Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1988 03

Magazine Overview

Title: BASIS
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 3
Date: March 1988
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Editor: Kent Harker

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptics' newsletter, BASIS, features several articles examining topics at the intersection of skepticism, science, and belief. The primary focus includes a critical look at the Shroud of Turin, a discussion on the nature of scientific inquiry versus pseudoscience, and an exploration of parapsychology and animal communication.

Shroud Still Shrouded in Mystery by Steve Orr

This article delves into the ongoing controversy surrounding the Shroud of Turin, a relic that has captivated millions. Despite years of analysis, major questions persist, with believers finding 'proof' and skeptics remaining unconvinced. Skeptical reviews, notably by Joe Nickell in "The Inquest of the Shroud" and articles in "Skeptical Inquirer," suggest the shroud is a 12th-14th century religious artwork created with daubed-on dyes, a technique that would not leave brush strokes. The presence of blood, pollen, and other elements are explained as potentially added later, not necessarily indicative of Jesus' body being wrapped in it. The article highlights the challenges of dating the shroud, noting that destructive methods like carbon-14 dating were previously unacceptable. While a date of 35 CE would lend some credibility, any later date would undermine religious claims. The church, it is suggested, has more to lose than gain from definitive testing, except perhaps from accusations of conspiracy.

The article also reports on a significant development: Professor Harry E. Gove of the University of Rochester, who had waited nearly a decade to help date the Shroud using a sophisticated method, was informed that he would not get the chance. In a reversal of a previous agreement, the Cardinal of Turin decided that only three laboratories, not the originally planned seven, would be allowed to test a small piece of the shroud. Gove and other scientists are baffled by this decision, which they believe poses a scientific risk. They argue that using only three labs makes it difficult to handle potential erroneous results, potentially rendering any findings unconvincing. Gove speculates that church officials might want the testing done in a way that is questionable. The testing method intended was an updated version of carbon-14 dating using a nuclear accelerator, which requires only a small amount of material.

Parapsychologist Defrocked

This section reports on a dispute in the U.K. between Dr. Carl Sargent of Cambridge University, who claimed to have proved telepathic powers, and Dr. Susan Blackmore, a researcher at Bristol University. Sargent's laboratory-based approach had seemed to establish factual evidence in the field of parapsychology, but accusations from Blackmore have caused embarrassment. Blackmore, who previously worked as a parapsychologist, observed Sargent's procedures and alleged he manipulated envelopes and steered judges. Sargent, in turn, accused Blackmore of fabricating hypotheses based on minor errors. The Parapsychological Association voted to censure Sargent for refusing to release experimental data for checking, highlighting efforts to maintain scientific standards in parapsychological laboratories.

Book Review: "Resentment Against Achievement"

The newsletter announces a new book by Robert Sheaffer, former BAS Chairman and contributor to "Skeptical Inquirer," titled "Resentment Against Achievement." Published by Prometheus Books, the book, while covering political and economic matters, focuses on Sheaffer's analysis of pseudoscience. He attributes its foundation to widespread resentment against science, stemming from envy of the influence, prestige, and money of scientists and technologists. Sheaffer argues that pseudosciences offer simple-minded explanations that appeal to those who feel resentful of the scientific elite, allowing the untrained to feel superior to educated individuals. The book suggests that pseudoscientific thinking is a manifestation of the belief that ignorant answers are superior to reasoned ones.

Editor's Corner by Kent Harker

Kent Harker's editorial reflects on the nature of science and certainty, quoting Einstein: "Whatever is certain is not science. What is science is forever uncertain." He notes the public's tendency to view science as a source of absolute proof, leading to disappointment when scientific knowledge is incomplete or doctors disagree. Harker outlines four barriers to "Truth" in science: ignorance, error, anomaly, and counter-example. He emphasizes that science is a dynamic process, constantly revising theories based on new evidence, and that uncertainty is inherent. He criticizes "scientific creationists" for exploiting public misunderstanding by selectively using scientific caution as evidence of faith, comparing it to their own dogmatic beliefs. Harker contrasts this with the rigorous, evidence-based work of real scientists, citing Bonnie Cole's research on species extinction in Uganda as an example of scientific dedication. He concludes that the constant companion of real science is uncertainty, and the willingness to discard old work for new evidence is its hallmark. He also touches upon radiometric dating as an example of scientific challenges involving error, anomaly, and counter-examples, and criticizes creationists for focusing solely on these uncertainties to discredit science.

Paradoxical Whirligig

This is a short poem by S.E. Brown (TQM) that uses imagery of a "whirligig dance" and "self-contradiction" to describe the nature of religions and fallacious reasoning, contrasting it with inquiry and skepticism.

November Meeting

This section by Keith Henson announces a past Bay Area Skeptics meeting where Ms. Mitzi Phillips presented on her work with Koko the gorilla, an assistant to Penny Patterson. Phillips described Koko's communication abilities, though she made no claims of Koko using "language" in the human sense. The presentation was met with skepticism from the audience, with questions raised about Patterson's lack of peer-reviewed publications and the semantics of ape communication. Henson notes that subjects challenging human "superiority" are prone to controversy. He also draws parallels to artificial intelligence, where definitions of intelligence shift as capabilities advance, and discusses the subjective nature of communication and the need for a shared information base.

Henson questions whether skeptics should engage with topics like ape language, suggesting that some topics require thoughtful consideration rather than outright dismissal. He reflects on his own experience with the concept of memes and the current talk on Koko, concluding that skeptics may not always distinguish well between topics needing careful thought and those that should be dismissed.

