SKEPTICAL INQUIRER Volume 12.1, Fall 1987- The Burden of Skepticism
Part One: Notes
• What scepticism is, and how we encounter and apply it to our daily activity.
• “ Because if you don’t exercise some minimal scepticism, if you have an absolutely untrammeled credulity, there is probably some price you will have to pay later” (Sagan, 1987).
• Analysis of what makes up the different belief systems.
• “Skepticism challenges established institutions” (Sagan, 1987).
• The need to find a balance between being skeptical, and being open to new ideas.
• Historical development of the concept of SETI; (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and various discoveries made about extraterrestrial intelligence.
Part Two: Summary
Scepticism is the aspect of asking questions about any form of new information or encounters people have. Sagan argues that people need to apply scepticism in everything since failure to do so brings repercussions such as purchasing faulty gadgets. The author notes that the human belief systems are in place to address unmet human needs. Without being sceptical, the belief systems can be used to take advantage of people. Despite the importance of being sceptical, there is the need to find a balance between scepticism and being open to new ideas. Being at either extreme means that a person is either not free to progress or unable to gauge the validity of any idea. Sagan extensively talks about the development of the field of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). It is clear that the world has made advancements in the area, from the position of assuming that earth and man are at the center of the universe. Scepticism, however, needs to be applied in this field to root out wrong arguments and assumptions.
Part Three: Response
I found this article to be very informative, especially on the need to develop the skill of scepticism among scholars. It is an excellent avenue through which accurate knowledge is realized. This concept can be applied in any area of study since it involves the questioning of existing knowledge and assumptions. What surprised me most in this reading is the development of knowledge on Extraterrestrial Intelligence and especially the false observations that countries have made on this issue. I found every part of the reading helpful since each part contributed to the building of the wider concept of scepticism. The questions I still have touch on Extraterrestrial Intelligence, since the author fails to offer a clear-cut answer as to whether this form of intelligence is real.
References
Sagan, C. (1987). The Burden of Skepticism. Retrieved January 26, 2016, from csicop.org: http://www.csicop.org/si/show/burden_of_skepticism
