Proper Criticism
by Ray Hyman
Since the founding of CSICOP in 1976, and with the growing number of localized
skeptical groups, the skeptic finds more ways to state his or her case. The broadcast and
print media, along with other forums, provide more opportunities for us to be heard. For
some of these occasions, we have the luxury of carefully planning and crafting our
response, but most of the time we have to formulate our response on the spot. Regardless
of the circumstance, the critic's task, if it is to be carried out properly, is both
challenging and loaded with unanticipated hazards.
Many well-intentioned critics have jumped into the fray without carefully thinking
through the various implications of their statements. They have sometimes displayed more
emotion than logic, made sweeping charges beyond what they reasonably support, failed to
adequately document their assertions, and, in general, have failed to do the homework
necessary to make their challenges credible.More |