On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 10:20:42 -0400, "Arny Krueger"
wrote:

"paul packer" wrote in message

On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 08:29:19 -0400, "Arny Krueger"
wrote:

"paul packer" wrote in message

On Mon, 24 Oct 2005 17:19:47 -0400, "Arny Krueger"
wrote:


(1) If a so-called skeptic reports similar impressions
to a non-skeptic, then he's obviously not really a
skeptic.

Really, Arnie? What if the phenomenum both are observing
exists?

OK Packer I take pity on you and now I spell it out for
you:

Skepticism is a world view. Everything the skeptic sees
is affected by his world view, just like everything a
non-skeptic sees is affected by his world view.

Well, Arnie, let's assume there's only one ultimate
reality.

Whatever that means.

This is a worry, Arnie. Clearly for you skepticism is some kind of
religion which colours one's world view and prevents one seeing
reality. Is James Randi aware of this? I personally have little time
for "professional" skeptics, those who join skeptics societies and so
on, but I would certainly encourage healthy skepticism on any subject.
Or at least, I did, but now, having read your definition of a skeptic,
I'm beginning to wonder if I should shepherd the innocent away out of
danger. Obviously skepticism in your world is something to be avoided
at all costs.

A skeptic should be one who approaches something with a
doubting outlook, but if he finds truth or value in it,
is nevertheless prepared to admit that truth and value.

Whatever that means.

This is a mystery for you? Read it again and try harder this time.

(snip endless getting nowhere)

No, just that everybody's world view has a lot to do with
what their impressions of the world are.

But ultimately their impressions can't deny or contradict
reality.

Sure they can. For example, people get things wrong all the
time. Errors and omissions, right?

That's not denying reality. Reality just is. That's misinterpreting
reality.

What you're saying is that the fact
of being a skeptic fatally colours your impression of
anything.

Skepticism is not always fatal. Many skeptics lead long and
happy lives.

You forgot the smiley, Arnie. But it's nice to see you cracking a joke
occasionally, even a very weak one.

f that's so, it says little for the creed of
skepticism, which I always imagined was an ally and tool
of science.

There's that imagination thing again, Paul.

You mean a little healthy skepticism is not a handy tool for the
scientist?

I'm getting this feeling that the very concept of viewpoints
and their potentially profound effects is way over your
head, Paul.

Not at all, Arnie. I understand the effect your viewpoints have on you
very well.

Maybe John Atkinson's dumbed-down epistemology is ate limit
of your mental capabilities, Paul. Maybe even that is beyond
your ability to fathom.

From what I've read of Mr. Atkinson on this NG, I would not be ashamed
to be intellectually compared to him even by you, sarcastically. But
don't concern yourself about my ability to fathom things, Arnie. I do
alright.