Sure-Fire Predictions by Yves Barbero

This humorous piece by Yves Barbero offers ten "predictions" for the upcoming year, satirizing psychic predictions and offering mundane or obvious statements. These include predictions about President Reagan, the Soviet Union, Gary Hart's campaign, Princess Diana's media presence, British Royalty, and a Budweiser advertising campaign.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of claims that lack scientific rigor, the importance of empirical evidence, and the distinction between genuine scientific inquiry and pseudoscience. The Bay Area Skeptics, through its newsletter BASIS, consistently advocates for a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting scientific literacy, challenging unsubstantiated beliefs, and highlighting the inherent uncertainties and self-correcting nature of science, while simultaneously critiquing those who exploit these aspects for dogmatic purposes. The issue emphasizes that science is a process of continuous learning and revision, not a collection of absolute truths, and that skepticism is a vital tool in discerning credible claims from unfounded ones.

Title: Bay Area Skeptic Informatoin Sheet
Issue: March
Volume: 1988
Date: 1988-03
Publisher: Bay Area Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of the Bay Area Skeptic's newsletter, "BASIS", covers a range of topics related to skepticism, pseudoscience, and critical thinking. It includes a "Ramparts" section for reader submissions, reports on various events and individuals, and an article denouncing creationism.

Selected Articles and Features

Ramparts: Shirley MacLaine's Metaphysics Class

The "Ramparts" section highlights an article from "The Buffalo News" about Shirley MacLaine's metaphysics class. The class, attended by 1,000 students, was interrupted by a 12-inch water main break that flooded a power station, causing a power outage. During the darkness, MacLaine instructed her disciples to meditate and "spiritually repair the broken water main" by imagining the water slowing down and workmen fixing the pipe. The seven-hour seminar concluded several hours later, still in the dark.

The article also notes that Shirley MacLaine has been in the news for other reasons, including reports from the "Minneapolis Star and Tribune" about her "out-of-body channeler." Additionally, Charles Silva, who claimed to be MacLaine's guide and confidante on her Peruvian trip for the book "Out on a Limb", pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct and faces deportation.

UFO Conference and Alien Abductions

Attorney Peter Gersten, a criminal lawyer in New York, is reported to have conducted a UFO conference in White Plains, NY. He recounted that "12 unrelated earthlings in the Hudson Valley have reported being kidnapped by aliens." Gersten considers this number too large for coincidental fantasies, suggesting that "the chances of that happening are astronomical unless there's actually something there." The article contrasts this with the investigation of a Hell's Angels hostage situation, implying that police departments might distinguish between the two.

Psychics for Pets

An article from "The Wall Street Journal" discusses the growing business of psychics who claim to understand pets. BAS advisor Earl Hautala was inspired by this trend. The article mentions a dog psychic, Lydia Hibby, who told a dog owner that her spaniel, Didi, was asking about a previous dog. A cat named Lulu reportedly told her owner to stop sneaking out of the house. Psychic Alice Lydecker explains that she "mentally asks questions, and receives images from the pet."

Channeling and the New Age

The newsletter touches on the booming business of "channeling," reporting that "Our own sturdy psychic, Sylvia Brown, keeps abreast of the best trends by cashing in on the channeling mania." It suggests that seminars are a lucrative way to engage with the New Age, framing it as "good ol' red-blooded American capitalism." The author posits that people may prefer "feelings" over "honesty or truth."

New Board Members

The Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) welcomes new faces to its Board of Directors. Former "BASIS" co-editors Diane Moser and Ray Spangenburg have resigned from the board due to time constraints but will remain involved. Michael McCarthy has also requested release from the board. The newsletter expresses gratitude for their service. The board will be filling these vacancies. Don Henvick, known for his work tracking faith-healers like Popoff and Grant, has accepted a formal position on the board. Norman Sperling, who has followed BAS for four years and is an editor of "Sky and Telescope," is also joining the board. Sperling is noted for his meticulous attention to detail.

Australian Catholics Denounce Creationism

An article by William Bennetta details a paper issued by the Catholic Education Office in Sydney, Australia, titled "The Bumbling, Stumbling, Crumbling Theory of Creation Science." This paper denounces creation science as pseudoscience and nonsense, asserting that its proponents rely on fraud and deceit. It argues that creation science is an evangelizing tool of fundamentalism and has no place in Australian schools. The paper critiques creationist claims, including the speed of light, the age of the universe, and the presence of dinosaurs on Noah's Ark. It also criticizes the dismissal of Aboriginal history as mere "racial memories of Creation and the Tower of Babel." The paper was officially issued on December 1, 1987, and reported in the "Sydney Morning Herald."

The Ganzfeld Experiments

Peter Bishop, President of the Humanist Community of San Jose, is announced as the featured speaker for the March BAS meeting. He will present an analysis and critique of the "Ganzfeld" experiments, which are characterized by a technique designed to study perception by creating a homogeneous visual field and using white noise. These experiments are claimed to have produced startling evidence confirming psi (parapsychological phenomena). Bishop will review the work of CSICOP fellow Dr. Ray Hyman and offer his own analyses, highlighting potential design flaws in the experiments. The article emphasizes the importance of informed skeptics understanding this work, as the Ganzfeld experiments are considered by some to be strong proof of psi.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and New Age phenomena. The "BASIS" newsletter, published by the Bay Area Skeptics, consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, encouraging readers to question unsubstantiated claims and rely on evidence and scientific reasoning. The editorial stance is one of debunking and educating the public about the lack of empirical support for many popular beliefs, from psychics and channeling to creationism and UFO abductions. The newsletter also highlights the organizational activities of the Bay Area Skeptics, including board changes and upcoming events, reinforcing its commitment to promoting skepticism.