Skepticism – Philosophical or Scientific?

Dictionaries often draw a distinction between the modern common meaning of skepticism and its traditional philosophical meaning, which dates from antiquity. The usual common dictionary definition is 'a sceptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something'; whereas the philosophical definition is ‘the theory that some or all types of knowledge are impossible'. These definitions are of course quite different and reflect the fact that the meanings of some philosophical terms have drifted over the millennia. The contemporary meaning of 'scientific skepticism' is different again, which Tim will also discuss. He has a foot in both the scientific and philosophical 'camps'. Although Tim will be speaking mainly about the less familiar philosophical skepticism, he personally supports scientific skepticism over philosophical skepticism for reasons he will explain.

BIO: Tim Harding has studied the history and philosophy of science twice at the same institution – Monash University. The first time was as an elective subject in a science degree, where he majored in biochemistry and microbiology. The second time was 40 years later studying for an arts degree where he majored in philosophy and history. In the intervening period, he worked as an environmental scientist, regulator and senior public servant. Later on, he worked as a regulatory consultant to the federal government and various state governments specializing in agriculture, animal welfare and public safety. Tim is currently admin of the large Skeptics in Australia Facebook group.

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