Skeptiko - Science at the Tipping Point

Man, I've been going through your back catalogue, just dotting around. Will continue to do so. When I found the Marilynn Hughes piece I thought that was good, but I really had no idea what you have been doing, the journey you've gone on.

This is a serious, even-handed discussion on the evidence that demonstrates just why certain forms of truth are disallowed-by-fiat. The beauty of that final Dunning gambit, to say, this is not discussable so I cannot discuss it! There couldn't be a clearer demonstration of what the skeptic mindset really is.

I thought people like you didn't exist! Really! I tend to look at these things sociologically. The last book I read on this (which made exactly the same points you're making) was McClenon's 'Deviant Science'. That was published in '85. The evidence base has, I understand, only got stronger over the years, but the position of the skeptics hasn't changed.

I have regular 'mystical' experiences and so I come at this from two sides. Thanks for making a place for the rationalist in me to come, where the hard work of actually going line-by-line through the issues is being done, and done with such patience. Outstanding! And so many more shows still for me to catch up on... happy new year.

so cool... you made my day :)

Skeptiko has been a wonderful (this is trite, but I gotta say it) journey. It's funny but I kinda find the silliness of Dunning's position (...and Ben Radford's... and others) comforting. I started with a "how can this be question"... when I encounter this stuff from "critical thinkers" I feel like I'm beginning to understand how we wound up in this goofy stagnated state of science.

Got some good stuff coming up... glad you're along for the ride :)

AD

Wish I could say I found their positions comforting... perhaps continued exposure to your mindset will help me achieved this enlightened state. :)

John Michael Greer, who's very sensible on these things, pointed out recently that Dawkins is sounding more and more like Pat Robertson these days... I'm still at the stage where I find that kind of scary, but if I can move to this idea that it's just the same old familiar comforting old head-in-sand thing, I will be a happier guy.

Anyway, can't wait for more. Will be listening.