What is Skepticism?

Skepticism is using critical thinking and the scientific method to examine the validity of claims. Skeptics practice critical thinking, reject logical fallacies and recognize that lazy thinking is faulty thinking. Most of all, skeptics question their own beliefs because no one is above being sucked into believing a false idea.

Some of skeptics favorite topics of scrutiny include:
Paranormal claims like esp and psychic phenomena
Cryptozoology such as Big Foot or the Loch Ness Monster,
New Age claims of magical thinking such as The Secret
Misuses of scientific ideas such quantum theory, energy or the theory of realitivity,
Alternative health practices with little or no scientific support like homeopathy, reiki, or the latest diet craze,
Conspiracy theories like chem trails or alternative theories about 911,
Urban legends and myths
Intelligent Design
Any other extraordinary claims, like free energy machines or the latest email chain mail hoax

Finally, skeptics would rather believe what is true than believing in what makes them comfortable.

"...It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." -Carl Sagan