About Mikael Expertise I will be happy to answer questions regarding scepticism itself, as well as to provide a sceptical viewpoint on a wide variety of subjects, from the claims of paranormal to pseudoscience and conspiracy theories. From homeopathy to near death experiences, if you've got a question, fire away.
Experience I've been a sceptic for about a decade now, a position which I gravitated towards from an earlier fascination with all things supernatural. I have a fully naturalistic worldview, which means that I don't believe in the existence of the supernatural; this includes ghosts, deities, and a whole variety of the claims of supernatural abilities . Being a sceptic though means (contrary to how many perceive scepticism) that I must first consider myself falliable, which I do. I don't hold on to any of my beliefs dogmatically, but subject all my views to scrutiny, which makes them liable to change if new evidence so demands.
Education/Credentials Several years of university studies - not on a relevant subject though. On the subject of scepticism, self educated - I don't think that's a subject for higher education! :)
Expert: Mikael Date: 1/3/2008 Subject: What will be acceptable proof?
Question Thank you for your time, Mikael.
My wife & I are experts at this site under "Paranormal Investigation". We investigate potential hauntings with the standard equipment and healthy does of skepticism ourselves...I think what separates us from you is we DO believe ghosts exist, just not as frequently as others do.
We know there are hacks (cast from "Most Haunted"), but there are others like my wife & me (i.e. T.A.P.S. from SciFi channel) who try to gather evidence and debunk when able. Despite the effort, the scientific/skeptical community calls ALL investigators hacks and dismisses evidence. Oddly enough, they never set benchmarks or technique that would satisfy them, simply criticize what is presented.
My question to you as a skeptic is this; what would YOU consider viable evidence to indicate spirit activity? If you were allowed to lead an investigation, how would you make any potential evidence gather "skeptic-proof"?
Thanks again for your time.
Respectfully;
Sean Campbell
www.Campbellpi.org
Answer Thank you for a very interesting question!
I looked through your site to get an idea of what you do and how, and do think that I can illuminate for you the mysteries of the workings of the mind of a skeptic, and why you might find him hard to convince; I can also give you at least a couple of suggestions on how to improve your methods to lend some additional credibility to your results. I did get the impression that you have a genuine interest in assuring that your evidence is good.
This one deserves a more thorough answer that I have the time to write at the moment, however, so right now I'll leave you with this note to acknowledge that I'm not ignoring the question; I'm off on a weekend trip, and might find the time to answer it properly Sunday evening when I get back, if not, then it'll be early next week. I ask for your patience, and I'll add to this answer as soon as I can.
