Did you watch the UFO skeptic on Larry King Live on Sun.? (rerun)?

Question

I wondered if OUR skeptics were speaking through him.lol He used the same words and same phrases and same quotes that our skeptics use. My question is...Do skeptics get training in what to say to believers? Is there a book that you read and follow? Or a class that you take? Does this "technique" come with your Science classes?

Answer 1

I didn't see it.

Contrary to psi's suspicions, I am aware of Prometheus and I've poked around CSICOP, but my exposure to skeptical thought mostly comes from reading Sagan and other scientists and my educational background. I'm well aware of Randi as well and sometimes poke around his forum but I've actually not read much of his stuff.

Without any more details, it's impossible to respond to what you're asking, so I can only respond with something as vague and general as the questions you ask.

If you're wondering why skeptics use the same words and phrases much of the time, it's the same reason that paranormalists use the same words and phrases much of the time. A body of thought gives rise to a common nomenclature used by those who communicate within that body of thought. Doctors use a special vocabulary, as do theologians and engineers. Why not skeptics, scientists and ghost hunters?

As far as the mystery as to why skeptics tend to say the same thing to believers, I can offer this: There are limitless ways to be wrong, but only very limited ways to be right  :)  <-- note the smiley

EDIT: To put it another way, it's a tall order to address the  same repeated errors of reasoning with all new wording each time when they are posted over & over&over &over & over&over & over &over. There are just so many ways to describe a concept.

Answer 2

I watched it and I thought that the skeptic was using the same phrases over and over again to skirt pertanent issues and realities.  It's like he was trying to blind the public to his side so people wont really listen to the actual facts of each of the witnesses stories.

The Septics whole demeanor was kind of shady and agitated.  And even when the eye witnesses said that they saw the craft and even was close enough and touched it,  he was still telling them that they didnt see what they saw.... I mean come on now..

I think there is something out there and that the government knows it and has it's people who try to lead the public into believing what ever they say...

Answer 3

Wow! That is a feisty question from you :)

I only watched some of it.

As far as I know skeptics get their propaganda from two major sources called Prometheus Book (link below) and Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (link below). Of course it easier to keep your message straight when everyone is reading the same material. Believers have the opposite problem with many books published from many sources (some excellent, some very poorly thought out).

I also included a link to a site that examines some of the skeptics tactics.

Psi

Answer 4

LOL.....

and no i didnt watch it due to being in a different country....

Now dont go reporting me / or blocking me for laughing, or sneezing.....haha lol........

Answer 5

It's similar to a math question 40+40=80.The correct answer will always be the same.Does that prove we're all marching in lockstep,repeating the party line?I don't know what skeptic you saw.I can't stand Larry King.Unlike ghosts demons and UFOs.We skeptics don't have many different theories of what or who they are,or what they're up to.We all pretty much have the same idea.There's no real evidence they exist.There's not that many ways to say that.So there no real surprise we all sound alike.To you and psi anyway.

Edit.I'm partial to Skeptical Inquirer Magazine.I've been a subscriber for over 20 years.I don't really spend much time searching for paranormal information.UFOs,no new info is available.It's the same story it was in the 50's or 60's.Psychics and mediums are still fooling people with tricks that are hundreds of years old.Every new generation thinks they're on the verge of great paranormal discovery.It never does come.Now that's what I call repetitive.

Answer 6

Denie,

There is no school for skeptics, beyond normal science classes.  The reason you heart a lot of skeptics using the same phrases is because a lot of paranormal claims have some of the same problems from a scientific perspective.

That's about as far as I can go without having specific phrases to address.

Answer 7

Yes and it is obvious we are being visited.  That jerk that tried to dispute this fact - was the lamest critter I ever saw - you would think the religious right  and the govt could do better. A hopeful thought - maybe they ARE GOING TO ADMIT THE TRUTH.

OOPS WESTERN SOCIETY JUST COLLAPSED

PEOPLE ARE RUNNING AMOK

FORGIVE THEM DAD FOR THEY NO NOT WHAT THEY DO