Open Mind vs Empty Head?

For my club's fifth tenet I chose "Open Mind". However, as a sceptic, I am routinely accused of not having an open mind. My view is that the true sceptic has an open mind. In fact, I think history has shown us that some of the greatest sceptics were very imaginative and creative. It was the extent of their questioning nature and their insistance on not accepting absolutes that defines being open minded.

I think this has the makings of an article. Would British Sceptic be interested in reproducing it for their blog?

Plus it is a good discussion topic too

Jamie,

leave the link mate and I will have a look,

yes I can reproduce it for my blog cheers very much,

I need to come back to this thread when I can discuss in more detail, just posted my Friday Blog actually, trying to do one a week and keep the quality up, but if you guys have anything you want on there just let me know, no problem.

Full credit and link to your reference Of course will be supplied.

Cheers,

Den.

Thanks, Den. Just finished one on my club's first tenet "Respect", which was more appropriate to promote my classes in Coventry via the Coventry Telegraph blog. The Open Mind tenet seemed to link well with my scepticism.

Hi Jamie,

being honest Im not sure whether to continu blogging, writing articles for me is like pulling teeth, doesn't come naturally and when I look at it I think what a bloody mess

I suppose it might come together with practice.

Back to open head, empty mind, I sometimes doubt myself, am I correct when debating with true believers to push their claims aside as argument from ignorance, ad hominem, straw man etc and push scienctific truths in their face.

Certainly philosopher Daniel C Dennett makes a superb sceptic, he knows which questions to ask, in which order to get the truth.

Something I feel he has honed over the years.

Regards,

Den.

Quote :

being honest Im not sure whether to continu blogging, writing articles for me is like pulling teeth, doesn't come naturally and when I look at it I think what a bloody mess

With all due respect that is rubbish! To use a quote I recently included in my article on "Respect" taken from A C Doyle's most famous character Sherlock Holmes in the short story "The Greek Interpretor":

Quote :

“I cannot agree with those who rank modesty among the virtues. To the logician all things should be seen exactly as they are, and to underestimate one’s self is as much a departure from truth as to exaggerate one’s own powers”.

Your blog is excellent and I am proud to be linked to it. I look forward to submitting my own work, as I enoy and inspired by yours. Now keep writing!

Cheers Jamie,

thanks for the kick p the pants

Did I mention that BadPsychics Jon, our current newest member, has made a great offer. Not only has he allowed me to leave a link, he also said If I or anyone on the team wanted to write an article he would post it for us and link with credit to us

Thanks again Jon,

Regards,

Den.

That's great news. I better get cracking!

Ref: Open mind, im pulling together what i hope to be a cracking blog, but may get heat from any sceptic that might read it.

Going to think about it because my directin may require 2 quite separated blog entries, even if there is a lot of crossover.

Regards,

Den.

Yes please let me know if you want me to publish anything as I would be happy to do so.

I am looking for articles that can fit any of the sites in the BP Network,

I guess thats psychics, ghosts and alt med from what ive seen, see what I can do Jon,

Den.