The New Skepticism

Inquiry and Reliable Knowledge

Paul Kurtz

This new book by one of the world's leading skeptics, distinguishes three kinds of skepticism: (1) nihilism, subjective and negative skepticism, which denies the possibility of knowledge or value; (2) mitigated skepticism, following David Hume, which, though skeptical of our ability to know Ultimate Reality, is willing to work out principles of knowledge and prudence; and (3) skeptical inquiry, which is constructive and positive, and which Kurtz calls "the new skepticism". This form of skepticism originally grew out of the pragmatic tradition and is essential to the process of inquiry in science, common sense, ethics, and politics.

Reviewing the history of skepticism, Kurtz argues that there are objective standards for judging truth claims in both science and ethics. Of special interest is the application of the new skepticism to paranormal claims, dealing with reincarnation and faith healing as test cases, and religious questions. Unlike earlier forms of skepticism, the new skeptics believe that reliable knowledge is possible in many fields of human endeavour.

Paul Kurtz, professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, is founder and chairman of The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, and editor of Free Inquiry magazine.

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