Scepticism versus Cynicism

Sceptics unfairly get treated like the party-pooper. I believe this is mainly because scepticism gets mistaken for cynicism. We may be doubters, but that doesn't mean we are pessimists.

I'd be interested in seeing what we define as a sceptical attitude and, by contrast, what we define as a cynical outlook.

A very good point made by Jamie, I myself have been attacked as a cynic on the grounds that I seek more evidence than one persons anecdotal evidence that acupuncure etc works because they underwent the treatment and it helped them.

Heres the Wiki perspective on the argument:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceptic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynic

For me having a sceptical attitude is not about questioning every little thing, lifes too short!

Nor is it about saying anything I do not understand is B.S.

I do not understand how electricity works, but that doesn't mean it needs debunking.

Nor is it my intention to debunk everything I am asked to investigate.

Rather for me a sceptical nature requires I look at the evidence for and against, primary, secondary, empirical and anecdotal, while asking further questions until I come to a logical conclusion.

Regards,

Den.