In order to displace a prevailing theory or paradigm in science, it is not enough to merely point out what it cannot explain; you have to offer a new theory that explains more data, and do so in a testable way. Michael Shermer datumdisplaceexplain share on social
In principle, skeptics are neither closed-minded nor cynical. We are curious but cautious. Michael Shermer cautiousclosecurious Change image and share on social
Religious faith depends on a host of social, psychological and emotional factors that have little or nothing to do with probabilities, evidence and logic. Michael Shermer dependemotionalevidence Change image and share on social
A Hubble Space Telescope photograph of the universe evokes far more awe for creation than light streaming through a stained glass window in a cathedral. Michael Shermer awecathedralcreation Change image and share on social
Scientists are skeptics. It's unfortunate that the word 'skeptic' has taken on other connotations in the culture involving nihilism and cynicism. Really, in its pure and original meaning, it's just thoughtful inquiry. Michael Shermer connotationculturecynicism share on social
When religious believers invoke miracles and acts of creation ex nihilo, that is the end of the search for them, whereas for scientists, the identification of such mysteries is only the beginning. Science picks up where theology leaves off. Michael Shermer actbeginbeliever share on social
As a social primate species, we modulate our morals with signals from family, friends and social groups with whom we identify because in our evolutionary past, those attributes helped individuals to survive and reproduce. Michael Shermer attributeevolutionaryfamily share on social
Skepticism is not a position that you stake out ahead of time and stick to no matter what. Michael Shermer aheadmatterposition Change image and share on social
Skeptics question the validity of a particular claim by calling for evidence to prove or disprove it. Michael Shermer callclaimdisprove Change image and share on social
No single discovery from any of these fields denotes proof of evolution, but together they reveal that life evolved in a certain sequence by a particular process. Michael Shermer denotediscoveryevolution Change image and share on social
