Skepticism

As I said, while I overtly identify more as an atheist, that is really the destination because of my skepticism. Skepticism isn't really anything new or outlandish. And before anyone tries to get funny, skepticism is not cynicism. I hate the jokes people seem to always trot out when I say that i am a skeptic, and they instantly respond with the trite response of being skeptical of that... I know, it's generally a harmless joke, but it just shows how missunderstood skepticism is to the general public.

Wikipedia has a good article on skepticism that should lead you to many other expanded areas talking about the subject. The article itself talks about many different types of skepticism, but all in all, it's the same thing, with just finer nuances attached to each definition.

One thing I have done though is get myself involved more with Skeptical Activism. While I was in the Air Force, I was mainly stationed in places that weren't really friendly to people who are skeptics. So when I was there, my main skeptical activism was on the internet. I still do that now, but now I am also involved with a local skeptics group. The Granite State Skeptics is my home group here in New Hampshire, but there are a multitude of groups out there, and I encourage you to get involved with them. At least it will be a group of individuals that you can share some common outlooks with.

I am also involved as a moderator over at the Skeptics StackExchange. Beyond just being involved on the internet and with the Granite State Skeptics, I also get myslef involved with the local SkeptiCamp giving presentations about skepticism and skeptical subjects as well going to other skeptic groups in the area. One day I hope to have enough material and clout in the skeptical movement to be able to speak at the North East Conference on Science and Skepticism (NECSS) or The Amaz!ng Meeting (TAM). One can only hope.

Well, that's all I have to say for now on the subject. Not because I am out of words, but I figure that skepticism is a journey that one must undertake on their own energy. I will gladly show you the path, but to really experience it, it must be a journey of self discovery.

Some more good links for those interested in Skepticism:

• Skeptics StackExchange - This is a Question/Answer site, but unlike places like Yahoo!Answers, this site has quality standards and is much more fitting of skeptics and skeptical activism.
• James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) Forums - This is a series of forums populated by skeptics and non-skeptics alike discussing many aspects of skepticism and society. This is a great place to get information on things skeptical and other resources.

• Rational Skepticism - Another set of forums for skpetics.

• Skeptic Action - This is a site to get yourself involved with skepticism. You can join them on twitter or Facebook.

• Do Not Link - Don't want to give horrible sites link traffic? This is a good tool to use. Just like all the "Tiny URL" sites and such.
• RButr - Another Skeptical Activism tool that helps you with direct rebutals against quack websites. Especially helpful if you use all the tools that integrates this to twitter and the like.

• Web of Trust - This is another tool that is very useful for enhancing web surfing as well as getting involved with skeptical activism.

• Guerrilla Skepticism on Wikipedia - This is a much more advanced form of skeptical activism that requires a bit more work. Check out the facebook page and see if you can get involved.

?1997 to Present, Send E-Mail to Steve@LarianLeQuella.com