Debunker

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Debunkers are scientific skeptics who attempt to disprove and pursue what they consider to be false, unscientific, bizarre or abnormal claims. The ultimate intent of the debunking, according to some, is to conclusively disprove the validity of an event, theory, and/or phenomenon by exposing it as nonsense. According to Wiktionary (see external link), debunk means To discredit, or expose to ridicule the falsehood or the exaggerated claims of something.

Topics that many debunkers focus on include U.F.O.s, claimed paranormal phenomena, research outside mainstream science, or general pseudoscience. The debunker is applied when a professional performs research and/or writes an article with the specific intent of proving or disproving a bizarre or abnormal claim, such as those about U.F.O.s or other paranormal phenomena, and conclusively disproves the validity of the event and/or object.

As a slang term, debunking is the act of disproval of a proposal or theory, generally in an academic or scientific sense. The term debunk originated in 1923, when American novelist William Woodward (1874-1950) used it to mean to "take the bunk out of things."

Often the term "debunkery" is not limited to arguments about scientific validity. It can also be used in a more general sense at attempts to discredit any opposing point of view, such as that of a political opponent. However, the further debunkery is removed from objective argument of fact, the more likely it is to become just another form of propaganda. The TV show (as of 2005) MythBusters debunks current urban legends and myths.

1 Criticism
2 Well-known debunkers
3 External articles
4 Quote

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Criticism

Many debunkers are rather controversial because they have strong opinions and can be vocal about things which may offend people, such as religion and what they label pseudosciences. Some, such as Marcello Truzzi (who himself was a skeptic), maintain that some debunkers are excessively and dishonestly skeptical, and thus not true skeptics but pseudoskeptics. According to Truzzi, real skeptics are neutral or agnostic, often critical of new claims, but not vehemently opposed to them. They want better evidence. In contrast, pseudoskeptics are simply deniers with an agenda and often use unscientific arguments to debunk what they oppose. Truzzi argued that many things that pseudoskeptics label pseudoscience would be more aptly described as "protosciences" still struggling to establish mainstream acceptance. It is argued there are many historical examples of where pseudoskepticism seriously hindered scientific progress by unreasonably opposing introduction of radical new ideas. On the other hand, true skepticism would recognize the need for better evidence, but not actively oppose, ridicule, or discourage further investigation by serious and qualified researchers.

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Well-known debunkers

Fang Zhouzi, nom de plume of Fang Shimin, a Chinese scholar living in the U.S., a Ph.D. in biochemistry, freelance writer, exposes misconduct mostly in Chinese academia, news, and businesses. Owner of the Chinese website New Threads which aids his debunking activities in addition to publishing original literary works. He was reported in the column News Focus of the prestigious journal, Science, on August 10, 2001.(An article about Fang Zhouzi)
Harry Houdini, one of the most famous magicians, escapologists, and stunt performers of all time, who also wrote on debunking.
Philip J. Klass was a debunker of UFOs.
Abraham Kovoor was a Sri Lankan professor known for exposing the prominent Indian guru Sathya Sai Baba.
Penn and Teller, a two-man magic and comedy team, who have become associated with skepticism. In particular, see their debunking show Bullshit!.
Philip Plait, a.k.a. The Bad Astronomer, is a debunker of various theories related to space and astronomy. Most of these (and clearing up of other astronomy-related misconceptions) are accessible at his website.[1]
Basava Premanand is a full time Indian skeptic from Tamil Nadu, publisher of the magazine the Indian Skeptic.
James Randi is a skeptic and opponent of pseudoscience, Founded the James Randi Educational Foundation