Skeptical Inquirer: The Magazine for Science and Reason

Skeptical Inquirer (S.I.) is a bimonthly American general-audience magazine dedicated to the promotion of science and reason. Published by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), the publication serves as a critical bulwark against pseudoscience and paranormal claims, aiming to debunk misconceptions and encourage a rigorous, evidence-based approach to understanding the world.

A History of Inquiry and Evolution

The magazine began its journey under the title The Zetetic (derived from the Greek for "skeptical seeker"), edited by Marcello Truzzi. However, a philosophical divide soon emerged between Truzzi and the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP). While Truzzi preferred a more neutral coexistence between science and pseudoscience, CSICOP—led by founder Paul Kurtz—believed in a more aggressive stance against supernatural claims to ensure the skeptical position received adequate media attention.

Following Truzzi's resignation, the publication was renamed Skeptical Inquirer, and Kendrick Frazier was appointed as editor. The first issue under the new name was released in the Fall/Winter of 1976. Over the decades, the magazine evolved from a quarterly digest-sized publication to a bimonthly standard magazine with newsstand availability, starting in 1995.

Leadership and Legacy

For many years, the magazine was guided by the editorial vision of Kendrick Frazier (1977–2022). Following his passing, Stuart Vyse served as interim editor before Stephen Hupp, a professor of psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, took over the role in June 2023. Barry Karr continues to serve as the Executive Director of both CSI and Skeptical Inquirer.

Focus and Editorial Scope

The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry utilizes the magazine to publish findings from independent scientists and investigators. The scope of the publication is broad, covering various "fringe" topics including:

• Paranormalism and Psychic Phenomena: Investigating claims of ghosts, telepathy, and mediumship.
• Pseudoscience: Analyzing astrology, homeopathy, and New Age beliefs.
• Ufology: Applying scientific rigor to claims of extraterrestrial visitation.
• General Science and Society: Addressing topics such as cyberterrorism and political misinformation.

Cognitive scientist Douglas Hofstadter noted in 1982 that the magazine's primary goal is to "combat nonsense" using accessible language that requires only a "curiosity about truth" rather than specialized expertise.

Reception and Global Influence

Skeptical Inquirer has been praised by some of the world's most prominent science communicators. Neil deGrasse Tyson has cited it as his favorite magazine for identifying current societal "misthinking," while Bill Nye has recommended it as a tool to "immunize us to fakery" through aggressive critical thinking.

Beyond its readership, the magazine has inspired the creation of other skeptical organizations. For instance, Perry DeAngelis and Steven Novella founded the New England Skeptical Society and the popular Skeptic's Guide to the Universe (SGU) podcast after noticing a lack of local skeptic groups in the magazine's listings. Its influence is particularly strong among educators, who frequently write to the editors to express how vital the publication is for their students.