A question for Astrology sceptics?!


Question:

A question for Astrology sceptics?

Yes; finally a question actually directed to those sceptics, so they don't have to get involved and give out an opinion where it's not needed anyway...

Ironically enough it's an Astrology-related question... What's your zodiac sign?

(PS; Don't tell me you're not going to say it because you don't believe in it or anything like that... just tell me your sign and get it over with. It's only a poll, not a voodoo spell.)

Additional Details

2 months ago
Ummm... astrology sceptics? You know the ones who bash astrology with every chance they get? Not astrology lovers? o.O

2 months ago
(I have a fair idea of which signs will come up most - I've been out with one of them up until last week! ^.^)

2 months ago
And as I expected; chainlightning came up with an answer I clearly said NOT to give! Speaking of narrow minded and inability to listen... *rolls eyes*

2 months ago
PS; Chainlightning, at least you know how to use copy-paste. But instead of copy-pasting an already existent answer (which you've posted more than once before), make one up from your own mind, will you?


Answers:

To those that may not understand what skepticism is.

Some people believe that skepticism is the rejection of new ideas, or worse, they confuse “skeptic” with “cynic” and think that skeptics are a bunch of grumpy curmudgeons unwilling to accept any claim that challenges the status quo. This is wrong. Skepticism is a provisional approach to claims. It is the application of reason to any and all ideas — no sacred cows allowed. In other words, skepticism is a method, not a position. Ideally, skeptics do not go into an investigation closed to the possibility that a phenomenon might be real or that a claim might be true. When we say we are “skeptical,” we mean that we must see compelling evidence before we believe.

Skepticism has a long historical tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when Socrates observed: “All I know is that I know nothing.” But this pure position is sterile and unproductive and held by virtually no one. If you were skeptical about everything, you would have to be skeptical of your own skepticism. Like the decaying subatomic particle, pure skepticism uncoils and spins off the viewing screen of our intellectual cloud chamber.

Modern skepticism is embodied in the scientific method, which involves gathering data to formulate and test naturalistic explanations for natural phenomena. A claim becomes factual when it is confirmed to such an extent it would be reasonable to offer temporary agreement. But all facts in science are provisional and subject to challenge, and therefore skepticism is a method leading to provisional conclusions. Some claims, such as water dowsing, ESP, and creationism, have been tested (and failed the tests) often enough that we can provisionally conclude that they are not valid. Other claims, such as hypnosis, the origins of language, and black holes, have been tested but results are inconclusive so we must continue formulating and testing hypotheses and theories until we can reach a provisional conclusion.

The key to skepticism is to continuously and vigorously apply the methods of science to navigate the treacherous straits between “know nothing” skepticism and “anything goes” credulity. Over three centuries ago the French philosopher and skeptic, René Descartes, after one of the most thorough skeptical purges in intellectual history, concluded that he knew one thing for certain: Cogito ergo sum — I think therefore I am. But evolution may have designed us in the other direction. Humans evolved to be pattern-seeking, cause-inferring animals, shaped by nature to find meaningful relationships in the world. Those who were best at doing this left behind the most offspring. We are their descendents. In other words, to be human is to think:

Sum Ergo Cogito —
I Am Therefore I Think.

Add on: Understand I put this up because there are a lot that do not know what is skepticism is. Most people do know what astrology is. I do not label myself a skeptic but I use skepticism on claims that are unproven.
Example, I can claim here that I can play a piano well. Not unusual but also not proven. You could ask piano related questions about technique, style, what notes make certain chords, etc. But this does not prove that I can really play, just that I have music knowledge that I can find on the net. Even if I go on Youtube with a video, that can be faked. Real proof would be credible witnesses (the more the better), a CD with my picture, or you seeing me play live.

This is something that is possible. This is something that can be proven. Or you could just believe me at my word, though for whatever reason, I can be lying. The fact is, I can't play beyond "chopsticks". So using skepticism would be valid.
Now when it come to the paranormal, use skepticism and see what happens.


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