In this room, every controversial topic in any way related to druidry is fair game, as long as you remain rational. Less than rational interjections will be challenged ruthlessly
Attempt to outline your argumentation clearly; if you are not entirely sure you are correct, it may be a good idea to do a quick google to verify and to find a link to support your view - and so that others can judge it. However, the Internet, like all sources of information, is not infallible. Evaluate your sources critically.
When raising or contributing to a topic, expect your personal beliefs to be challenged. Do not flame anyone who may disagree with you, instead give backup info for your ideas.
Skepticism (British spelling: Scepticism) can mean:
* Philosophical skepticism - a philosophical position in which people choose to critically examine whether the knowledge and perceptions that they have are actually true, and whether or not one can ever be said to have true knowledge; or
* Scientific skepticism - a scientific, or practical, position in which one does not accept the veracity of claims until the scientific method has been applied to them.
Scientific skepticism is related to, but not identical to, philosophical skepticism. Many scientists and doctors who are skeptical of claims of the paranormal are nonetheless not adherents of classical philosophical skepticism.
The term skeptic is now usually used to refer to a person who takes a critical position in a given situation, usually by employing the principles of critical thinking and the scientific method (that is, scientific skepticism) to evaluate the validity of claims and practices. Skeptics view empirical evidence as important, as it provides possibly the best way to determine the validity of a claim.
Skepticism is often equated with cynicisim, which is not entirely fair. Note that cynicism is generally seen as a viewpoint that maintains an unnecessarily negative attitude toward human motives and sincerity.
Many critics accuse scientific skeptics of being "closed-minded" or of inhibiting scientific progress. - Well known skeptic Carl Sagan was of the opinion that
'one should keep his mind open, but not so open one's brain falls out'.
