Arizona Skeptic - Vol 6 No 5 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: The Arizona Skeptic
Issue: Volume 6, Issue 5
Date: March/April 1993
Publisher: Phoenix Skeptics
Document Type: Journal Promoting Critical Thinking

CSICOP Questions Truth of Movie Based on Travis Walton UFO Abduction

The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) has issued a press release challenging Paramount Pictures' claim that the film "Fire in the Sky" is based on a true story. Paul Kurtz, chairman of CSICOP, stated that the film is largely fiction and deceives the public. The movie is based on the alleged 1975 UFO abduction of Travis Walton of Snowflake, AZ. Philip J. Klass, chairman of CSICOP's UFO Subcommittee, investigated the incident and found extensive evidence suggesting it was a hoax. Klass' findings were reported in his book "UFOs: The Public Deceived." Evidence cited includes Walton's mother's calm reaction to the news of his abduction and his brother Duane's lack of concern, as well as a polygraph test administered by Jack McCarthy, which reported "Gross deception" and suggested Walton was holding his breath to "beat the machine."

Kurtz criticized Hollywood films and television programs that promote abduction claims without credible scientific evidence, suggesting profit motives are primary. Klass asserted that such cases can be explained naturally and prosaically, without postulating extraterrestrial involvement, which would not make for a compelling movie. Kurtz called for balanced reporting and labeling of abduction stories. CSICOP is an organization of scientists and skeptical investigators that publishes "The Skeptical Inquirer."

MIS-Fire in the Sky

By Chris Rutkowski

Rutkowski reviews the movie "Fire in the Sky," noting that it bears little resemblance to Travis Walton's original account. He describes the film as having "lots of gore, shock effects and gallons of brown goo," with a spaceship interior that outdoes the "Alien" series. The movie features "membraneous pods, 'E.T.'-like aliens and slimy honeycombs." However, Rutkowski found the part of the movie where the sheriff grills the other work crew about Walton's disappearance to be well-done, particularly its depiction of the social and public effects of an alleged UFO event on a community.

Rutkowski is critical of MUFON for devoting half of its most recent issue to a preview of the movie and an article by Walton. He notes that the movie portrays APRO investigators as "complete geeks with absolutely no scientific credibility." Walton is reportedly rewriting his book, "The Walton Experience," to coincide with the movie's release. Rutkowski recommends Bill Barry's "Ultimate Encounter" as a more interesting book on the case that includes skeptics' comments. He concludes that "Fire in the Sky" is a "misfire" despite a fairly detailed investigation process and acceptable character dynamics.

Linda Napolitano UFO Abduction Case Criticized

By Jim Lippard

Jim Lippard reports on criticisms of the alleged UFO abduction case of Linda Napolitano (pseudonym for Linda "Cortile"). Abduction researcher Budd Hopkins has promoted this case, which features alleged independent eyewitnesses, including a prominent public official (later claimed to be Javier Perez de Cuellar). However, Joseph J. Stefula, Richard Butler, and George P. Hansen have issued a 25-page report detailing numerous flaws in the evidence. They criticize Hopkins, Jerome Clark (editor of the International UFO Reporter), Walter Andrus (head of MUFON), and David Jacobs for their handling of the case.

Stefula, Butler, and Hansen point out that Napolitano claims to have been kidnapped and assaulted by federal agents named Richard and Dan, who were eyewitnesses to her abduction. They question why this was not reported to law enforcement. The report also identifies similarities between Napolitano's story and the science fiction novel "Nighteyes" by Garfield Reeves-Stevens, published shortly before Napolitano's claims. Copies of the report are available from Bob Girard or via download from Genie's PSI-NET software library.

Book Review: The Retreat to Commitment

Reviewed by David A. Snodgrass

Snodgrass reviews William Warren Bartley III's "The Retreat to Commitment." He explains that Bartley's theory of rational practice is based on two central claims: 1) the practice of rationality is identical with the practice of criticism, and there are no logical barriers to criticism; and 2) the unlimited nature of rationality has gone unnoticed because it's assumed that criticism must be accompanied by justification.

