Arizona Skeptic - Vol 2 No 2 - 1988

Magazine Overview

The Arizona Skeptic, Volume 2, Issue 2, published in September/October 1988, is a bimonthly publication of the Phoenix Skeptics and the Tucson Skeptical Society (TUSKS). It aims to subject claims of the paranormal, occult, and fringe sciences to scientific scrutiny, act as a clearinghouse for factual information, and promote critical thinking and the scientific method.

Hipe-nosis: A Skeptical Look at Hypnosis

This article by Jim Lippard reviews a presentation by Dr. Michael Preston on hypnosis. Preston, who runs the Institute of Medical Hypnosis, presented a dualistic theory of consciousness, viewing the mind as a spiritual substance controlling the body. Lippard contrasts this with the prevailing materialist paradigm in neuroscience and philosophy. Preston's theory of hypnosis suggests a reduced conscious mind activity and increased subconscious activity, where suggestions are accepted unless they conflict with moral principles or self-preservation. He claims hypnosis can eliminate undesirable subconscious beliefs causing addiction, overeating, and physical illnesses, citing ongoing research at Phoenix Baptist Hospital into using hypnosis to increase T-helper cells by suggestion.

Lippard points out a contradiction in Preston's claims: while he can stimulate T-cell production via suggestion, he cannot eliminate a migraine headache without identifying its cause, fearing it would mask the true problem. Preston claims high success rates for smoking cessation (97%), weight loss (98%), and cancer (72%), though further details on the cancer statistic reveal it's based on improving quality of life and longevity for most cases.

Preston also described hypnosis as an anesthetic, recounting a case of a patient with a brain tumor who died of a 'broken heart' rather than cancer, with the tumor reportedly shriveled. He also used self-hypnosis during his own knee surgery, requiring only a tenth of the usual anesthetic. Lippard notes that claims of hypnosis as a panacea are not new, dating back to figures like Paracelsus and Mesmer.

The article discusses the 'social-psychological interpretation' of hypnosis, developed by T.X. Barber and Nicholas Spanos, which posits that hypnotic effects are due to suggestion and social context, rather than a unique 'trance state.' Research by Spanos and others indicates that unhypnotized subjects can repress pain and exhibit amnesia, blindness, and deafness under suggestion, similar to hypnotized subjects. Lippard concludes that while much is yet to be learned about hypnosis, many claims of its benefits have been exaggerated, labeling them 'hype-nosis.'

Book Review: Nostradamus and His Prophecies

Jim Lippard reviews Edgar Leoni's book, which offers a translation and commentary on Nostradamus' prophecies. Leoni's work is praised for its careful English translation alongside the original French, critical commentaries, and notes on forged prophecies. The book also includes a biography of Nostradamus, a bibliography, historical context, and genealogical charts. Leoni aims for a neutral approach, presenting both seeming successes and failures of the prophecies.

The review highlights Leoni's skepticism towards the common interpretation of Century I, #35, as predicting the death of Henry II. Leoni argues against this interpretation based on the age difference, emblem usage, and the nature of the event (a tournament, not a 'field of battle'). He suggests Nostradamus might have seen Henry II as a 'new Charlemagne.'

Another example discussed is Century VI, #2, interpreted by some to relate to the 'Seventh War' in France (1580) and Louis XIV's defiance in the War of the Spanish Succession (1703). Leoni's commentary on the interpretation of Spain's transformation under Louis XIV is also noted.

The book's extensive index, which cross-references quatrains by themes like 'earthquakes,' is deemed a useful feature. Lippard uses this to find a prophecy potentially related to a California earthquake on May 10, 1988 (Century IX, #83), though Leoni only notes its 'apocalyptic flavor.' Lippard highly recommends the book for those interested in Nostradamus.

Recipe for Successful Local Group

Kent Harker provides advice on forming and maintaining a successful skeptics' group, drawing from the experience of the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS). Key elements include identifying a 'point man' for media interaction, overcoming the excuse of lack of time, leveraging media interest in controversy (e.g., UFO stories), and building a network of active individuals. He emphasizes the importance of media awareness, where groups become known to the press, leading to regular calls for commentary. The need for a cadre of seasoned experts who can deliver strong presentations is highlighted.

