Arizona Skeptic - Vol 2 No 4 - 1989

Magazine Overview

The Arizona Skeptic, Volume 2, Issue 4, published in January/February 1989, is a 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.

Let's Be Serious: Defensive Skepticism by Michael Stackpole

Michael Stackpole outlines a strategy for skeptics to engage with proponents of New Age beliefs. He argues that while a common basis of agreement is ideal, many people operate with flawed foundations, making reasonable discussion difficult. The key to winning the skeptical battle, he asserts, is to encourage critical thinking. Skeptics often face frustration due to the difficulty in pinning down 'experts' in New Age fields. Stackpole proposes a game plan to tip discussions in favor of logic and reason:

1. Define Terms: Skeptics should press for clear definitions of pseudo-scientific jargon, such as 'virus blood (life) disease infection' or 'food fuel' in the context of AIDS and fasting claims. This helps to expose misinformation and misdirection.
2. Get Facts and Double Check Sources: It is crucial to research topics thoroughly and verify sources, as new discoveries can be incorporated into claims to make them seem credible. The example of the 'Nemesis' theory for meteor showers is cited as a discredited hypothesis that could be misused.
3. Examine Qualifications: While not doubting honesty, skeptics should question the relevance of a person's professional qualifications (e.g., doctor, lawyer) to the specific claims being made, especially in areas like UFO sightings. The case of Dr. Roger Ballmen, whose existence could not be verified by medical associations, is used to illustrate this point.
4. Don't Knee-Jerk Criticize: Outlandish claims should be addressed logically rather than dismissed outright, which can make skeptics appear shrill. The discussion should be brought back to a logical basis, forcing the opposition to explain their phenomena.
5. Roll with the Punches: Skeptics should avoid engaging in ad hominem attacks and instead refocus the discussion on the subject at hand. Personal attacks should be labeled as such and used to highlight the opponent's inability to refute the argument.
6. Stick to the Basics: The role of skeptics is likened to the child in 'The Emperor's New Clothes,' pointing out logical problems with claims. They should ask questions that others might ask if given the opportunity, such as the mechanism by which planets exert influence.

Stackpole emphasizes that leaving an impression of being reasonable, civil, and dedicated to truth is more important than winning every argument, as this builds credibility for the skeptical movement.

Behaviorism and Consciousness by Jim Lippard

Jim Lippard discusses a talk given by Erv Theobold on behavioral theory and consciousness. Lippard notes that many of Theobold's points were met with criticism, but some are plausible. Key controversial claims by Theobold included:

• Natural Language as a Prerequisite for Consciousness: This was met with skepticism, though Lippard references Julian Jaynes' theory that consciousness arose after human language development.
• Language is Not Innate: Lippard agrees that Chomsky's claims of innate language are exaggerated but disagrees that humans have no innate language capacities.
• Thought as 'Covert Verbal Behavior': Lippard disputes the 'covert verbal behavior' aspect but acknowledges evidence that mental images differ from 'pictures in the head'.
• 'Mentalism' is Indefensible: Lippard believes 'consciousness' terms are not yet superfluous and are necessary for practical reasoning.

Lippard provides a bibliography for further research on these topics.

In Response by Erwin Theobold, Ph. D.

Erv Theobold responds to Jim Lippard's critique. He clarifies his stance on natural language as a prerequisite for self-consciousness, depending on the definition. He also acknowledges that behaviorism does not deny a genetic capacity for language and suggests that other species might possess language capacities. Theobold also clarifies that not all thought is 'covert verbal behavior,' noting that imagery is not verbal and that much of what is called thought is verbal but not necessarily covert. He attributes some of the confusion to the rapid-fire nature of the Q&A session.

Book Reviews

Mindspell by Kay Nolte Smith (Reviewed by Judy Sawyer)

Judy Sawyer reviews 'Mindspell,' a fictional work that debunks paranormal claims while being an intriguing story. The book explores themes of religion vs. genetic engineering, spiritualism vs. science, and witchcraft vs. reason, with elements of romance and suspense. Sawyer highlights how 'mediums' use personal items and large databases for their 'magic.' She quotes Andrew M. Greeley, who calls the book a critique of those who create 'special mysteries' and cause havoc.

Science And Earth History by A. Strahler (Reviewed by Roger Mann)

Roger Mann reviews Arthur Strahler's book, which details creationist attacks on science and provides scientific refutations. Strahler, a geologist, addresses topics such as science philosophy, cosmology, astronomy, geology, the fossil record, and evolution. The review emphasizes Strahler's argument that 'creation science' is an oxymoron and clarifies the philosophical differences between creationism and science. It also covers how Strahler refutes the 'second law of Thermodynamics fallacy' used by creationists and provides an overview of crustal geology.

Eyewitness Testimony by Elizabeth F. Loftus (Reviewed by Jim Lippard)

Jim Lippard reviews Elizabeth Loftus' book on eyewitness testimony, noting its relevance to paranormal investigations. The book details how human memory works in three stages (acquisition, retention, retrieval) and how each stage is prone to error. Factors influencing acquisition include time, exposure, salience, stress, and expectations. Retention can be affected by postevent information, and retrieval can be influenced by the retrieval environment, question wording, and authority figures. Lippard concludes that the book is a useful read for anyone conducting eyewitness investigations.

ESP and Psychokinesis: A Philosophical Examination by Stephen E. Braude (Reviewed by Jim Lippard)

Jim Lippard reviews Stephen Braude's book, which applies philosophical analysis to parapsychology. Braude's conceptual analysis is found to be most successful, particularly in defining terms like 'telepathic interaction' and 'psychokinesis.' However, Lippard finds Braude's analysis of the data of parapsychology less successful, noting Braude's advocacy for psi. Lippard also critiques Braude's arguments against cognitive psychology and neuroscience, finding them to fail. Braude's analysis of synchronicity is also found to have flaws. Lippard recommends the book for those interested in conceptual analysis of parapsychology.

Upcoming Meetings

The issue lists upcoming meetings for the Phoenix Skeptics and TUSKS. The Phoenix Skeptics meetings are held on Saturdays near the end of the month, starting at 12:30 p.m. at Jerry's restaurant in Tempe. February 25's speaker is Conrad Goeringer on 'Bimbos for Satan,' and March 25's speaker is Joseph Laferriére on Evolution and Creationism.

Editor's Ramblings

The editor solicits help from readers in covering public meetings and contributing book reviews. Mike Stackpole and the editor attended a Rev. Peter Popoff event. The editor also notes the Yucca Stalk Incident and mentions a 10% discount on books from Prometheus Books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of critical thinking, logical reasoning, and evidence-based analysis in debunking paranormal claims and pseudoscience. The publication strongly advocates for a skeptical approach, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on scientific methodology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism and against what it perceives as misinformation and charlatanism, particularly within the New Age movement and creationist circles. The magazine serves as a platform for disseminating skeptical viewpoints and providing resources for those interested in critical inquiry.