The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
The mission of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry is to promote scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims.
Now Online: Skeptical Inquirer Volume 37.1
January/February 2013
Selected articles by:
Latest Articles
The Roswellian Syndrome: How Some UFO Myths Develop
by Joe Nickell and James McGaha
Skeptical Inquirer · Article · Volume 36.3
An analysis of four classic flying-saucer incidents reveals how debunking can send a mundane case underground, where it is transformed by mythologizing processes, then reemerges—like a virulent strain of a virus—as a vast conspiracy tale. Defined by the Roswell Incident (1947), this syndrome is repeated at Flatwoods (1952), Kecksburg (1965), and Rendlesham Forest (1980).
We Can’t Treat Soldiers’ PTSD without a Better Diagnosis
by Peter Barglow
Skeptical Inquirer · Article · Volume 36.3
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a diagnosis fully accepted by the U.S. Veterans Administration, psychiatrists, and the American public. But PTSD does not meet the criteria for a real psychiatric-medical disease.
The Ongoing Decline of Religion
by Elie A. Shneour
Skeptical Inquirer · Article · Volume 36.3
The inexorably growing impact of science is our most significant tool discrediting religion.
How to Protest a ‘Psychic’
by Caleb W. Lack
Special Articles
October 1, 2012
Last fall, it was brought to my attention that John Edward was scheduled to appear in downtown Oklahoma City for two seminars on March 9, 2012. I brought this information to the campus group that I advise, the UCO Skeptics, and suggested we plan a protest to help educate people on exactly what John Edward would be doing, and that it was in no way related to supernatural abilities.
Indignation Is Not Righteous
by Gary Longsine and Peter Boghossian
Special Articles · Online Extras
September 27, 2012
The Twin Fallacies of Appeal to Righteous Indignation and Appeal to Sanctity.
Appeals to righteous indignation or sanctity—which attempt to shield ideas from contemplation, discussion, investigation, or criticism—are common, impede rational discourse, and should be recognized as logical fallacies.
If You Know Shuzi Like the Merseyside Skeptics Know Shuzi: Testing the Shuzi Sports Band Video
by Kylie Sturgess
Special Articles · Curiouser and Curiouser
September 26, 2012
The Merseyside Skeptics recently launched a video called Testing the Shuzi Sports Band. In order to find out more about its creation, I spoke to Mike Hall of the Merseyside Skeptics.
