3

I think of a skeptic as one who thinks critically of whatever statement they encounter (looking for alternate explanations, questioning sources, etc.)

Is there a different word for unevenly applied skepticism, e.g. if I am skeptical of things which challenge my worldview, and credulous of things which support it?

Improve this question
6
  • 2
    I think the term is "anti-scientist".
    – Hot Licks
    Jan 3, 2017 at 23:06
  • (Note that you are resistant to situations causing cognitive dissonance.)
    – Hot Licks
    Jan 3, 2017 at 23:08
  • 3
    Close enough to confirmation bias for me to call it that. I'm not going delve any deeper.
    – stevesliva
    Jan 3, 2017 at 23:15
  • @stevesliva As far as I can see, that is the most apt answer.
    – Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_
    Jan 4, 2017 at 0:11
  • 1
    closed-minded
    – Drew
    Jan 4, 2017 at 1:52

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
3

A biased person has a lopsided view of facts, and interprets them according to their interest.

  • biased - "having a preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment"; "a particular tendency, trend, inclination, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned"

  • lopsided - "leaning to one side"

Improve this answer
2

This doesn't quite capture the whole sense of a "one-sided skeptic", but would cover many instances of a partial and preferential diluted sort of skepticism:

hypocrite

a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings

the hypocrites who criticize other people for not voting but who don't always vote themselves

Improve this answer
1

Conformist:

A person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices.

Source: Oxford Living Dictionaries (English).

Improve this answer
3
  • Hi, Assen Robin, and welcome to English Language & Usage. This site emphasizes giving appropriate credit to outside sources of information (such as the definition that you cite in your answer). I have added a link to the probable source of that definition; please provide similar source credits in your future answers on this site. Thanks!
    – Sven Yargs
    Jan 4, 2017 at 2:14
  • @SvenYargs Sorry for the inconvenience to you. And thanks for reminding me!
    – GoodluckH
    Jan 4, 2017 at 2:43
  • No problem. I'm upvoting your answer now because I think it's a valid suggestion (with a linked reference!), and I appreciate your taking my comment in the spirit intended.
    – Sven Yargs
    Jan 4, 2017 at 2:48
1

My favorite adjective to denote such attitudes is blinkered.

ODO:

blinkered ADJECTIVE

1.1 Having or showing a narrow or limited outlook:
‘a blinkered attitude’

‘I'm sorry that you feel I'm so clearly blinkered and entrenched and incapable of having a reasoned discussion about it.’

Another word which works is prejudiced.

ODO:

prejudiced ADJECTIVE

Having or showing a dislike or distrust that is derived from prejudice; bigoted: ‘prejudiced views’

‘Of course, these beliefs do not reflect reality; they reflect the prejudiced views of those who hold them.

prejudice NOUN

1 Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

‘Some prejudices (preconceived opinions of an individual based on opinions about the many) have names such as racism, sexism, or ageism.’

Also, intransigent.

ODO:

intransigent ADJECTIVE

Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something:
‘her father had tried persuasion, but she was intransigent’

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.