How to Be a Skeptic
Inspect and critically think about the information., Ask pointed questions, and expect specific answers., Check other reliable sources of information., Find the bottom line of what you are being told., Fact check everything you hear on the news...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Inspect and critically think about the information.
There are lots of people who make up stories for the sake of doing it, but few who are really talented at keeping the manufactured facts straight for any length of time. -
Step 2: Ask pointed questions
If someone tells you that they heard or read something in the media, ask when, where, and in what context.
You can often go directly back to their purported sources and determine the validity of the story. , If you have access to the Internet, search the topic and look for authentic links like university websites or other institutions. , In email circles, you will often see people try to lure you into believing information that is completely outrageous.
An example would be the proverbial (almost) free laptops.
Most people are automatically skeptical of these offers, but enough people fall for the sales pitch. , Many news sources have a reputation for misconstruing information and being biased.
As a news consumer, be sure to write to newspapers, magazines and broadcasters correcting mistakes and demanding that they keep a certain quality of coverage.
There are campaigns going on against "copy and paste" journalism and to get newspapers to cite and provide links to the original sources used in their stories. , Even in the academic world, there have been innumerable instances of accepted facts being exposed over time as ridiculous.
We once thought the world was the center of the universe but skeptics disproved this accepted "fact". , This goes back to listening to and thinking about what you are hearing.
If someone tells you something and it sticks with you, you are more likely to accept it as fact if you hear it mentioned again somewhere else.
If you don't objectively think about and aggressively fact check what everybody tells you, your arguments could be perceived as fallacious by others who have done research. , If someone tells you driving with the windows down will save gas, try it out.
This may not be a good idea when some television pitchman is selling a $79.99 gadget that can be installed in ten seconds and double your mileage, but often there is little risk if no investment or potential for embarrassment exists.
This doesn't mean you should believe someone who tells you poison ivy makes an excellent herbal tea. , The object of the requested topic is how to be a skeptic.
Listening, checking, and testing will probably open your eyes and show you just how much myth and misinformation is being spread in our daily lives, and when you find this out, presto! You will become skeptical. , You're already a skeptic! -
Step 3: and expect specific answers.
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Step 4: Check other reliable sources of information.
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Step 5: Find the bottom line of what you are being told.
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Step 6: Fact check everything you hear on the news.
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Step 7: Cultivate a skeptical mindset.
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Step 8: Frequently test facts against your own reason.
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Step 9: Test statements for yourself when it is practical.
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Step 10: Remember the results of these suggestions.
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Step 11: If you think this article is BS
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Step 12: congratulations!
Detailed Guide
There are lots of people who make up stories for the sake of doing it, but few who are really talented at keeping the manufactured facts straight for any length of time.
If someone tells you that they heard or read something in the media, ask when, where, and in what context.
You can often go directly back to their purported sources and determine the validity of the story. , If you have access to the Internet, search the topic and look for authentic links like university websites or other institutions. , In email circles, you will often see people try to lure you into believing information that is completely outrageous.
An example would be the proverbial (almost) free laptops.
Most people are automatically skeptical of these offers, but enough people fall for the sales pitch. , Many news sources have a reputation for misconstruing information and being biased.
As a news consumer, be sure to write to newspapers, magazines and broadcasters correcting mistakes and demanding that they keep a certain quality of coverage.
There are campaigns going on against "copy and paste" journalism and to get newspapers to cite and provide links to the original sources used in their stories. , Even in the academic world, there have been innumerable instances of accepted facts being exposed over time as ridiculous.
We once thought the world was the center of the universe but skeptics disproved this accepted "fact". , This goes back to listening to and thinking about what you are hearing.
If someone tells you something and it sticks with you, you are more likely to accept it as fact if you hear it mentioned again somewhere else.
If you don't objectively think about and aggressively fact check what everybody tells you, your arguments could be perceived as fallacious by others who have done research. , If someone tells you driving with the windows down will save gas, try it out.
This may not be a good idea when some television pitchman is selling a $79.99 gadget that can be installed in ten seconds and double your mileage, but often there is little risk if no investment or potential for embarrassment exists.
This doesn't mean you should believe someone who tells you poison ivy makes an excellent herbal tea. , The object of the requested topic is how to be a skeptic.
Listening, checking, and testing will probably open your eyes and show you just how much myth and misinformation is being spread in our daily lives, and when you find this out, presto! You will become skeptical. , You're already a skeptic!
About the Author
Donna Ward
Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.
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