Skeptical inquiry is a method of questioning and evaluating claims, beliefs, and information to determine their validity. It emphasizes critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, encouraging individuals to seek reliable sources and question assumptions. This approach is often applied in fields like science, philosophy, and journalism to distinguish between fact and fiction. The practice of skeptical inquiry involves examining the quality of evidence, considering alternative explanations, and recognizing cognitive biases. It is a fundamental aspect of the scientific method, which relies on testing hypotheses and peer review. Prominent figures in this field include Carl Sagan and James Randi, who advocated for rational thinking and debunking pseudoscience.