But if a propensity to religious behaviour really is an evolved trait , then they have talked themselves into a position where they cannot benefit from it , much as a sceptic cannot benefit from the placebo effect of homeopathy .
The sceptic 's explanation for this unexpected change might be that temasek has lost a lot of money .
怀疑者称这次突如其来的转变会使淡马锡遭受大幅损失。
A noted sceptic on the dotcom and housing booms , he closed his short-only fund ( which bet on falling prices ) in 2008 .
作为对互联网和房地产繁荣的著名怀疑论者,他在2008年关闭了公司空头基金(做空,即赌股价下跌)。
When we hear the word " sceptic " , we probably think of someone who insists on proof , refuses to take anything on faith , and perhaps takes issue with organised religion .
At this point a sceptic could argue that none of this matters much , since students are paid a handsome premium for their degree and on the whole earn back their investment over a lifetime .
That experience gives one useful definition of a sceptic , as mr shermer understands the term : one who is aware of the fallibility of intuitions , and willing to take steps to minimise them .