Bartley argues that the failure of justificationist rationalists to justify their own practice has led to a crisis of integrity and provided a "tu quoque" argument for irrationalists. This argument states that since rational practice cannot be rationally justified, rationalists cannot criticize irrational practices. Bartley calls his theory "pancritical rationalism," emphasizing that criticism is the core of rational practice, and that one's own beliefs and actions, including the principles of rational practice itself, must be open to criticism. This decouples criticism from justification, defanging the "tu quoque" argument. The onus then shifts to irrationalists to practice "pancriticism" themselves.

Snodgrass notes that Bartley's theory has significant moral implications, advocating for radical humility and an "ethic of argument" that respects people. He highlights the importance of this for skeptics, as the "tu quoque" argument can devalue rational argument itself.

Skeptical News

This section provides brief updates on various skeptical activities and news items:

• Eldon Byrd's libel lawsuit against James Randi and CSICOP is scheduled for trial.
• Uri Geller's lawsuits are still pending.
• Mike Stackpole and Ted Karren discussed psychic predictions on a local TV show.
• Phoenix Skeptic Jeff Jacobsen attended a Cult Awareness Network convention and reported on Scientology's activities.
• Jim Lippard's "Report on the 1992 CSICOP Conference" is being reprinted by various skeptical newsletters.
• The Kecksburg UFO explanation by Robert Young is criticized for overlooking Stan Gordon's investigation and being contradicted by satellite data.
• Michael Epstein has a new column, "The Skeptical Perspective," in the Journal of Scientific Exploration.

Articles of Note

This section summarizes several articles from other publications:

• "Biospherians to have oxygen pumped in again" (Arizona Daily Star) reports on planned adjustments to the Biosphere 2 oxygen levels.
• Sharon Begley and Mary Heger's "New Cracks in the Glass House" (Newsweek) discusses the resignation of the science advisory committee from Biosphere 2.
• Raymond Bonner's "Crying Wolf Over Elephants" (The New York Times Magazine) reports on negative consequences of the ivory ban and misinformation from wildlife groups.
• Bruce Johnston's article (London Daily Telegraph) discusses the Vatican's new telescope and its implications for the discovery of extraterrestrial life.
• Jenny Randles' "Keep Watching The Skies!" (Fortean Times) offers advice on identifying common UFOs.
• Bob Rickard's "Ghostwatch" (Fortean Times) examines reactions to a BBC TV media hoax that reportedly led to a suicide.
• Andy Roberts' "Curiouser and Curiouser" (Fortean Times) reports on the Linda Napolitano UFO case, suggesting it could be a pivotal case for abduction claims.
• Carl Sagan discusses UFO abductions in "What's Really Going On?" (Parade).
• Kathleen Sharp's "The New Hidden Persuaders" (Self) reports that studies of subliminal tapes for behavior modification do not work.
• Brian Siano's "All the Babies You Can Eat" (The Humanist) responds to unsubstantiated stories of ritual human sacrifice.
• Paul Sieveking's "Fear and Loathing in France" (Fortean Times) describes a child murder hysteria in Calais, France.
• Peter Smith's letter "Childhood Terrors" (Fortean Times) suggests that childhood experiences of being chased by ghosts might explain imagery reported by UFO abductees and ritual abuse survivors.
• "Real Incest and Real Survivors: Readers Respond" (New York Times Book Review) presents letters in response to Carol Tavris' "Beware the Incest-Survivor Machine."

Publications and Subscriptions

The Arizona Skeptic is the official publication of the Phoenix Skeptics and the Tucson Skeptical Society (TUSKS), aiming to subject paranormal claims to scientific testing and promote critical thinking. The subscription rate is $12.50 per year. The editor is Jim Lippard, and production is by Ted Karren.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, particularly UFO abductions, and the media's role in sensationalizing them. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing scientific investigation, logic, and common sense. The magazine actively debunks alleged phenomena, questions the validity of evidence presented by proponents, and promotes rational thought and critical thinking. There is a strong focus on the philosophical underpinnings of skepticism, as evidenced by the extensive review of Bartley's work on pancritical rationalism. The publication also highlights news and articles from other skeptical organizations and publications, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among those who advocate for a scientific worldview.