# Is there anything that cannot be criticized, or cannot be treated with scepticism ... **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 25, 2012, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964 "2012-04-25T22:46:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2012, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/21 "2012-04-25T23:59:59Z")
Who’s this nobody and why did he believe in gravity? ---
**Author:** ![Kenm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bc79bd/32.png) [@Kenm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kenm)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/22 "2012-04-26T00:17:11Z")
> [@Otkakonmiskilic](#): > > Is there anything that cannot be criticized, cannot be treated with scepticism, or/and cannot be doubted by? By whom? ---
**Author:** ![coffeecat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coffeecat/32/3405_2.png) [@coffeecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coffeecat)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/23 "2012-04-26T00:53:04Z")
A implies A. I have a toothache. I like raspberry ice cream. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/24 "2012-04-26T00:57:01Z")
> [@Otkakonmiskilic](#): > > We don’t even have the possibility or knowledge to criticize. Or we are sure that it is true. Bearing in mind that criticism, skepticism and doubt have three very different definitions, my opinion is that no subject should be above any of the three. Do _you_ think that there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism? If so, what are they? ---
**Author:** ![CJJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecc23a/32.png) [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/25 "2012-04-26T04:44:18Z")
Of course anything and everything is subject to criticism, skepticism, and doubt. IMO these are far better routes to sure knowledge than acceptance, credulity, and belief–even if each end up at the same conclusion. I wonder, however, if the OP is referring to a general philosophy of skepticism. If so I think most people would concede that an overaching skepticism is impractical–I can’t spend my day doubting every fact, observation, or sensation that comes my way. If the question is, when do criticism, skepticism, or doubt go too far to live a practical life–well, you got me… ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/26 "2012-04-26T15:58:18Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > No I am skeptical of this answer. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/27 "2012-04-26T16:20:31Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > I am skeptical of this answer. I doubt that. ---
**Author:** ![Otkakonmiskilic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Otkakonmiskilic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otkakonmiskilic)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/28 "2012-04-26T16:20:52Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Do _you_ think that there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism? If so, what are they? I don’t think there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism. Why did you think that I can think that there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/29 "2012-04-26T16:23:18Z")
> [@Otkakonmiskilic](#): > > I don’t think there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism. Why did you think that I can think that there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism? You brought the topic up in the first place, so it’s only proper that you give your own opinion on it, right? ---
**Author:** ![Otkakonmiskilic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Otkakonmiskilic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otkakonmiskilic)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/30 "2012-04-26T16:29:29Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > You brought the topic up in the first place, so it’s only proper that you give your own opinion on it, right? Do I have to give my own opinion in this section of forum when creating a thread? If so, then I give my opinion; I don’t think there are subjects (or anything) that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism, including this. You seem to have a formalist attitude even toward creating thread on forums. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/31 "2012-04-26T16:32:57Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I doubt that. Me too. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/32 "2012-04-26T17:02:49Z")
> [@Otkakonmiskilic](#): > > I don’t think there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism. Why did you think that I can think that there are subjects that should not be criticized and/or doubted and/or met with skepticism? You can think anything you want. Clearly the OP is not something not subject to criticism. And while you don’t have to offer your opinion, since this thread is rapidly degenerating into a joke thread (is there a word that indicates that this could be an improvement?) you might want to tell us what you mean. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/33 "2012-04-26T17:04:18Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Gravity comes to mind. Heavy, man. ---
**Author:** ![colonial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/34f0e0/32.png) [@colonial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colonial)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/34 "2012-04-26T17:17:45Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Gravity comes to mind. That’s a good one. Light is another. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/35 "2012-04-26T17:24:45Z")
> [@colonial](#): > > That’s a good one. > > Light is another. Both can be criticized: It’s too damn bright in here, causing me to trip over the cat and land on my butt. ---
**Author:** ![BunnyTVS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BunnyTVS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BunnyTVS)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/36 "2012-04-26T17:27:05Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Me too. Are you sure? ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/37 "2012-04-26T17:32:51Z")
I would say that existence isn’t profitable to question. I mean if you’re a solipsist, you have nothing of value to add to the discussion. Mind you, this doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t, but if you’re going to question the very reality we live in, nothing can convince you of anything. Science is meaningless, relationships are meaningless. Even video games! ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/38 "2012-04-26T17:50:41Z")
> [@BunnyTVS](#): > > Are you sure? Not entirely, no. I have my doubts about my doubts, but less so than I do about my certainties. ---
**Author:** ![Doubticus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@Doubticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doubticus)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/39 "2012-04-26T17:53:53Z")
The act of critique does not require knowledge or wisdom, thus everything can be discounted. +bonus, one liner. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Otkakonmiskilic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Otkakonmiskilic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otkakonmiskilic)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2012, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964/40 "2012-04-26T18:08:23Z")
It’s no longer one line: [http://i.imgur.com/t539I.png](http://i.imgur.com/t539I.png) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-that-cannot-be-criticized-or-cannot-be-treated-with-scepticism/619964.md?page=3)