Skeptic is one of the few magazines available that focuses on science, reason, logic, and debunking outrageous, absurd, and paranormal or pseudoscientific claims. The other magazine of this sort is Skeptical Inquirer (see my review of SI for more information on it). This magazine serves an important function in our increasingly credulous society.
Skeptic magazine is published by Michael Shermer (author of Why People Believe Weird Things, and many other books). It’s regular columnists include James “the amazing” Randi, and Tim Callahan as well as many other notable skeptics, scientists, and professional debunkers.
The magazine is slightly over sized, and fairly think. The covers are lovingly and lavishly illustrated. Aesthetically this magazine appeals to the eye, and the touch. I know that this isn’t an important consideration, but since most people choose magazines based solely on how they look, Skeptic should sell well on news stands.
The magazine comes out quarterly. This is unfortunate. I long for it to move to a monthly schedule, as I can not get enough reasoned Skepticism. We live in a world where people “eat what they are fed”, that is: they believe whatever they are told and never resort to critical thinking. A magazine like this could help remedy that sad state of affairs.
The articles address issues of the paranormal, pseudo science, fringe science, and creationism (which counts as paranormal, and not as fringe science). It looks in depth at claims of ESP, remote viewing, UFO’s, dowsing, chiropractic, phrenology, acupuncture, and other bogus claims.
Recent articles have instructed readers on the methods of cold reading (as practiced by the charlatan John Edward of Crossing Over fame), on the history of the Roswell myth, and misuses of Occam’s razor. Some columns feature a bit of humor in a skeptical vein.
The magazine also has an extensive review section which looks in depth at books on science, pseudo science, and the paranormal. Books by noted skeptics are also reviewed. These reviews are hugely helpful in helping one make decisions about which books to purchase.
Skeptic also includes an extensive letters section. In this part of the magazine you will find on-going debates about the finer points of an argument or idea. The letters can often be highly informative, as well as very entertaining.. I tend to flip to this section first.
One nice feature that I have seen is called “Jr. Skeptic”. This is a full color insert that serves as a skeptical magazine for children. It addresses issues such as UFO’s in language that children can understand, using a lot of illustrations and simple explanations. It also includes magic tricks that kids can master.
Skeptic is written in a straight forward manner that makes the articles easy to grasp, and entertaining to read. The writers never condescend, and never “dumb down”, yet manage to make even difficult issues fully transparent.
Each issue is packed with incisive, intelligent, logical articles. Anyone who wants to understand the world, and longs for truth should buy this magazine and read it fully each time it comes out.
A word about price: The magazine costs $5.95, which is quite reasonable. I find that magazines should cost between four and seven dollars (although a few of the magazines I read are more expensive, Nature, for instance, costs $10.00). Skeptic is well worth every penny.
I highly recommend this magazine. I also suggest Skeptical Inquirer, and a few other magazines including Scientific American.
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