Skepticism is the principle that you should not automatically believe every opinion, theory or informnation that you come across. It's the principle that you should try to verify data as best you can and independently assess opinion and theory. Skepticism means you don't assume something is true or sensible until you can conclude it to be so via critical thinking.
Cynicism is the principle that you should automatically assume as false or dishonest every (or most) theory, opinion or data that you come across. It's the principle that anything that doesn't correspond to your existing beliefs cannot possibly be demonstrated as true or sensible no matter what. Cynicism is as much an antithesis to critical thinking as naivete.
Skepticism is necessary to have a functioning society and be a functioning adult. Cynicism is corrosive to both.
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