Harker stresses that a few capable individuals cannot sustain a group long-term; an expanding network is crucial. He mentions Don Henvick's role in exposing faith-healers and Shawn Carlson's work on weeping statues as examples of significant contributions. The article notes that BAS has gained national recognition through members' efforts and publications.

Acknowledging the natural tendency towards discouragement when facing widespread irrationality, Harker emphasizes the value of monthly meetings and direct contact with other skeptics to combat feelings of isolation and to provide a counterpoint to misinformation. He argues that the U.S. public education system has failed by focusing on facts rather than critical thinking, and that skeptics' groups can fill this vacuum by teaching critical thinking skills.

Publishing, particularly a newsletter, is identified as a crucial activity, accounting for 90% of a group's budget and effort. The newsletter must excel in appearance and content to be credible. Investing in a quality product is seen as a test of commitment. Newsletters also allow quieter members to contribute. Finally, Harker highlights the importance of CSICOP's national journal and international network for support and encouragement.

Upcoming Meetings

This section lists upcoming meetings for the Phoenix Skeptics and TUSKS. The Phoenix Skeptics typically meet on the last Saturday of the month at Jerry's restaurant in Tempe. Special events include a talk by David Alexander on "Why people choose to believe in miracles" at the Phoenix main library and a presentation by Erv Theobold on the theory of consciousness from a behavioral psychology perspective.

September Meeting: Astrology

Gary Mechler, an astronomer, presented on astrology, discussing its lack of scientific basis and the reasons for people's susceptibility to belief. Mechler explained that astrology and astronomy share origins in Ptolemy's work, but that the precession of the equinox has shifted sun-signs by about 30 days. He also noted that constellations do not occupy uniform 30-degree segments of the sky and that Ophiuchus is an unacknowledged 13th constellation. Furthermore, the positions of planets within the zodiac affect people regardless of their actual distance from Earth, a factor not accounted for by astrologers.

Mechler explained that astrology seems to work due to people remembering 'hits' and forgetting 'misses.' Astrologers offer a less expensive alternative to counseling, providing feedback and validation. Many astrologers, if initially skeptical, come to believe in astrology due to perceived successes. Scientific testing of astrology has consistently shown its predictive and analytical value to be no better than random chance. Studies also indicate that people rate horoscope-derived personality profiles highly, even when prepared using opposite information, suggesting that the broadness of horoscope descriptions allows for subjective validation.

October Meeting: Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs)

Judy Sawyer reports on a meeting featuring Dr. Janet Lee Mitchell, a parapsychologist researching gross phenomena. Dr. Mitchell discussed the work of Ingo Swann, who claims to have had numerous OBEs. During the discussion, Dr. Mitchell acknowledged that controls in experiments with Swann might have been lax, and he was not visually monitored for duplicity. A recurring issue in parapsychology research, according to Dr. Mitchell, is the lack of funding, which often leads to experiments being halted before completion.

Editor's Ramblings

The editor, Ron Harvey, apologizes for the late and smaller-than-usual issue, citing the need to save material for future editions. He appeals for contributions, including letters and book reviews. Harvey recounts a disappointing October meeting where an impasse was reached, but expresses happiness that most members settled down when Dr. Mitchell's presentation was allowed to continue. He notes Michael Stackpole's successful presentation on KFYI discussing hypnotic regression to past lives, highlighting the reasonable alternative explanation presented.

The editor mentions missing the 'Focus on You' expo due to attending the CSICOP conference in Chicago. He also provides information about the mailing labels, explaining the meaning of 'v2n1' and 'v2n2' regarding subscription renewals. The next newsletter is expected in January, unless the editor gets too involved in skydiving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, particularly hypnosis and astrology, through the lens of skepticism. The publication actively promotes scientific methodology, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk exaggerated claims and provide rational explanations for phenomena often attributed to the supernatural or unexplained. The importance of organized skeptic groups in disseminating accurate information and fostering critical thinking is also a prominent theme.