Everyone since childhood knows the expression "Thomas is a non-believer." Moreover, rarely is this the very name of Thomas the man in a positive sense. Often the skeptic is perceived as a stubborn and even "armored" person. But is such a statement true? Perhaps you should trust others more? Could there be negative consequences for the skeptic because of his behavior? Or does incredulity, on the contrary, facilitate the life of a person, protecting him from negative consequences? In that case, the skeptic is even better. But why then they are not much loved? All of this confidentially communicate further.
Who is a skeptic
A skeptic is a person who is suspicious of any incoming information. In fairness, it is worth noting that we are all a bit skeptics in childhood, checking the warnings of adults on our own skin. As long as our own "bumps" do not fill, we do not begin to become more cautious. This quality of personality is called skepticism..
Then, having made sure several times of the advice of others, people are divided into two opposing camps. In one gullible representatives of mankind are gathering. In another camp - hardened skeptics. Someone prefers to listen to others, while others continue to fill "bumps" with their own efforts. To say that this is good or bad will not be correct, since everything depends on the specific situation. On the pros and cons of skeptics talk a little further. The main thing is to learn that since they did not die out as a result of social evolution, this means that this type of personality has its own competitive advantages. Moreover, they took shape at the level of social thinking, claiming one of the ways of world perception.
So skepticism, as a philosophical doctrine, originated in ancient Greece, in the period after Aristotle. The origins of this trend can be considered the works of the philosopher Xenophanes. Further skepticism was formed under the influence of Pyrrho, Arkesilia, Enesidia, Agrippa, and Sextus Empiricus, who doubted the possibility of finding the truth. If this is not possible, then it is better to be guided by the criteria of practical behavior, based on "reasonable probability". The totality of knowledge and attitudes, formed in the process of everyday life, called common sense. People should rely on it in any incomprehensible situation.
New development skepticism received in the Renaissancewhen European philosophers again became interested in the teachings of the ancient Greeks. This was caused by the rapid growth of knowledge and the expansion of the human worldview, which required a balanced approach in their interpretation.
The scientific and technological revolution that began in the twentieth centuryonly strengthened the appearance of skeptics. In 1992, the International Society of Skeptics even emerged, which publishes its magazine Skeptic, audio and video materials, holds speeches and conferences, actively disseminates its ideas on the Internet. Most of them go to astrologers, occultists, homeopaths, ufologists and other representatives of non-traditional science. On the one hand, this prevents the activities of various charlatans, but on the other, it complicates the work of talented scientists who are trying to push the boundaries of science.
Do not confuse the pessimist and skeptic. If the first is trying to exaggerate and find the bad, then the second is simply looking for the truth. For example, in the case of dating a girl. A pessimist decides that she is interested, just for the money. A skeptic will question her sincerity, but after a series of checks and life situations, she can stop doubting.
Being a skeptic is not bad, but if in moderation. Admitting brute force, you can significantly complicate their own and someone else's life. Fortunately, extreme skepticism is not so widespread. More common are moderate forms of this way of thinking. In more detail about the classification of this type of personality talk in the next section.
Types of skeptics
At the household level, skeptics come in several forms. This is a fairly generalized classification. Conditionally they can divided into doubters, moderate and pronounced. The first is not much different from the average person, just a little more suspicious. The latter are much more likely to show skepticism and mistrust, while not stepping over some edge of prudence. The tritium species demonstrates all the “charms” of a real skeptic, sometimes falling into paranoia and universal denial.
One type of skeptics can be considered cynical people who do not believe in the positive motives of human behavior. Cynicism develops in response to life situations that demonstrate the validity of such judgments. It is not characteristic of children, appearing and progressing already in adult years. Many leaders, as a rule, are incredulous and cynical people who always calculate ulterior motives.
Extreme skepticism can be considered nihilism - complete denial of any kind of knowledge. This approach has a destructive effect, because it rejects all truths and principles. A person with this type of thinking is notable for the shakiness of his eyes, extreme degree of distrust and complete denial of everything that is possible.
If we talk about skeptics in a global philosophical context, the most widespread scientific skepticism, rejecting all judgments that cannot be proven experimentally.
