What Makes a Skeptic?

As I’ve acknowledged in previous blogs, I identify as an open-minded skeptic. In some ways this would seem to be a contradictory position for a “ghost hunter” to hold, but I would argue that optimistic skepticism is quite possibly the only reasonable approach to paranormal investigation – especially given the challenges the paranormal community continues to face in gaining acceptance from the scientific community. In fact, this grounded approach was one of the main things that attracted me to Maine Ghost Hunters in the first place.

As with many things in life, skepticism seems to be a matter of degree. It has always seemed obvious to me that healthy skepticism isn’t synonymous with a closed mind, but this doesn’t seem to hold true for all. An example of this extremist thinking can be found in some publications catering to the skeptical community.

Not surprisingly, I’ve always been a big fan of paranormal magazines such as Fate and Fortean Times, but as a self-described skeptic, I also want to stay balanced. To that end, several years ago I decided to add a magazine for skeptics to my reading list; unfortunately, I was disappointed when I discovered that, rather than offering reasonable alternatives and arguments, this publication was little more than a series of arrogant articles that didn’t even bother masking an obvious bias against and disdain toward para-believers. So. Not. Cool.

I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t think a snotty, dismissive attitude qualifies as constructive skepticism. Rather, reasoned skeptics are an integral part of the paranormal community, challenging easy answers, over-zealous assumptions, and pseudo-scientific claims.

Is it the skeptic’s place to be the consummate killjoy, automatically assuming paranormal enthusiasts are naive, or even worse, stupid? Of course not.

Should ghost hunters welcome skeptics into the mix, assuming they are open-minded and respectful? It’s crucial.

As we approach this fascinating field from a variety of perspectives, my fondest hope is that we can all keep an open mind and remember this: Paranormal endeavors should be about rampant possibility, the thrill of discovery, and an openness to being proved wrong.

If you’re only in it to prove others wrong, it seems a hollow, soulless victory indeed.

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