Most of my friends and relatives accept without question that
vitamins and minerals (including metals like iron) are safe to
consume in moderate doses and are essential for good health. Yet when
I suggest to some of them that silver is a safe mineral that kills
germs I'm usually greeted with a look of amusement that visibly turns
to horror as it dawns on them that I'm serious. You can just about
see the cogs turning over. (My God... he's a fruitcake and I never
realised it! How many other signs have I missed? Where's the exit?)
If they can't escape, or say what they really think because we are in
mixed company, they try to debate or reason with me using the
intuitive arguments of the skeptic. The link below lists the usual
'tricks' of the skeptic, and its pretty entertaining.
http://www.ratbags.com/rsoles/comment/skeptictricks.htm
I recommend you go to the site and read the whole thing because it's
not too long and I didn't write it. But here's my poorly condensed
version with some, occasionally silly, comment added.
Regards
David
TRICKS OF SKEPTICS....
1) RAISING THE BAR , Or IMPOSSIBLE PERFECTION: This trick consists of
demanding a new, higher and more difficult standard of evidence. (A
mountain of testimonials and lab tests will never be enough).
2.) SOCK 'EM WITH OCCAM: Occam's Razor, a principle of knowledge
theory states that the simplest explanation which fits all the facts
is to be preferred. (If you haven't had a cold in 4 years its just
because you've been lucky).
3.) EXTRAORDINARY CLAIMS: Extraordinary claims, say the skeptic,
require extraordinary evidence. (Why is the claim that silver kills
germs so extraordinary?)
4.) STUPID, CRAZY LIARS: Researchers who report anything which
displeases the skeptic will be accused of incompetence, mental
illness or dishonesty, or some combination of the three. (You've
fallen for a scam.)
5.) THE SANTA CLAUS GAMBIT: (Goes like this. "Oh so you probably
believe in Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny too". Foul language is
the only reasonable answer to that one).
6.) SHIFTING THE BURDEN OF EVIDENCE: The skeptic insists that he
doesn't have to provide evidence to support his side of the argument.
("You're crazy if you believe that, but my evidence is
indisputable... its common knowledge... it comes from ...er watching
TV.")
7.) YOU CAN'T PROVE A NEGATIVE: The skeptic may insist that he is
relieved of the burden of evidence and argument because "you can't
prove a negative." (Well actually theres a ton of evidence proving a
lot of approved drugs are much less effective and far more dangerous
dangerous than silver but YOU won't read it. )
8.) THE BIG LIE: (The skeptic says he doesn't take silver but he's
perfectly healthy.)
9.) DOUBT CASTING: This trick consists of dwelling on minor or
trivial flaws in the evidence. (But interestingly this trick doesn't
carry any weight when you try it in reverse, e.g... The Rosemary
Jacobs case is over 50 years old and she never drank colloidal silver
in here life but try convincing them of that.)
10.) THE SNEER: (A good time to end the discussion and get another
beer)
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