The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine


skeptical history

A Rope of Sand

Can skeptics change minds? Daniel Loxton considers the cynicism of 19th century astronomer, science popularizer, and skeptic Richard Anthony Proctor.

Alternative Medicine Critic Wallace Sampson Has Passed Away at Age 85

Wallace Sampson, a longtime leading critic of alternative medicine, passed away on May 25, 2015.

History and Hyman’s Maxim (Part One)

Daniel Loxton reflects on one of skepticism’s most valuable sayings: "Do not try to explain something until you are sure there is something to be explained."

Gotcha! Thinking About Skeptical “Stings”

Daniel Loxton considers the long, valuable, and ethically complicated history of skeptical undercover investigations and debunking traps.

Things Skeptics Knew a Century Ago About How Thinking Goes Wrong

skeptic Joseph Jastrow

Daniel Loxton shares some very old skeptical discussions of some very modern psychological concepts.

The Forgetfulness of Skepticism

Daniel Loxton discusses skepticism’s inattention to its own history, and sets up a reflection for another post to follow.

Video: TAM 2013 Skeptical History Workshop

Daniel Loxton shares video from the Preserving Skeptical History workshop at The Amazing Meeting 2013 conference, in which he was joined by Ray Hyman, Robert Sheaffer, Susan Gerbic, and Tim Farley.

14-10-01

In this week’s eSkeptic, Steven Pinker moves to Beckman Auditorium from Baxter Hall, and tickets are now available in advance; Eve Siebert discuss the History Channel’s Vikings, and Daniel Loxton discusses the scope of skepticism and skeptical history on INSIGHT at Skeptic.com; Skepticality interviews Ian Harris; and Lucy talks with Mr. Deity about all the help he’s been giving people in the wealthier countries of the world.

Some of My Work in Skeptical History (Updated)

Daniel Loxton provides links to many of his pieces which touch upon skeptical history. (Updated from a piece published previously at the now-retired Skepticblog.)

From the Skeptical Literature: Thomas Ady on the Role of Mental Illness in Witchcraft Confessions (1655)

Cover of Ady's book A Candle in the Dark

Daniel Loxton shares and discusses a quote from a skeptical volume which was written three and a half centuries ago as an urgent effort to curb the bloodthirsty witch hunting mania.

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