Writing Sceptically

The concepts and values of reason, evidence and sceptical thinking are pretty important to me. Bear in mind that in this context “sceptical” doesn’t equate to “negative”, “cynical” or “pessimistic”. I’m as guilty of sliding into those dark valleys as the next person but that doesn’t mean one should aspire to do so.

No, sceptical thinking (or “skeptical” thinking as I may be obliged to refer to it in future) is simply the ability to look beyond face value, to question motives and agendas and to wonder whether all is really as it seems. Don’t instantly believe what you read or what you’re told – make up your own damn mind! And in the current climate of advertising, spin and sound bites, that’s not such a bad idea.

Anyway, I recently came across a local group called the Young Australian Skeptics, based in my stomping ground of Melbourne. If you’re interested in scepticism, rational thinking, science or atheism, this is a great place to have a nose around. There’s loads of links and a very good podcast.

And they were kind enough to post my first contribution: “Cornershop Woo”