About Polonius

What am I? Skeptic? Humanist? Something else?

I’m a scientist by training and inclination. I think the word “rational” best describes my views.

The word “skeptic” has some notable aficionados, but I feel it’s been devalued in the UK by the use of the term “eurosceptic” to mean “rabid, drooling, xenophobe“. I’m not a member of the Skeptics Society, but may join one of these days.

I dislike the term “bright“, but it certainly seems to have attracted lots of sensible rational people.

Then there’s “humanist”, but should I support the British Humanist Association or the more local Humanist Society of Scotland or even the global International Humanist and Ethical Union?

I am  a member of the (UK) National Secular Society.

I might join Project Reason, but I’m not sure whether to use my real name there.

I’ve just discovered the Rationalist Association, publishers of New Humanist magazine, now available in newsagents – I’ll have a read at that. I’ve long been aware of New Humanist, and indeed follow its blog, but I didn’t know the publisher used my preferred description “rationalist” in its name. I might read the mag, and maybe even join!