The heart which is only focused upon itself, eventually tires of such a subject. There exists a discomfort one experiences in overcoming anosognosia. This is considered the first step in the journey of ethical skepticism.
It is my contention that the crisis in the skepticism community today, derives its potency from one single issue. The internet is forcing hard questions upon skeptics. Not questions of scientific conclusivity (which is part and parcel to the fantasy they maintain); rather questions of ethic and philosophical merit. Media is no longer a one-way street. Questions are being asked back, in the face of the old proclamations of certainty. Have you really examined this issue? Do you perceive that you might be conducting advocacy for answers which are mere ego fodder, are profit-fueled or might be causing harm to the innocent? Have you really asked a scientific question? Have we really tested this product to deductively, not inductively, prove safety? Are we brushing off clear and robust epidemic trends, with clever apothegms? Are you sure that all your hullabaloo has been about ‘knowledge’?
The heart which remains focused upon itself, eventually tires of such a subject. This realization is one of the critical first steps we all face in the journey to maturity as a human being. Often, such a weariness is followed with an examining of self, by means of the following questions of true skepticism:
1. Could I be mistaken on this?
2. If I was mistaken, would I even know?
3. If I was mistaken, could I have helped enable harm?, and
4. How do I go about honestly addressing the above risk, and correcting that which I find wrong?
If you have not seriously challenged yourself with these questions, stop reading this blog now – and more importantly, stop pretending to know skepticism. This is the point at which the fake skeptic takes the first step in standing down the concealed temper tantrums dressed up as science. This is the point at which they become disillusioned with the ‘skeptic movement’.
All science endeavor naturally features error. Moreover, all humans add to and greatly amplify the impact of such error. Once we observe this, we begin to dismantle the podium upon which our younger mind placed the self-scientific poseur. If one is going to err, err in the favor of precaution, mercy and advocacy on behalf of those innocent who are placed at risk. Err in favor of the honest observer, the unnecessarily accused and that which is ignored by those who act most assured of their immunity to such error.
You may be wrong 24 times; but even being right on the 25th time, finally and satisfyingly places your life inside a reference frame of joy and usefulness. This will dissipate:
Skeptive Dissonance
/philosophy : pseudoscience : ethical dissonance/ : the difficult to articulate or grasp, cognitive discomfort experienced upon one’s first perception of the disconnect between fake skepticism and real or effective science. The discomfort one experiences in overcoming a former fake skeptic anosognosia. Usually considered the first step in ethical skepticism.
What You are Departing
The following is the protocol/approach of the fake skeptic – the handiwork of the darkened heart, which has demonstrably failed to advance mankind even one small step – serving to produce only the fruits of polarization, ignorance and scientific illiteracy. In order to undertake the journey of ethical skepticism, one’s first step of self examination usually involves not doing this:
- Issue the authorized conclusion; usually the first answer they are taught
- State a memorized one-liner
- Boast about ‘evidence’ or ‘science’ or ‘facts’
- Focus on only ‘the enemy (you)’ personally thereafter; usually in a clique/menacing/insulting demeanor
- Exhibit a life dwelling in feckless issue advocacy, soft meaningless targets selected to inflate their club status; unqualified by any scientific question or research; bereft of a heart for mankind or the risks born by the innocent and vulnerable. Champion of nothing but their own childish tantrum-concealing ego.
The first three steps are a costume they wear in order to make their way to the real goal, Step 4. Step 5 is the habit of the anosognosiac fake skeptic.
Yes, we all love science, and yes – I eagerly anticipate being shown to be wrong on this incredible journey. However, once undertaken, I know that I can trust you now – that we are on the same team. You will find that the dissonance fades as you progress. Congratulations, you are on your journey.
