Comments for Book Review: 'The Scope of Skepticism' at http://www.randi.org/site , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.randi.org/site Tue, 21 May 2013 16:53:30 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1814-book-review-scope-of-skepticism-from-the-token-skeptic.html#comment-25943 The point seems to be that teaching skepticism is more productive than arguing conclusions obtained by using skepticism. The later is often fruitless because an argument requires both parties to already have the toolbox of skepticism, while the former doesn't unintentionally demonize skepticism and does communicate that skeptical toolbox throughout society. Same old metaphor, better to teach someone to fish than to give them a fish. Also of note is that the proper employment of skepticism never releases its own conclusions from further skepticism, so arguing conclusions already diverges from the process of skepticism. I can't help but see this review as a subtle commentary on the current atheism debacle, but I remain skeptical of that conclusion. ;D - Undecided Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:38:26 +0100 http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/1814-book-review-scope-of-skepticism-from-the-token-skeptic.html#comment-25942 I suspect that for many thinkers, "separating scientific truth from belief" = "cognitive dissonance" and the natural question is why erect such a barrier? I applaud folks like Stevens who have the honesty and integrity to admit their mistakes and learn, but as many other have asked before, why are people so reluctant to engage in a thoughtful discussion about their pet religion? Why do so many religion people shy away from questioning their religious beliefs? It's a simple and honest question; I don't agree with the folks who hound religious people about their irrational beliefs (if folks say they like their religion, what's the point of hounding them) but I find it strange that many religious folks seem to be afraid of people asking about their beliefs. I have yet to meet a scientist who would shy away from being asked honest questions about the basis of their field of study. - MadScientist Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:30:19 +0100