Andy Shaw

Word of the week: Sceptic

  • From Spectator Life
Cartoon: Guy Venables

Definition: A person who questions the beliefs of others

Lord Sumption, is a sceptic. The former Supreme Court judge has questioned the government’s lockdown policies and raised uncomfortable questions: ‘are we punishing too many for the greater good?’; ‘is the life of my grandchildren worth more than my own, because they have much more of it ahead?’ These are moral questions about the value that we place on each life, as well as the price that we are prepared to pay to prevent death. There are no easy answers. 

But now is not the time for debate. The enlightenment spawned an array of critical thinkers, sceptics and dissenters. By testing theories, challenging hypotheses and questioning orthodoxies, societies became dynamic fulcrums of innovation and progress. However, times have changed. Questions are a luxury that we can no longer afford. They undermine the simple message of ‘stay at home’. It is harmful to consider the possibility that lockdowns are doing more harm than good. Critical

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