Tip o' the martini glass to the Bad Astronomer who links to a great piece of writing by Allyson Beatrice at Cocktail Party Physics called "Skeptic Etiquette." It's an amusing and charming look at how a skeptic or non-believer can deal with their credulous friends and colleagues in a polite setting. After all, you might want to be a fun, friendly voice of reason, not that cranky old nay-sayer.
On a related note, Rebecca at Skepchick posts a link to Tim Minchin's "Storm" now on YouTube. It's a fun example of what you really might want to say at that dinner party with the credulous person. Warning: contains some curses, so don't play it with other people's kiddies around!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A guide to Skeptical Etiquette
Tip o' the martini glass to the Bad Astronomer who links to a great piece of writing by
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I've lately decided it's ethically wrong to remain quiet and thereby imply agreement to statements I believe harmful. Yet I was brought up to be polite and respectful. Here's the tone I tend to take:
ReplyDeleteSo when someone says, "Congratulations! It was meant to be! (or "I was praying for you!")!"
I say, smiling, "Thanks! I do have to say I don't share a belief in fate (or prayers), and believe it had more to do with work, expert help, and a lot of luck. But I appreciate the nice words!"
[But of course, if they say, "Does the fear of hell bother you?" I've no choice but to respond, "Obviously no more than your cretinous, narcissistic ignorance bothers you."]
Hehe, yeah my response depends on who I'm talking with. Usually, I don't even want to bother getting into a discussion. Those who know me well no better than to say such things, because I will make a point around those I feel comfortable with!
ReplyDeleteExcept my little brothers, who make a joke of it :-)