Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1987 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, published in June 1987, delves into several topics related to skepticism, philosophy, science, and pseudoscience. The main articles address the nature of metaphysics, the validity of evolution, and the dangers of health fraud.

"REAL" METAPHYSICS by Joseph Waterhouse

Joseph Waterhouse, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at San Jose State University, clarifies the concept of metaphysics, distinguishing philosophical metaphysics from its popular association with the occult. He notes that students often enroll in metaphysics classes expecting to learn about mysticism, astrology, and telekinesis, only to be disappointed when the focus is on philosophical inquiry. Waterhouse explains that metaphysics, along with logic, ethics, aesthetics, and epistemology, is one of the five central fields of philosophy. Each field studies central ideas: logic on reasoning, ethics on goodness, aesthetics on beauty, epistemology on knowledge, and metaphysics on existence. He traces the origin of the term "metaphysics" to Aristotle, whose book on the subject followed his "Physics." Aristotle believed the universe was ordered by genus and species, and science's purpose was classification. Philosophical metaphysics, according to Aristotle, studies the broadest classes of existence, the "categories." Modern philosophy has shifted the focus from classification to discovering underlying causal laws. Kant is highlighted as a key figure in modern metaphysics, introducing causality as a category. Waterhouse discusses the philosophical questions surrounding "substance" and "time," presenting different theories about their defining characteristics and existence. He emphasizes that philosophical metaphysics is concerned with what logically must exist for a universe to exist at all, rather than specific objects or forces.

"CREATION" SCIENCE by Dr. Francisco Ayala

Dr. Francisco Ayala, Chairman of the National Academy of Science Section of Population Biology, Evolution and Ecology, addresses the theory of evolution. He asserts that biological evolution is a fact established beyond reasonable doubt, comparable in certainty to the rotation of planets or the Earth's roundness. The theory explains how evolution occurred, with scientists using natural selection to explain the functional organization of organisms. Ayala states that no biological concept has been more tested or corroborated than the evolutionary origin of life. He argues that religious belief and scientific understanding are not mutually exclusive, citing that many religious people accept evolution. He quotes the Council of the National Academy of Sciences stating that religion and science are separate realms of human thought and that presenting them in the same context leads to misunderstanding. Ayala concludes that scientific reasoning and religious belief are distinct modes of thought and should follow separate courses.

EDITOR'S CORNER

The editor, Kent Harker, recounts an experience with an acquaintance who presented him with a pamphlet titled "God, The Master Mathematician." The pamphlet, published by "Watchman on the Wall Ministries," attempts to link biblical statements with mathematical proofs, claiming numerological phenomena are not by chance. Harker expresses skepticism about the pamphlet's claims, particularly its assertion that the Bible establishes the basis for all theoretical mathematics, citing Euclid and geometry. He humorously critiques the pamphlet's mathematical interpretations of biblical texts, such as the number of books in the Old and New Testaments and the use of the number seven in physical descriptions of creation. Harker reflects on the cost of credulity and the human tendency to uphold beliefs, even irrational ones, emphasizing the importance of honest skepticism.

FEBRUARY MEETING by Larry Loebig

Larry Loebig reports on a lecture by James Lowell, a prominent health fraud expert, sponsored by the Bay Area Skeptics. The event, held at the El Cerrito Public Library, was described as impactful and educational, highlighting the dangers of scams perpetrated in the name of science. Lowell's presentation was humorous and informative, using a slide show to illustrate his points. The report details the tragic case of Linda Epping, a young girl who died of cancer after her parents were persuaded by a chiropractor to abandon conventional medical treatment. Lowell identified five types of harm from health fraud: harm to society, financial harm, psychological harm, harm by omission, and direct harm to the patient. Information is provided for those seeking more details on health fraud.

SKEPTICS IN THE NEWS

This section notes that the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) are gaining media attention, with former Chair Robert Sheaffer being featured on KGO radio's Michael Krasne show. Sheaffer, author of "UFO's, Examining the Evidence," demonstrated extensive knowledge of UFO material, fielding caller questions calmly and rationally. The section concludes that the BAS is increasing in importance and significance.

ARROGANCE AND TRUTH by Yves Barbero

Yves Barbero discusses his reaction to Carl Sagan's novel "Contact" and the perceived arrogance of Sagan's presentation. Barbero and his Christian friend both found Sagan's arguments about God to be "cruel" and felt he intruded on their respective preserves. Barbero acknowledges that Sagan presents generally accurate information and that his movements suggest an athletic disposition, but he notes that Sagan's presentation style can be perceived as arrogant, like a "snotty professor." He relates this to a broader problem in the skeptics movement, where some skeptics may come across as self-righteous and fail to truly listen to opposing arguments. Barbero contrasts this with psychics, who he suggests are more adept at presenting their views without alienating others. He concludes that the image projected by some skeptics does not always reflect the reality of their message.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of beliefs, the distinction between science and pseudoscience, and the importance of skepticism. The newsletter consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world, challenging claims that lack scientific support, whether they stem from occult beliefs, creationist arguments, health quackery, or even perceived arrogance in scientific presentation. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, scientific literacy, and the rigorous application of skeptical inquiry to all claims, regardless of their origin.