This variety is the most productive because it is the foundation of science. A skeptic, by and large, is a classical scientist who denies all pseudoscientific hypotheses. One of the tools of scientific skepticism is called "Occam's razor"- a logical principle that cuts off any untenable views of the world.
Skeptic is a common phenomenon and there is a chance to stumble upon it anywhere. We will talk further about how to quickly recognize this type of personality in the interlocutor.
How to recognize a skeptic
The fact that before you skeptic can be determined quickly enough. First of all, in the manner of communication. This person has reduced emotionality. He shows stubbornness, distrust, which can even border on rudeness. Any new information immediately requires confirmation of the facts, specific examples, situations of life. It is not enough for him to hear that the earth is round. A skeptic wants to see this with his own eyes, at least in photographs from space. Although, in the case of extreme skepticism, he will not believe even in the photo, considering that it is a fake and installation.
Specialists in physiognomy claim that skeptics can be recognized externally. This type of personality corresponds to a thin physique, pointed features. To absolutize such an approach is not worth it, but a rational grain is present in it.
Good or bad to be skeptic
The main question of this topic is it good to be a skeptic? Definitely - better than naive simpletons. Perhaps, constant doubts periodically complicate life, but they protect a person from rash actions.
Advantages of skeptics
Skeptic is much less susceptible to suggestion and manipulation. He is less likely to fall prey to fraudsters and advertising gimmicks. It is unlikely that such a person would believe in the sincerity of the street fortune-teller, the next presidential candidate, or a sales agent who obsessively promotes his goods. Moreover, the skeptic would not believe that a ton of gasoline had accidentally evaporated from the tank, and several hectares of forest themselves disappeared from the face of the Earth. These qualities make this type of temperament suitable for controlling and law enforcement agencies, as well as auditors. But he has his drawbacks, because not everyone wants to live with the "inspector" under the same roof.
Disadvantages of skeptics
The greatest manifestation of the shortcomings of this type of personality is in the sphere of interpersonal relations. Extreme suspicion and distrust complicates communication with the opposite sex, friends and relatives. The meticulousness of a skeptic sometimes tires his interlocutors. After all, people do not always keep in mind the source of their knowledge; they cannot refer to factual material on demand. Especially when it comes to generally accepted truths.
Skeptic himself from time to time is not happy with his character. For example, when you need to quickly make a decision, without analysis and long deliberation. And, if the cries of "stand back, the tree falls," the skeptic, with his usual manner, will begin to meticulously analyze the truth of the person screaming, he risks becoming the "hero" of the next news release. So, skepticism does not always protect a person from the sad consequences.
How to behave with a skeptic
First of all, it is necessary to acquire a whole arsenal of arguments and facts. Skeptic likes clear rationales. If you offer him something to do, it is advisable to provide all possible risks. For example, there was a "burning" ticket to Turkey for two. Why is it so cheap? Perhaps others simply abandoned it? What if the sea is not the season? There may be a million questions, and you have to be ready to answer everything.
On the other hand, having received a skeptic in your team, you can be sure that he will scrupulously calculate all the options for the development of events, warn you against possible "pitfalls". This quality is very useful in any team, because it helps to correct the actions of romantics and idealists, "landing" their violent imagination.
How to raise a skeptic
First of all, it is worth answering the question: why should a skeptic be raised at all? More precisely, why develop skepticism in man? Of course, to teach children that you should not trust strangers is right. But to develop cynicism and distrust of everyone and everything is also not an option.
Human socialization is based on interaction with others. Trust is an important component of this process. Without it, it is impossible to build a normal family, friendship, cooperation. Of course, trusting everyone indiscriminately is not right. But to repel people with excessive suspicion is fraught with bad consequences.
It is best to educate the child in the spirit of harmony with himself and the world around him, developing in him, in addition to the skills of critical thinking, the ability to trust people.
Do not think that a skeptic is a man who is necessarily hard and rude. It all depends on the severity of this quality. Sometimes the ability to doubt helps to avoid fraud and deception. This type of personality is less susceptible to external influence, thereby always having an opinion. On the other hand, excessive doubts make it difficult to establish connections and build relationships, which should be taken into account by all incredulous people. It is best to trust in moderation, and not to oppress others with your suspicion.
