Healthy Skepticism

[SweetSativa]

After reading the 'crystal skulls' thread, I was thinking about the differences in personalities and levels of skepticism and health. Of course, it would be foolish to believe everything you read or hear and many things conflict one another so one must have a certain amount of skepticism in order to evaluate truth.

Personally, there are many things that I don't care (at least at any particular time) enough about to do adequate research (which actually requires quite a bit of work) to form an educated opinion on. Let's face it, we all have lives and a set amount of time to devote to following our curiosity. There are certain things that I find intriguing that I have to admit to not having enough knowledge of to make statements. Other things, either from personal experience or in-depth research, I can state an opinion with confidence.

It's funny to notice though, about people that they are either inclined to believe one thing or another (this isn't necessarily about the crystal skulls... that's just where this train of thought came from) because of their need to satisfy their own theories or support their own views of the world. And sometimes things 'sound good' or even sound scientific and on the surface seem to have come from a knowledgeable source and so we just believe it and repeat it as if it were fact... I think we've all done it (what a humbling experience... lol... it's made me more careful with my words, for sure).

So, I have seen both sides of the coin. Some wane against the notion that certain things could be true that do not fit into their idea of what is true (could be belief in a God or paranormal or just the idea that certain technologies could or could not exist, theories of healing in behavioral science, medicine, alternative medicine, etc... anything)... anyway, once the mind is made up; all evidence to the contrary is disregarded. And then the opposite and equal is true of the opposing theories (there IS a God and everything that 'I' see and say will support that theory.).

Do you know how to evaluate a piece of alleged evidence if you need to? There is such a 'connectedness' about the world today... such a sharing of information. There's also a huge market and there are experts who study how to effectively manipulate people into buying . What's your theory/ practice on skepticism?

Another related but separate issue: Do you think that the mind can pick up subconsciously messages (such as subliminal) that are implanted by others, be it for advertising... or 'whatever'? Behavioral specialists have done so much research on selling and psychology.... from the 'giving' things to make one feel they have to 'give back' (programming) to certain colors and scents that send cues that put shoppers in the mood to buy. Could it effect YOU?

[spicoli]

i have a sense of skepticism about me. as i get older that sense seems to grow stronger, as in i sense people's motives especially when they don't tell the truth about their motives. so i sort of see through most of it.

yes, i believe our subconscious minds pick up everything...even when we're talking with someone, and the tv's on in the background, our mind is so complex it's taking in all of that info, whether we acknowledge or realize it. it may not all become apparent to us, but some of it comes back to us...
i think psychological 'programming' for the purpose of making money is really sick. let people make their own choices without the planting of thoughts or ideas. it just takes away choices, for some people, imo. it doesn't happen for everyone, but i believe the practice is effective on some or a lot of people.
just my opinion, tho.

[The Rev]

I think it's always a good idea to keep one's bullshit detector in good working order, especially in spiritual or philosophical pursuits. Question everything.



The Rev

[SweetSativa]

Yeah... in regard to people (whether someone is lying or honest, etc) I find it a delicate balance between complete distrust (paranoia?) and naivety. lol.... I'm shocked so often because I expect some basic principles to be present in those (especially adults in certain positions) around me. A basic, very primal code of ethics and then when it's broken a few times, I tend to go the other way and begin to distrust most people. lol. I guess... expect the best but be ready for the worst.

As far as analyzing a bit of evidence; there are times when this is possible. When you see something claimed, there should be a primary source listed. You should be able to find this primary source (the scientific journal article, for example) to verify the claims of an article. Other things (such as case reports or personal experience) is not so easily verified. However, when techniques (lucid dream, astral projection, etc) are listed, it is possible to verify through experience (although not scientifically). Most spiritual beliefs are a little play between personal experience, faith, and hopefully a bit of supporting, verifiable evidence, I think.

[Home Wrecker]

I think the burden is always on the proponent of the skepticism-deserving argument to offer some form of proof. You can always say something which can never be proven false (like god is hanging out making sure you don't masturbate). I feel no need to go around believing every statement like that without evidence to back it up.

[espiex]

Originally Posted by Home Wrecker

I think the burden is always on the proponent of the skepticism-deserving argument to offer some form of proof. You can always say something which can never be proven false (like god is hanging out making sure you don't masturbate). I feel no need to go around believing every statement like that without evidence to back it up.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, as the old saying goes.

The human brain is capable of making itself believe pretty much anything, so we have to be skeptical if we are to avoid deluding ourselves about the nature of the objective universe.

False or reality-inconsistent belief may be fine and dandy for any one individual, but it's not going to help us survive as a species.

[SweetSativa]

And here's another thing;

I've had proof unto myself of certain things that I am not, as of now, able to prove to anyone else. So, I guess that there is also a point where too much skepticism becomes a detrimental thing. Because, if I question my own experiences then I am questioning All That Is... and if I question All That Is, I am actually opening to an even larger 'can of worms'. I hope that someday I can have evidence that is scientifically sound in which I can publish a scientific journal around these things (and I am in the right field and involved in the right 'further education' to do so). There have been reputable studies suggesting the existence of extrasensory perception in the past... but the successful ones were mostly case studies. So, I need to look "into the vaults" and see what's been done and elaborate upon that. I know and am learning more of what it takes to conduct a professional controlled experiment/ study in behavioral science to APA standard. Although this is not the primary reason that I've chosen this field, it sure makes a fun 'on the side' . Now I'm learning hypnotherapy which is also very helpful. Here's the trick; even though I know from personal experience what is, I will have to pretend that I do not know... for the purpose of study... if and when I'm able to scientifically test the theory. I will also try to find the missing link... try to find the element of study that the other studies have missed. From my own experience, guessing what symbol is on a card is not enough to get the attention of the part of us that sees beyond this reality. The connection to this reality is very important in order to exist here effectively. If we do not have a healthy connection to this physical world, we suffer from various mental illnesses. The part that sees 'outside' kicks in when something very dangerous is going to happen or when something important is going to happen. Anything else would be gluttonous (for lack of better terminology) and threaten the integrity of our system. But I think that recognizing that there is a sense that gets left out may help in various professions... specifically in behavioral science where empathy and intuition are necessary.

[WHEREAMI?]

I was told once in my messages during meditation that i could create anything i wanted to experience. That has given me a great deal to think about....hmmmmm. And i have created all my life experiences.....more to think about. It has changed me from seeing things happening to me because of others behaviors to understanding how and why they came into my life in the first place. Now, i have a much better control, for lack of a better word, of my experiences, or at least how i respond to them. I don't meet near as many assholes as i use to. hahaha

[SweetSativa]

^Yeah!!! Isn't that something?

And if 'assholes' (or any other type of person or situation) do seem to creep into your life; you look at it as a learning experience. "Hmmmm.... why am I attracting these assholes? What is it that I have to learn right now?" This is ALWAYS something that will help you grow but sometimes it is also preparation for something to come... something that you cannot see yet.

It's a wild ride, man.

[WHEREAMI?]

Best ride they ever invented since they discovered leap year!