How many of us dismiss ideas and claims simply on the basis of them sounding absurd or ridiculous? If were being honest, id say most, if not all of us. I suppose one could even say it’s natural to judge incoming information with our current understanding of reality. But is this what it truly means to be sceptical? To stand from the sidelines knocking down anything that we may have a pre conceived idea as being implausible or false?
We are all sceptical of something, whether it’s an area of religion, politics or science. But how many of us dare go to the trouble of actually putting in the effort of genuine research into what we are so sceptical of? How many of us actually know what we’re talking about when we say were “sceptical” of something?
Critical thinking is not the same as cynical thinking. This quote from philosopher Massimo Pigliucci explains this nicely:
“I think that a crucial aspect of being skeptical, of engaging in critical thinking, is not the idea that you reject claims because they seem absurd. That’s not being a skeptic, that’s just being a cynic. It’s just denying things for the sake of denying it. The idea of skepticism is that you inquire — that you do the work.”
I think we all owe it to ourselves to be a little more sceptical of the world around us.
If you’re sceptical of a political idea, then do the research from both sides. Look into the pros and cons. Equip yourself with a little background knowledge of politics and some of the mistakes made in the past.
If you’re sceptical of an area of science, such as evolution, then read books and journals from scientists in the field, watch scientific documentaries and lectures. Educate yourself on the arguments for and against.
If you’re sceptical of religion, read books from religious perspectives, research the history from both sides of the spectrum. Read the bible, read the Quran and if they say the only way to know truth is to ask God (Allah), then try it! Test out the claims. That’s what it truly means to be sceptical.
Don’t fall prey to the laziness of cynicism. Truth won’t be found by shouting blindly from the sidelines. Truth, if it can be found at all, will be found by honest, genuine inquiry.
Jason
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