Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (Lying Cheating College Students)
If most people lie and deceive, and if people often lie and deceive, then we have good reason to be skeptical. We have seen in previous posts that most children lie and lie frequently, and that most teenagers lie and cheat and do so frequently; it is now time to take a look at the behavior … Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (Lying Cheating College Students)
Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (Lying Cheating Teenagers)
One good reason why we should be skeptical is that people often lie, deceive, and cheat. This is not just my personal opinion. This is a fact, a fact established by scientific observation and research. I have presented factual scientific data showing that very young children lie, and that elementary age children lie frequently. Now … Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (Lying Cheating Teenagers)
Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (Little Liars)
If an adult person is not mentally ill and not mentally disabled, then he/she will answer YES to the following questions: 1. Do children sometimes lie? 2. Do teenagers sometimes lie? 3. Do college students and young adults sometimes lie? 4. Do adults sometimes lie? It take it to be UNCONTROVERSIAL that children, teenagers, young … Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (Little Liars)
Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (continued)
I was planning to focus on teenagers and adults in this post, but there seems to be some SKEPTICISM about the idea that babies and very young children are involved in deception and lying. Since skepticism, at least critical skepticism or skepticism which demands good reasons and solid evidence for claims, is a good thing … Why be Skeptical? Reason #1 (continued)
Why be Skeptical? Reason #1
In a previous post I put forward seven reasons why we should be skeptical (Reason For Skepticism #7 is in the comments section). In this post I’m going to provide some facts and data in support of Reason For Skepticism #1: (RFS1) People are often dishonest, deceptive, or have been deceived by others. Here is … Why be Skeptical? Reason #1
Why Be Skeptical?
According to my old American Heritage Dictionary (2nd College edition, 1982), a “skeptic” is a person “who instinctively or habitually doubts, questions, or disagrees with assertions or generally accepted conclusions.” This seems to come close to what I have in mind when I support the view that students should be taught to be skeptical as … Why Be Skeptical?
Questions Concerning the Existence of God
It does not look like I can retire this year, maybe next year (it could happen!). But I think I will start my ten-year plan to develop a multi-volume critique of Christianity in January, even if I’m still working my 9 to 5 job. Part of evaluating Christianity is evaluating the fundamental metaphysical claim that … Questions Concerning the Existence of God
One Problem with Swinburne’s Case for God – Part 2
In a previous post I pointed out three different problems related to the third argument in Richard Swinburne’s systematic case for the existence of God. The third argument is the final argument of his arguments from the nature of the universe. It is his Teleological Argument from Spatial Order (hereafter: TASO):(e3) There is a complex physical … One Problem with Swinburne’s Case for God – Part 2
Critical Thinking and Skepticism – Part 2
Based on a quick review of Michael Shermer’s key statements about skepticism (A Brief Introduction, and A Skeptical Manifesto) there appear to be at least two general principles of rational skepticism: GP1. Be open-minded, not closed-minded or dogmatic. GP2. Be discriminating about believing claims, theories, and viewpoints, not gullible and credulous. In my previous post on this subject … Critical Thinking and Skepticism – Part 2
Critical Thinking and Skepticism
In a recent post advocating the end of Philosophy of Religion, John Loftus commented that PoR classes are often taught with the primary goal of teaching students to think critically, and he objected that “Teaching students to be critical thinkers is very important but teaching them to have a skeptical disposition is more important.” I would … Critical Thinking and Skepticism