Skepticism

    Being a Skeptic is confusing because there are so many different opinions about what a Skeptic is.  All scientists are Skeptics, but not all Skeptics are scientists.  Being skeptical simply means you don't take anything on faith alone.  You require evidence before passing judgment on something.  Everyone is skeptical about something, and most people are not skeptical about one or two things.  Being a Skeptic (big "S") means that you strive to be skeptical in all things, relying on evidence rather than stuff that "seems right" or "could be"  or wishful thinking.  It endorses the use of the words "I don't know" for anything that has no evidence, regardless of your personal beliefs.

    The idea that a Skeptic is close-minded is a misconception.  On the contrary, believing in something without evidence is what is close-minded.  Being Skeptical means keeping an open mind to new possibilities.  It is good science, adjusting itself based on new evidence and not disregarding something because it does not fit the conclusions already made.  Skepticism does not preclude beliefs without evidence, but it requires an acknowledgement that those beliefs have no evidence and should not be treated as if they do.  Not all Skeptics are Atheists.