I would say no. I always answer that one "no".

Of course I am skeptical of my own judgement, but why would I say I am only skeptical of that? It is possible for someone to be skeptical of others without being skeptical of themselves, but I doubt they would be a very good skeptic. Just because you would answer "no" to "are you sure?" questions, it doesn't mean that you aren't skeptical of the outside world in addition to your own. That's proof that you are skeptical of more than your own judgement. Skepticism isn't disbelief, it's the realization that you cannot know anything to be 100% true, whether it is your judgment or those things you make judgment on. If someone said, "The world is round," and someone asked if you agreed. I'm willing to bet it would be the same thing. You'd answer "yes," but then when the person questioning you asked, "Are you sure that person is right?" What would you answer? I'm guessing "no," but that would be skepticism of the other person's judgment, not your own.

 

[Lori Cordini]

"I't's always easy to be skeptical until it happens to you!"

 

[BoredNL]

lol :P

Actually, I love when someone can pick apart an argument of mine. I benefit from it if it is true.

 

[K.J.Healey]

I agree. I love when people point out my errors. I think I'm one of the few that never feels "assaulted" and "cornered" when confronted about being wrong. I don't get defensive, I just listen to what they have to say, see if it has merit, and if it does and shows that I'm wrong I thank them and accept it.

 

[BoredNL]

I agree. I love when people point out my errors. I think I'm one of the few that never feels "assaulted" and "cornered" when confronted about being wrong. I don't get defensive, I just listen to what they have to say, see if it has merit, and if it does and shows that I'm wrong I thank them and accept it.

You are a rare individual. If only everyone were like that. :)