devvyn

Well, I have my first client in my new casual web development business.  A friend of mine referred one of his previous clients to me and so now I’ve taken over.  He’s an alternative health practitioner in Saskatoon.  I have a pretty skeptical attitude about things like homeopathy, iridology, Ayurveda, acupuncture, magnet therapy, astrology, herbalism and naturopathy.  That’s not to say I outright deny all benefits of following these treatment modalities, it’s just that I’m way more convinced by the scientific method when it comes down to demonstrating efficacy.  Homeopathy and astrology in particular are so far fetched I doubt there will ever be empirical evidence to support them. (Note: in true pretentious asshole fashion I’ve linked each pseudoscience to statements criticizing them.)

I don’t want to start an emotional debate about alternative health philosophies.  I’m also not claiming to be a fountain of unquestionable knowledge.  I think you should look at some (preferably objective) viewpoints and seriously criticize them, and look for holes that can’t be filled.  Start by digging around in the skeptical community, who pride themselves in critical thinking.  Skeptics can be persuaded to change their minds, it’s just that they can actually decide what it would take to convince them, whereas “true believers” are pathologically averted to losing their grip on their own pre-established beliefs.

Recommended critical thinking podcasts: Skeptic’s Guide 5×5, The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe, and Skeptoid.

Nonetheless, getting my hands on HTML again is kind of fun, and this is a paid job.  Considering I’m not employed full time, this is nice for me.  I’ll just have to be professional and non-judgemental if I want to take this seriously.  I can separate my feelings from my work, so this should be fine.

Originally published at www.Devvyn.com. You can comment here or there.