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Episode 74 - Skepticism
"Who Needs Proof When You Have Empirical Evidence"


Show Notes

This episode we discuss the nature of skeptics and skepticism.

Skeptic:
a person who questions the validity or authenticity of something purporting to be factual

- What makes skepticism so compelling to skeptics?
- Is it unhealthy to be too skeptical?
- Is it just as unhealthy to be too open-minded?
- Are most skeptics sure it's not butter?

Links and References

Skeptics and Left-Brain Pitfalls
The Weiler Psi (blog)

Sasquatch DNA possibly determined in part
Time NewsFeed - Bigfoot Is Part Human… 

Implausible "scientific" explanation of the building of the pyramids
Some Alternate Theories of Pyramid Construction

One of the leading institutions on skeptical debunking
James Randi Educational Foundation

Methodology insisted upon by the scientific community for validation
Introduction to the scientific method

Michael Shermer's former belief in some metaphysical ideas
wiseGEEK: Who is Michael Shermer?

James Randi's test to debunk astrology
Transcript for James Randi on astrology

Television show that attempts to replicate reports of strange phenomena
Fact or Faked on Syfy Channel (tv)

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) - more current term for UFO (Unidentified Flying Object)

youtube channel with daily reports on earth, solar, and space weather
Suspicious0bservers - Your mind is your weapon (youtube)

Koch brothers as example of political influence versus conspiracy theory
The Guardian article on Koch brothers' influence 

Previous Episodes Referenced

Skepticism regarding the degree of truth to conspiracy theories
Episode 36: Conspiracy Theories Part 1 of 2

Skepticism regarding extraterrestrial intervention in human evolution through DNA manipulation
Episode 38: UFOs