Skeptical Inquirer

Ken Frazier in office 2018 (1)

Barry Karr reading Skeptical Inquirer

Stephen Hupp, PhD

Skeptical Inquirer is a magazine published by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), an organization dedicated to promoting scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims. The magazine was first published in 1976 under the name The Zetetic and was later renamed Skeptical Inquirer in 1977. It serves as a platform for articles and discussions on a wide range of topics, including paranormal phenomena, alternative medicine, pseudoscience, and scientific skepticism.

History

The inception of Skeptical Inquirer can be traced back to the founding of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), now known as the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. The organization was established by Paul Kurtz, a philosopher, along with other leading scientists, magicians, and thinkers, including Carl Sagan, James Randi, and Isaac Asimov, who were concerned about the growing acceptance of pseudoscientific claims and the lack of critical scrutiny in the public discourse. The magazine was created as a voice for the scientific community and the general public to engage in critical thinking and to challenge unverified claims.

Content and Impact

Skeptical Inquirer publishes articles, reviews, investigations, and commentaries aimed at exploring and debunking pseudoscientific and paranormal claims. The magazine is known for its rigorous standards of evidence and its commitment to scientific accuracy. It has been instrumental in fostering public understanding of the scientific method and in promoting a skeptical approach to controversial claims.

Over the years, Skeptical Inquirer has covered a wide array of topics, including UFOs, astrology, cryptozoology, ghosts, and homeopathy. It has also addressed claims related to vaccinations, climate change denial, and conspiracy theories, providing a critical analysis and highlighting the importance of evidence-based conclusions.

The magazine has contributed to the public discourse by encouraging skepticism and critical thinking, which are essential for informed decision-making and for distinguishing between valid scientific findings and unfounded assertions. It has also played a role in the education of scientists, educators, and the public about the dangers of pseudoscience and the value of skepticism in evaluating claims.

Publication and Circulation

Skeptical Inquirer is published bimonthly and is available in both print and digital formats. It reaches a wide audience, including scientists, educators, policymakers, and the general public, who are interested in scientific skepticism and critical thinking. The magazine's circulation and influence have grown over the years, making it a leading publication in the field of scientific skepticism.

See Also

• Scientific skepticism
• Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
• Paul Kurtz
• Carl Sagan
• James Randi

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