Week 2

Methodological Skepticism

"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence"

Carl Sagan (Scientist and Skeptic, 1934-1996)

  The skepticism comes from the Greek word "Skeptikoi" which means "seekers" or "inquirers".  It is commonly believed that the skeptics do not have beliefs, but this belief about skeptics is false, because without belief of some kind we would not survive.  Beliefs are the sources of action. Anyone who believes in nothing does nothing, and therefore she or he will live even worse and less than dogmatic people.

  In skepticism as a philosophical doctrine, there are, at least, two different approaches: the philosophical skepticism which deny the possibility of knowledge and is in clear opposition to dogmatism, and the methodological skepticism (or Cartesian doubt) associated with the methodology of Descartes, which is an approach that subjects all knowledge claims to examination in order to separate true from false statements, that is, to apply the reasonable doubt as a tool for knowledge. Methodological skepticism does not deny dogmatically;  it denies claims with no evidence.

  Many religious practitioners and charlatans with a degree (chiropractors, acupuncturists, homeopaths, parapsychologists...) or those who invented it (ufologists, astrologers, advisors in Feng Shui, aromatherapy, tarot readers...) take advantage of credulous people.  Millions of people lose their time, money, health and even their lives because they are gullible in methodological aspects that seem inconceivably ridiculous to skeptics like me. But I know that "methodological skepticism" is not a vaccine against credulity. There are charlatans out there who are much smarter and they use the logic, their charm and persuasion to sell something that you will end up buying it. Fortunately, those are the least. Most of charlatans- including the priests in the area- have the charm of a toothache. However, they are able to persuade and deceive many people with their tricks.

  Every day, many religions "A la Carte" emerge as a replacement for traditional monotheistic ones which do not convince some people. These new religions are mixed through an eclecticism unthinkable in the past, Christianity and astrology, Christianities and reincarnations, "cosmic" consciences with "universal energy", Santeria with all kind of beliefs...

  In short, the need to believe in whatever as a compensation for the harsh reality faced by the human beings before the end of their existence, sets in motion the psychological mechanisms of consolation. Is it a matter of intelligence, of intellectual honesty, of nonsense? I do not know. The reality is that these beliefs are leaving to make room for others. The point is to always have a support to overcome the fears arising from the insignificance of man against the enigmatic forces of nature.  

  James Randi- a magician and professional skeptic- offers a one-million-dollar prize to anyone who can demonstrate evidence of supernatural or paranormal ability under proper scientific examination. After more than 40 years no one has won that money.