Final answer:
Professional skepticism is a critical and questioning mindset used by auditors to evaluate evidence, not a default disposition of distrust.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professional skepticism does not equate to an auditor's tendency not to believe anyone, which is a misunderstanding of the concept. Rather, professional skepticism is a critical assessment approach that requires auditors to have a questioning mind and to critically assess audit evidence.
Philosophical skepticism can be broken down into 'global skepticism', which questions all knowledge, and 'local skepticism', which doubts specific areas of knowledge. However, in auditing, professional skepticism actually implies a balanced level of doubt and trust.
Auditors must thoroughly investigate when warranted, but they do not automatically assume deception from the onset. It's important not to conflate philosophical skepticism, which can be global or local, with professional skepticism, which is a necessary perspective for carrying out an auditor's duties effectively and ethically.