Skepticism and ethics - a penny for your thoughts

[Mrs.A.S.]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I looking to start up a blog focusing on skepticism and ethics. There doesn't seem to be much (non-academic) discussion on ethics in skepticism, or how critical thinking and reason might be used in making moral/ethical decisions.

Since there have been at least a few threads on the forum on such issues, perhaps some of you might have something to say on the subject. Is it even worth discussing? Do you think people might be interested? Any suggestions for specific topics?

And if you have something to say about it, we're running an essay contest, with cash prizes going to the top 5 entries. For details, visit skepticismandethics.com (sorry, I'm a newbie here, so no URLs) for information on how to enter.

We'd welcome any ideas or suggestions anyone might have. We're not philosophers or ethicists, just ordinary people with a passion for both skepticism and ethics. Is there anyone else like us out there?

 

[blutoski]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I looking to start up a blog focusing on skepticism and ethics. There doesn't seem to be much (non-academic) discussion on ethics in skepticism, or how critical thinking and reason might be used in making moral/ethical decisions.

Since there have been at least a few threads on the forum on such issues, perhaps some of you might have something to say on the subject. Is it even worth discussing? Do you think people might be interested? Any suggestions for specific topics?

And if you have something to say about it, we're running an essay contest, with cash prizes going to the top 5 entries. For details, visit skepticismandethics.com (sorry, I'm a newbie here, so no URLs) for information on how to enter.

We'd welcome any ideas or suggestions anyone might have. We're not philosophers or ethicists, just ordinary people with a passion for both skepticism and ethics. Is there anyone else like us out there?

I don't want to sound negative, but what makes you say there isn't much lay discussion of skepticism and ethics? My impression from 20+ years in skepticism is that ethics is discussed ad nauseum.

Many people credit Paul Kurtz with founding the modern skepticism movement, and it's no coincidence he did so to further the ethical worldview of secular humanism.

Nary an issue of Skeptical Inquirer gets published without an article or two about the ethical underpinnings of skepticism.

Maybe I'm missing something in your post.

 

[Dinwar]

Perhaps there's a lack of discussion of ethics in the modern blogosphere? I certainly don't see a whole lot--it mostly focuses on ethics and epistemology--though I admit to not looking for it. Besides, ethics is really the most practical field of philosophy as far as I'm concernced; we can never have too much discussion.

Perhaps a good way to start is an examination of the two systems (mysticism and skepticism), and why mysticism necessarily leads to monsterous behaviors. You can get some really good articles on this subject from places like R. Dawkins' website (not advocating plagerism here, I'm just pointing you to references) and the Metamagician blog. In fact, contacting that blog may be your best bet; the guy's actually wrote a few books on philosophy, and should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[Mrs.A.S.]

Thanks for the replies. As Dinwar points out, there isn't much out there on the Internet on this topic. And even in magazines such as SI, discussion around ethics tends to be more abstract and philosophical in nature.

I'm not trying to push a particular brand of ethics, handed down by Kurtz or anyone else, nor am I looking to be prescriptive. I'm just thinking that there might be some value in getting people to talk about their own experiences and thoughts on the subject.

 

[idoubtit]

Skepticism is one Robert Merton's "norms" of science. I've thought of Merton's norms as a guide to real science which is more than just a general, nebulous "scientific method". I'd suggest you take a look at what he published (in papers and books). Interesting, indepth view of the way science should work.

I have taught the ethics portion of the review for a professional geologist exam and bring this up there. In order to be a good scientist, and critical thinker, you are required to be constructively critical of ideas and to answer that criticism of your own. Otherwise, you are not living up to the ideals that make science the most reliable way of knowing about the world.

I'd also recommend Mistakes Were Made But Not by Me by Tavris and Aronson. You'll get out of that why one should be skeptical of oneself.

 

[Trent Wray]

It's all summed up by solving the test of the Kobayashi Maru.

 

[Stray Cat]

I'm sceptical that any payment (a penny) will be given for my thoughts and it's unethical to make such hollow offers of financial incentive which would not be honoured.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your venture.

 

[Denver]

This sounds like a blog I'd be interested in reading, I think. But ethics is a big area, so I'm still not quite sure of the focus. On you blog it mentions:

* No academic discussions of moral philosophy. This is not an academic endeavor, and essays should be understandable by general readers.
* No preaching of moral codes. That is, we're not looking for lists of do's and don'ts.
* No essays comparing religious views (and that includes atheism vs. religion). That's not what we're about.

To help me understand, how would the following relate to your purposes and goals:

1) A discussion on the ethics of confronting someone who is dealing with an illness about whether prayer is effective.
2) The same discussion as 1, but with specific examination of different ethical frameworks (deontology, utilitarianism, etc), especially when the frameworks conflict with each other.
3) A discussion as to whether a ghosthunter is acting ethically based on their own beliefs, even though they lack skepticism in their ghosthunting.

 

[Mrs.A.S.]

@idoubtit: Thanks for the references. Mistakes Were Made is one of our favorite books - we've given out dozens of copies.

@Denver: Yes, it's a big area, and we left it wide open on purpose, partly to see what specific topics people might be interested in. Your #1 and #3 examples sound good. #2 sounds like it might be a bit over people's heads. Discussions of real ethical/moral decisions that skeptics have faced, or might face, would probably be more interesting and meaningful than comparing ethical theories, but I could be wrong about that.

 

[fxm]

I'm sceptical that any payment (a penny) will be given for my thoughts and it's unethical to make such hollow offers of financial incentive which would not be honoured.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your venture.

Thanks. You're quite right to be skeptical, and I'll leave it to you to weigh the risk vs. reward.

 

[Jeff Wagg]

The contest has been extended until May 14. Full information at http://www.skepticismandethics.com/

 

[Jeff Wagg]

I'm sceptical that any payment (a penny) will be given for my thoughts and it's unethical to make such hollow offers of financial incentive which would not be honoured.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your venture.

I think that's called cynicism, Stray Cat.

 

[Mrs.A.S.]

The contest deadline passed today. Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry, and special thanks to Jeff for promoting the contest.

 

[fxm]

The first post is up on the blog, and Mrs. A.S. and I have just about decided on the contest winners, so more posts will be on the way shortly.