Title: BASIS
Issue: June 1987
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Type: Monthly publication

Editorial and Skeptical Stance

The issue opens with a reflection on the nature of skepticism and its challenges when confronting believers in psychic phenomena. The author notes that while skeptics use logic, believers often appeal to 'rights to their beliefs,' making logical arguments feel like an unfair attack. The author admits to struggling with debates on these topics, finding that "Emotional" truth sometimes works where "Arrogant" logic fails, a realization that causes concern.

Ramparts: Critiques of Pseudoscience

The "Ramparts" section, a regular feature inviting reader participation in identifying irrationality, presents several critiques:

Wiley Brooks and "Breatharianism"

The article scrutinizes Wiley Brooks, a self-proclaimed "Breatharian" who claims that eating food is detrimental and that humans can subsist solely on air. Brooks asserts that the human body is an 'air/electrical system' and that food 'short-circuits' it, reducing its ability to manifest energy. He posits that in humanity's original state, people lived on air, which the body condensed into nutrients. The article counters that "real" science indicates condensed air is extremely cold, and combining gases requires energy, not produces it. Brooks' program is described as a "homemade neologism" that suddenly becomes a "philosophy" with an "Institute." His brochure promises "Life, Health and Perfect Happiness" and the ability to "Breathe and Live Forever." The piece mentions Brooks failed a lie detector test on F. Lee Bailey's TV show when asked if he had eaten food in nine years, to which he responded that air was the "true" food. A former "Breatharian" reportedly witnessed Brooks eating unhealthy foods like Twinkies and Big Macs. Brooks also claims to sleep only 1 to 7 hours per week.

Genies and Wishes

Referencing a report in the "San Jose Mercury," the article discusses the practice of genies in some Moslem countries. Wishes made to genies must be "REASONABLE" and cannot include immortality. Non-believers who mock the occasion risk being "jinxed within 19 days." The custom is said to have the approbation of the clergy, who affirm that the Koran acknowledges genies capable of adopting exquisite life forms, drawing a humorous comparison to Barbara Eden.

Chinese Herbal Foods and Exotic Ingredients

The "Cron" readers are updated on a renewed interest in Chinese herbal foods, with the impression that more bizarre preparations are considered more potent. Examples of "delicacies" include "hedgehog skin, rhinoceros horn, silkworm excrement and praying mantis ovaries." The article questions the efficacy and oversight of such products, asking if there is a federal watchdog agency and if consumers are getting genuine items or "second-rate factory dust."

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

John Saemann contributes an account of his experience as a TM initiate, responding to a previous "Ramparts" blurb. He highlights claims from a TM newsletter, including that "There is nothing which cannot be accomplished through Maharishi Ayuuveda" and that a long life span should be "many hundreds of years, thousands of years." This is contrasted with the appearance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who is described as not looking particularly healthy. The article also mentions "Yogic flying" (levitation) being demonstrated publicly in numerous cities worldwide, noting that TM of America reportedly refused a public demonstration for skeptics in Chicago.

Saemann critiques the TM movement's misunderstanding of science, quoting a statement that the "glamour of the modern scientific approach to knowledge... has been basically responsible for the decline of almost all ancient traditional values of life." The TM perspective suggests that science has disregarded the "subjective value of life." Saemann argues that science considers objective criteria and that to say science ignores the subjective is to say it ignores the non-scientific, suggesting TM needs more lawsuits to learn its lesson.

Skeptical Inquiry and Leaps of Faith

This section explores common reasons for belief in paranormal reality, such as "I know it is true because I have experienced it myself." It also announces that Don Frew, National Public Information Officer for the "Covenant of the Goddess" (a national wiccam organization), will address BAS on witchcraft and skepticism. New board member Shawn Carlson is mentioned as ensuring this will be an interesting event.

Steinerblurb

A quote from Robert Steiner states: "The burden of proof always falls upon the one who makes the sweeping generalization." The editor playfully challenges Steiner to provide proof for this statement.

Publication Information and Contact

The issue concludes by stating that opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and not necessarily those of BAS, its board, or advisors. It identifies the content as selected articles from the June 1987 issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of Bay Area Skeptics. Information is provided on how to obtain a free sample copy by mail, leaving a message on "The Skeptic's Board" BBS, or calling a voice hotline. Copyright is held by BAY AREA SKEPTICS for 1987.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the importance of logical reasoning and evidence-based inquiry, and the challenges faced by skeptics in communicating with believers. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and questioning extraordinary claims, particularly those related to alternative health practices, spiritual movements, and paranormal phenomena. The publication actively encourages reader engagement in identifying and challenging irrationality.