Skeptical scientific types

[winstonsmith]

Am I the only one who finds skeptical scientific types really annoying?

[limelady]

LoL...yes I know what you mean, I have met people like that and I feel like kicking them in the pants!!!

But there's nothing wrong with science or a little skepticism, providing we don't allow them to lead the charge or always have the last word. There is now adequate proof that science can be wrong....very, very WRONG! :p

Being a little skeptical helps keep a balance and stops us 'falling' for every deception that may come along, but being overly skeptical at all times comes from a very unbalanced point of view....often from a place of fear.

Just my couple-a-cents worth :)

[winstonsmith]

I do think that it's important to maintain a healthy level of skepticism. It just really annoys me when people outrightly dismiss an idea without even giving the evidence a chance just because it's not compatible with their rigid belief system.

Like David said the other day on the radio interview, it often seems that as long as these people can find an 'alternative explanation', no matter how drawn-out it may be, the idea will be dismissed as implausible or 'pseudo-scientific' and their belief system can remain intact.

[viginti tres]

I've come across a lot of these types in my time and when I was but a tad-pole to this sort of information I had difficulty arguing my POV. Now it is much different and I actually have these types of people go out of their way to avoid me as they know I'm either going to leave them laughing or leave them thinking, or more commonly both. When they dismiss something I have said as being rubbish I ask them to justify their reasoning for discarding the information and find that a single quote or senetence can have a very profound effect.......

"Persecution, without prior investigation is the height of ignorance" - Einstein.

This one goes down a treat. But yes i'll have to agree that most people simply dismiss anything new for fear of the unknown, fear of having a different POV or fear of what people may think, fear is indeed the mind killer. I myself have taken the other path and will bring up so called alternative information in every single social situation but only when the vibe calls for it and only to a level that I know those around me can handle .

This approach has earned me a reputation around here and i'm often reffered to as a walking library. Persistence and courage really pays off in the end as before I would preach till my throat went sore and now people, even my parents friends, come to me for advice or to find out about a certain topic.

[orgo knight]

Skeptical scientific types shit me to tears.
Talking to them feels like bashing your head against a brick wall.

Pythagoras taught "Offer not your right hand easily to anyone"

This warns the disciple to keep his own counsel
and not offer wisdom and knowledge (his right hand)
to such as are incapable of appreciating them.
The hand here represents Truth, which raises those
who have fallen because of ignorance;
but as many of the unregenerate do not desire wisdom
they will cut off the hand
that is extended in kindness to them.
Time alone can effect the redemption
of the ignorant masses.

[viginti tres]

Skeptical scientific types shit me to tears.
Talking to them feels like bashing your head against a brick wall.

Pythagoras taught "Offer not your right hand easily to anyone"

This warns the disciple to keep his own counsel
and not offer wisdom and knowledge (his right hand)
to such as are incapable of appreciating them.
The hand here represents Truth, which raises those
who have fallen because of ignorance;
but as many of the unregenerate do not desire wisdom
they will cut off the hand
that is extended in kindness to them.
Time alone can effect the redemption
of the ignorant masses.

Brilliant I love that. Is that your own interpretation?

[i_am]

It is not scepticism that annoys me so much as brainwashed, closed minded people with tunnel vision. Even though you can present them with evidence to the contrary, they will stick to their limited version of things and actually become verbally abusive.

I try to avoid these people at all cost because it is not worth the energy drain but sometimes an innocent comment can set them off. They may ask for your opinion but when you give it, they go balistic.

I have one in my family :D Continually tells me how stupid I am and even though I can give him evidence, he won't even look at it. I don't get into discussions with him any more. He gets very agitated and I would prefer not to go there.

[orgo knight]

Hi Viginti tres,
Not my interpretation.A guy called Iamblichus Chalcidensis translated 39 of Pythagoras' sayings.That is his particular translation.When I first read it it rang so true with me.
You can read about Iamblichus Chalcidensis on this link, cheers :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iamblichus_%28philosopher%29

[supertzar]

There is a difference between skepticism and prejudice. True skepticism is the antithesis of the pre-conceived notions that many people mistake for science.