The Skeptic's Dictionary website originated in 1994 as a collection of ten articles intended for college students, eventually expanding into a massive global repository of critical inquiry. Robert Todd Carroll, a dedicated professor and philosopher, utilized this digital platform to challenge pseudoscientific claims while simultaneously educating his readers on the fundamental principles of logical reasoning and empirical evidence.
Academic Foundation and Early Beliefs
Born in Joliet, Illinois, in 1945, Carroll moved to San Diego during his childhood. His initial educational path led him through the University of Notre Dame and into a seminary, though he departed in 1965. He eventually earned a PhD in philosophy from the University of California, San Diego, in 1974. His doctoral thesis analyzed the religious philosophy of Edward Stillingfleet, marking an early interest in the tension between faith and rational thought.
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Carroll began his teaching career at Lassen Community College before moving to Sacramento City College in 1977. For thirty years, he instructed students in logic, critical thinking, and the philosophy of religion until his retirement in 2007. During this tenure, he moved away from his Catholic upbringing, finding that religious arguments often failed the test of rational scrutiny, which steered him toward atheism and naturalism.
The Skeptic’s Dictionary and Public Outreach
Inspired by Pierre Bayle, Carroll launched his long-running website, skepdic.com, following a period of personal loss in 1992. The site provided a methodical approach to evaluating claims regarding the paranormal, occult, and pseudoscience. His work gained further reach through his textbook, Becoming a Critical Thinker, and his participation in skepticism conferences, including events in Dublin and Berkeley. He was elected a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry in 2010.
Final Years
In 2014, Carroll was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer with liver metastasis. Despite his illness, he continued his work until his health declined further in 2016. He passed away on August 25, 2016, in Davis, California, survived by his wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren. His contributions continue to circulate through his published books and the enduring digital archive he created.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Joliet, Illinois
- Died: 2016, Davis, California
- Education: University of California, San Diego (PhD)
- Career: Professor of Philosophy, Sacramento City College
- Notable Work: The Skeptic's Dictionary
- Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
- Religion: Atheism
Questions readers ask
What inspired the Skeptic's Dictionary?
Carroll was inspired by Pierre Bayle's Historical and Critical Dictionary and a desire to encourage students to analyze claims critically.
When did Carroll start his skeptical website?
He launched the Skeptic's Dictionary in 1994 after learning HTML code.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of California, San Diego and Sacramento City College
- Fields: philosophy
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