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: 12/29/2006 Subject: I am starting to become a skeptic.
Question When I read my horoscopes or ask psychis, (I am a Cancer born 6/29/1955), it's as if the astrologists and psychics are talking about somebody else or some other sign. They keep talking about how November is supposed to be this great month for me and how I am going to find love (I just broke up with my new boyfriend), and how I am going to get back with my ex-boyfriend (when today he was showing me pictures of his new girlfriend and telling me how happy he is). They also talk about how I am going to have money. These forecasts and psychics have been SO WRONG. So when I read these Cancer horoscopes or listen to psychics, I just laugh because I know they are not talking about me. I'm starting not to believe in astrology or psychics anymore. I don't mean to sound so skeptical or angry but why are my horoscopes and readings so wrong? Thank You for your help and God Bless You.
Answer Hi Debra,
And thanks for your question. The answer is pretty simple: your skepticism is quite warranted.
Horoscopes in general depend on being so vague that they can be interpreted - if the reader of the horoscope is inclined to believe them - in any way which might correspond to the real life situation of that person.
There was once a very revealing test done on astrological readings, where a classroom of volunteers were interviewed, their birth dates recorded. They were informed that this information would be sent to an astrologer, and they would all receive personalized readings.
They were then given the readings in a classroom, where they all read theirs, and then were asked to evaluate how accurate the reading was. Almost all said that the reading described them quite surprisingly well - which is why it came as a bit of a shock to them when the organizers of this experiment revealed that they had all received identical readings, and that the reading was actually done with the birth data of a serial killer sitting in jail.
The purpose was to reveal something both about astrology, and about human nature - astrological readings are quite general, which is why they can be interpreted to apply to pretty much anyone... especially if that someone believes in astrology, and WANTS the reading to be accurate; it is very easy to convince someone who wants to be convinced. The effect can be boosted by having the astrological reading contain some ego-stroking compliments: "You are generally open minded, and insightful" - who wouldn't want to believe that of themselves? :)
Also, skepticism isn't anything to apologize for; a sceptic is simply someone who requires evidence before believing, and who holds certain standards of evidence which he/she applies to all claims, even, or perhaps especially, to claims that he/she would like to believe. Sceptics generally try to learn a bit about how people think, and form beliefs, and how people are fooled - in other words, how scam artists can pull the wool over our eyes. Prepared with that knowledge, it's easier to see claims that might be true, from claims that are either fraudulent or simply honestly mistaken.
Skepticism is really open-mindedness, though the common (unfair and inaccurate) portrayal of sceptics is people who simply deny anything out of the ordinary. But think about it - what would it take for someone, who passionately believes in some psychic, to be shown wrong to their satisfaction? Would anything, really, be enough? A sceptic, on the other hand, says that "Ok, if that psychic's abilities are real, then let's set up some honest tests, which rule out the use of common techniques used by frauds - so that if the psychic succeeds under the test conditions, there'll be no other possibility left but that her abilities are real. Let's agree to the conditions of this test together, so that we'll ensure it's fair to the psychic also. If the psychic then succeeds in the test, I'll gladly admit to having been wrong in thinking she's a fake, or fooling herself."
That is open-mindedness - being able to change one's mind if good evidence is presented.
It is really worth it, for anyone, to learn a bit about the skeptical views on various issues out there; you can save yourself much frustration, and perhaps learn to see through various scams out there, if you spend a little time letting a sceptic make his case.
With that in mind, I'd like to point you to just a couple of great places on the web, that provide a little skeptical insight into the subjects of horoscopes and psychics, and I think you'll find these very revealing, educational and interesting:
First, here's an interesting account of an actress who, just to see how easy or hard it would be to fool people to think that she had psychic powers. It gives some insight as to how psychics work:
And here's an interesting video, which also reveals a little about why psychics, and various people claiming supernormal powers can convince so many people. Skepticism is truly in short supply in human societies, and you might agree with me that a little more of it might be in order, after viewing this:
Finally, about astrology, if you have the patience and interest, here's a great, quite thorough treatment of the subject, which should give you an idea why it not only doesn't work, but couldn't possibly work:
If those pique your interest to delve a little further into what sceptics and skepticism are all about, I heartily recommend the book "Demon Haunted World" by Carl Sagan. It is not only an eye-opener, but also a beautiful, passionate book.
Also, I'll be happy to help you with any further questions.
