How Can We Make the Skeptical Content in Pop Culture Stick? (Using K-Pop Demon Hunters as an Example)

[Orphia Nay]

You seem to be violently agreeing with me.

I'm not so sure. I get your point that some people conflate skepticism and cynicism. And while I don't think it is necessary to use the term skeptical or skepticism, I do think people should learn what the word means and not be afraid of it. However, far more important than the word, it's important that people learn and embrace critical thinking.

What on earth gives you the impression I don't agree with that? You're still violently agreeing with me.

 

[acbytesla]

What on earth gives you the impression I don't agree with that? You're still violently agreeing with me.

I'm obviously not very smart.

 

[arthwollipot]

This reminds me of the word theory. There is the colloquial definition and how scientists generally use the word. And even they sometimes use the term less rigorously than they should. That's why I hear theist say that "evolution" is just a theory. As if the theory of evolution was just wild idea pulled out of someone's ass. As opposed to what it really is, a comprehensive framework that is a key foundation of modern biology.

Yes, that's exactly the same thing.

I tend to get annoyed when I hear the term "string theory" which from my perspective, is not much better than the crazy ideas I hear from the uneducated. It's a string hypothesis at best.

Well, it's possible that we need a new word for "mathematically consistent and well examined hypothesis that definitely solves a big problem in our current theories if only we could tell which one out of billions of possible solutions predicts our universe". It's better than a hypothesis but not yet elevated to the status of a theory.

 

[ahhell]

That's their problem. It isn't.

People naturally apply skepticism daily. And if you don't, you're just setting yourself up to be taken advantage of. Skepticism simply means using basic critical thinking skills to every day life. Do some due diligence. You don't loan just anyone money. At least not large sums of it that you cannot afford them not repaying.

I am not cynical in the least. I generally have a very positive outlook on life. But I require evidence the more important and unreasonable it is. So do banks, business and bosses. You might get a pass on the evidence from friends and family. But even they will apply skepticism.

Teaching people the basics of skepticism is incredibly important. But you don't have to call it that. Learn logic, syllogisms and fallacies and you're done

It is their problem but it also a problem for a scientific skeptic trying to communicate with folks who hear skeptic and think cynic or crank, especially when said scientific skeptic is trying to extoll the virtues of skepticism.

 

[acbytesla]

It is their problem but it also a problem for a scientific skeptic trying to communicate with folks who hear skeptic and think cynic or crank, especially when said scientific skeptic is trying to extoll the virtues of skepticism.

Language is always a problem. Especially, when it is used imprecisely or deliberately misused. Which is often the case. This is why I emphasize the difference between cynicism and skepticism. Someone has to. Don't they?