SKEPTIC magazine-- no sacred cows allowed

September 19, 7:35 PMPortland Skepticism ExaminerCharles McAlpin

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SKEPTIC magazine: a resource for evidence-based rseasoning.

An excellent resource for any skeptic is the magazine of the same name. Since 1992, SKEPTIC magazine has been providing well-researched and thorough articles exploring science and pseudoscience alike. Part magazine and part booklet, each quarterly issue is a wealth of information from leading scientists and scholars on timely subjects like:

• Global Warming
• Holocaust Denial
• Conspiracy Theories
• Homeopathy
• UFO Hoaxes
• Creationism
• Matchmaking web sites
• Atheism

The real message of the magazine is not that homeopathy or any other idea should be rejected, but that they should be examined in light of the available evidence and not just popular perceptions. That evidence is provided in the articles, usually with references for those who want to do additional research or check the writer’s assumptions. As always, skepticism is a process and not dogma; the magazine focuses on how to think, and not what to think. As SKEPTIC puts it, “Skepticism is…the application of reason to any and all ideas—no sacred cows allowed.”

Each quarter, SKEPTIC also includes:

• book reviews on both skeptical and pseudoscientific topics;
• regular features from, the SkepDoc, James Randi, and Skeptic Society director Michael Shermer;
• articles on skepticism applied to current events;
• recent news for skeptics; and
• a forum section that invites feedback from readers.

A relatively recent addition to the magazine is a section of the magazine called Junior Skeptic, an idea which arose when cartoon character Lisa Simpson of the Simpsons was seen poring over a fictional magazine by that name. Although written for young people, this section of the magazine is also entertaining for adults. A recent edition featured a celebration of Scooby Doo and friends, who have been demonstrating skepticism to children for over forty years.

Perhaps most importantly, SKEPTIC magazine does not ridicule those with whom the writers disagree.

For those with curious minds who want to learn an evidence-based approach to exploring their world, SKEPTIC magazine is a wonderful companion and reminder that the truth is really out there.