-The tendency to deny, rather than doubt.
-Double standards in the application of criticism.
-The making of judgements without full inquiry.
-Tendency to discredit, rather than investigate.
-Use of ridicule or ad hominem attacks.
-Presenting insufficient evidence or proof.
-Pejorative labelling of proponents as ‘promoters’, ‘pseudoscientists’ or practitioners of ‘pathological science.’
-Assuming criticism requires no burden of proof.
-Making unsubstantiated counter-claims.
-Counter-claims based on plausibility rather than empirical evidence.
-Suggesting that unconvincing evidence is grounds for dismissing it.
-Tendency to dismiss all evidence.
Are You A PseudoSkeptic?
Marcello Truzzi, in a 1987 issue of “the Zetetic Scholar”, offerred this list of the attributes of the pseudoskeptics:
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3 comments:
Gotta an example of someone that you would consider a pseudo-skeptic?
I would say Penn Jillette plays the part an awful lot, as much as I love him. The Amazing Randi fits the bill more often than not, as well.
Jillette and Michael Shermer both have a bad habit of letting their political views interfere with their skepticism. I don't know what the deal is with Randi lately. The global warming thing kinda came out of nowhere. Just goes to show that everyone has a blindspot somewhere.
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