Skeptical Inquirer

Skeptical Inquirer. It is a bimonthly American magazine published by the Center for Inquiry that focuses on investigating pseudoscientific and paranormal claims from a scientific, skeptical perspective. The publication serves as a flagship periodical of the modern skeptical movement, providing critical examinations of topics like psychic phenomena, alternative medicine, and conspiracy theories. Its mission is to promote scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the use of evidence in evaluating extraordinary claims.

History

The magazine was launched in 1976 as *The Zetetic* by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), an organization founded that same year by philosopher Paul Kurtz. Key early figures included luminaries like astronomer Carl Sagan, psychologist B.F. Skinner, and author Isaac Asimov. In 1978, the publication was renamed the *Skeptical Inquirer* to better reflect its investigative mission. For decades, it was closely associated with CSICOP, which later evolved into the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) under the umbrella of the Center for Inquiry. The magazine has been based in Amherst, New York, and has maintained a consistent editorial stance of applying the principles of the scientific method to controversial claims, weathering various cultural shifts from the New Age movement to the rise of the internet.

Content and focus

Each issue typically features in-depth articles, investigative reports, and critical reviews that dissect claims lacking empirical support. Regular subjects include examinations of cryptozoology, critiques of homeopathy, analyses of climate change denial, and debunkings of haunting reports. The magazine employs tools from cognitive psychology and statistical analysis to explain why people believe in the paranormal or fall for frauds. It also covers the history of hoaxes like the Piltdown Man and ongoing issues such as anti-vaccine activism and creationism. Columns often discuss the interface of science and law, the psychology of conspiracy theory belief, and media coverage of pseudoscience, upholding standards of science journalism.

Notable contributors

The publication has featured work from a wide array of prominent scientists, authors, and skeptics. Founding contributor Carl Sagan penned influential essays, while Stephen Jay Gould wrote on evolution and pseudoscience. Magician and investigator James Randi was a frequent contributor and subject, known for his One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge. Other regular authors have included psychologist Elizabeth Loftus, astronomer Phil Plait, philosopher Daniel Dennett, and biologist Richard Dawkins. Editors have played significant roles, including Kendrick Frazier, a longtime editor, and Barry Karr, who served as executive director of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Investigative journalist Joe Nickell has written extensively on cases like the Shroud of Turin.

Impact and reception

The magazine is considered a cornerstone of organized skepticism, influencing public discourse on science and rationality. Its investigations have been cited in mainstream media outlets like *The New York Times* and *The Washington Post*, and it has informed debates in institutions such as the National Institutes of Health. It has received awards from organizations like the American Humanist Association. Critics, sometimes from the parapsychology community or proponents of complementary and alternative medicine, have accused it of ideological bias or dismissiveness. Nonetheless, it is credited with popularizing critical examination of figures like Uri Geller, promoting science education, and providing a model for international groups like Australian Skeptics.

Related publications and organizations

The Center for Inquiry also publishes the magazine *Free Inquiry*, which focuses on secular humanism and religious skepticism. Many contributors also write for science magazines like *Scientific American* and *New Scientist*. The broader skeptical movement includes organizations like the James Randi Educational Foundation, the UK Skeptics, and the GWUP in Germany, which publish similar content. Events such as The Amazing Meeting and the CSICon conference often feature contributors and themes from the magazine. Its archival work complements resources like the Skeptic's Dictionary and projects from the Society for Psychical Research.

Category:American magazines Category:Skeptical magazines Category:Science-related magazines