For those of you who don’t follow the skeptic movement (yes, there is such a thing) it’s basically a group of people who are fans of critical thinking, science-advocates, and debunkers of “woo.” Woo being magical thinking in general, and things like homeopathy, ghosts, bigfoot, astrology, psychics, vaccine denial, moon hoaxers, conspiracy theorists, some forms of religion and so on ad infinitum. And this group has a loose organizational structure, and meets and gathers in forums, and has conventions and leaders. So, that’s the background there.
Recently, within that group, there was a minor stir when Phil Plait, former President of the James Randi Educational Foundation, made a little speech about the tone of skeptical arguments. His message, as he often sums it up, was simply “don’t be a dick.” It’s a catchphrase he borrowed from internet maven, Wil Wheaton. He is “concerned” that skeptics are engaging in “childish, demeaning behavior” and “taking the low road.” He’s afraid that people are being aggressive, and calling people “retards” and “idiots.” He’s playing the role of the tone police, for lack of a better term. Continue reading »
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