Skeptical Inquirer
The magazine began as The Zetetic, a title drawn from Greek words meaning skeptical seeker. Marcello Truzzi edited the first issues with a vision that science and pseudoscience could coexist peacefully. This approach clashed sharply with the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal leadership. Paul Kurtz believed that when paranormal claims gained public attention, the skeptical position needed equal media coverage. He argued the organization must be firmly opposed to nonsense and willing to attack supernatural claims directly. Truzzi resigned after about one year of operation. CSICOP changed the name to Skeptical Inquirer and hired Kendrick Frazier as the new editor. The first issue under this new identity appeared in Fall/Winter 1976.
In 1995, the publication shifted from digest size to standard magazine dimensions. That same year, frequency increased from quarterly to bimonthly distribution cycles. Newsstand circulation joined subscription models to reach broader audiences beyond dedicated readers. Topics expanded far beyond initial paranormal investigations into fringe science and alternative medicine. Articles covered astrology, ufology, homeopathy, New Age movements, politics, cyberterrorism, and climate change denialism. Daniel Loxton noted in 2013 that the magazine birthed modern skepticism within the English-speaking world. It established best practices including specialist experts, professional writers, and periodicals as distinct fields of study. The January/February 2023 issue examined Volume 1, Number 1 against current standards. Craig Foster found that 1976 principles of skepticism still resonated forty-six years later without feeling peculiar.
Barry Karr serves as executive director of both CSI and Skeptical Inquirer. Stephen Hupp, a psychology professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, became editor in June 2023. He replaced Stuart Vyse who held interim duties after Kendrick Frazier passed away in November 2022. The organization launched an audio version of the magazine in 2025 for greater inclusivity. This podcast appears on several major platforms alongside traditional print editions. The shift reflects ongoing efforts to adapt to changing media consumption habits while maintaining core mission goals. Hupp brings academic background to editorial decisions regarding scientific inquiry and critical thinking topics.
Cognitive scientist Douglas Hofstadter wrote in Scientific American during 1982 about the publication's purpose. He stated the goal was simply to combat nonsense using common sense accessible to anyone reading English. No special knowledge or expertise is required to understand articles where nonsensical claims get smashed to smithereens. Paul Kurtz acknowledged in 2009 that the organization would continue researching some paranormal subjects due to existing expertise. However, they began investigating other areas like conspiracy theories and alternative medicine influence. Surveys show millions of Americans accept four out of ten general paranormal topics as true today. Despite organized paranormal lobbies and magical marketing machines, skeptics argue fighting hard enough does good work. Daniel Loxton implored readers that winning ultimate victory over superstition may be impossible but significant progress remains achievable through persistent research and publishing.
Science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson called it his favorite magazine for understanding current public misperceptions. Bill Nye recommended the publication in his 2017 book as promoting aggressive critical thinking needed to immunize people against fakery. Perry DeAngelis and Steven Novella played Dungeons & Dragons together until noticing a copy on Novella's condo table in 1995. DeAngelis pointed out the back page asking what was missing from their local area. They agreed to start the New England Skeptical Society which eventually led to creating the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe podcast. High school teachers appear among the most frequent writers sending thank-you notes to editors. Letters reveal how vital the magazine has been to students, friends, clergy members, radio talk-show hosts, and many other professions. The community relies heavily on this feedback loop to understand real-world impact beyond academic circles.
Eric Zorn wrote that the publication remains a favorite of those who can handle the truth. An exhibition titled Some Provocations from Skeptical Inquirers opened at Baruch College Mishkin Gallery in February 2016. Artists Ellen Levy and Patricia Olynyk created works plumb ing depths of murky ontological sea regarding empirical belief. Reviewer William Corwin stated artwork represented built-in confrontation between fact and fiction. This playful willingness to consider unlikely phenomena formed basis of the original magazine itself. Daniel Loxton described discovering the publication as a freshman at university in his essay Ode to Joy. The organization continues shaping modern critical thinking movements through sustained engagement with public discourse. Its influence extends far beyond initial paranormal focus into broader scientific literacy efforts across generations.
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Common questions
When did the magazine Skeptical Inquirer first appear under its current name?
The first issue under the new identity of Skeptical Inquirer appeared in Fall/Winter 1976. This change occurred after Paul Kurtz led CSICOP to replace editor Marcello Truzzi and hire Kendrick Frazier as the new editor.
Who currently serves as the executive director of CSI and Skeptical Inquirer?
Barry Karr serves as the executive director of both CSI and Skeptical Inquirer. Stephen Hupp became the editor in June 2023 following the death of Kendrick Frazier in November 2022.
What was the original title of the publication before it became Skeptical Inquirer?
The magazine began as The Zetetic, a title drawn from Greek words meaning skeptical seeker. Marcello Truzzi edited the first issues with this vision until he resigned after about one year of operation.
How has the distribution frequency of Skeptical Inquirer changed since 1995?
In 1995, the frequency increased from quarterly to bimonthly distribution cycles. That same year the publication shifted from digest size to standard magazine dimensions to reach broader audiences.
Why did Daniel Loxton describe the magazine as birthing modern skepticism within the English-speaking world?
Daniel Loxton noted in 2013 that the magazine established best practices including specialist experts, professional writers, and periodicals as distinct fields of study. It continues shaping modern critical thinking movements through sustained engagement with public discourse.