Skeptiset

Skeptiset is a Finnish term used to describe people who adopt a skeptical stance or the set of beliefs associated with skepticism. The word combines the adjective skeptical, skeptical in Finnish, with a plural suffix, and can function as a collective noun in reference to a group of skeptics.

In everyday Finnish usage, skeptiset may refer to individuals who require evidence before accepting claims, engage in critical thinking, and aim to oppose unverified assertions, pseudoscience, or misinformation. The term can also describe attitudes, arguments, or positions that emphasize doubt or cautious acceptance rather than outright rejection or belief.

Skeptiset are commonly mentioned in media, online discussion, and academic writing to denote either individual skeptics or the broader skeptical community. There is no single official organization named Skeptiset in Finland, but the ethos aligns with science communication, critical thinking, and scientific skepticism that are represented by various groups and initiatives working to evaluate extraordinary claims and promote evidence-based reasoning.

Historically, the use of the word reflects the influence of English skeptical terminology and, less directly, French cognates in Finnish. The plural form is handy when discussing multiple skeptics or a community rather than a single person.

Notable considerations in skeptical discourse include a focus on evidence, reproducibility, and source evaluation. At the same time, debates around skepticism can be polarized in online environments, and the term may be employed with pejorative connotations in some discussions.

See also: Skepticism, Scientific skepticism, Critical thinking, Debunking, Finland.