Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1989 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, dated March 1989, is Volume 8, Number 3, edited by Kent Harker. It features a two-part article by William Bennetta titled "Degrees of Folly," examining the accreditation and academic integrity of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) Graduate School (ICRGS).

Degrees of Folly: Part II

William Bennetta's article continues the investigation into the ICRGS's bid for degree-granting approval in California. The article details how, by law, postsecondary schools require certification by an accreditation agency or approval from the superintendent of public instruction, who must ensure academic resources comparable to accredited schools. In 1981, under Superintendent Wilson Riles, the ICRGS was approved to grant MS degrees in biology, geology, "astro/geophysics," and science education. The ICR is described as a fundamentalist religious organization committed to "creation-science," an effort to devise quasi-scientific "evidences" for the Bible.

In 1987, under Superintendent Bill Honig, the ICR sought renewed approval. The article notes that "creation-science" and its proponents had been discredited by scientists and jurists, citing a 1982 ruling by Judge William Overton that declared an Arkansas law promoting "creation-science" unconstitutional, deeming it disguised biblical religion. Despite this, in August 1988, a five-man committee sent by the Department assessed the ICR's degree programs. Their report, however, is characterized as "baloney," omitting or obscuring the ICR's true nature and aims, and promoting the fiction of its scientific work. The committee's report mentioned "creation-science" only once and failed to disclose that the ICRGS is a religious ministry. It attributed academic and research capabilities to the faculty despite no such achievements being claimed in the application. The committee recommended full institutional approval by a vote of 3 to 2.

Part II: The Farcical Report

The article scrutinizes the committee's report, signed by six men, whose identities and qualifications were not fully disclosed. The five members were listed by name only, while the sixth, Roy W. Steeves, was identified as an assistant director of the Private Postsecondary Education Division of the State Department of Education, who had recruited and managed the committee. The report itself was criticized for its lack of integrity.

Two dissenting committee members, Dr. James A. Woodhead and Dr. Stuart H. Hurlbert, submitted individual accounts to Bill Honig. Woodhead, chairman of the Department of Geology at Occidental College, noted that the ICR's curriculum was restricted, course titles were misleading, and the teaching of scientific method was ignored. He highlighted the lack of laboratory equipment and components, which are essential in comparable scientific programs. He also found the students' master's theses to be "dreadful," too broad in topic, and lacking scientific content, demonstrating a misunderstanding of scientific principles.

Hurlbert, a professor at San Diego State University, submitted a 37-page document that was praised for its clarity, candor, rigor, and care. He repudiated the committee's report, stating he had little influence on its content. Hurlbert criticized the review process as inadequate for a "politically controversial, radically unconventional institution with marginal qualifications and an anti-science philosophy." He noted that complete curricula vitae of the ICRGS faculty were not provided, and the available summaries were incomplete. The report failed to disclose the ICR's primary purpose: to teach "creation science," increase the number of "creation scientists," and foster "creation science" in schools.

Hurlbert also pointed out that the ICRGS's claim to present a "two-model evaluation" of the origin of life was misleading, as virtually all documentation supported the opposite conclusion. He quoted statements from scientific and judicial bodies confirming that "creation science" is non-scientific, including Judge Overton's decision. Hurlbert also highlighted that the ICRGS program severely violates the trust of students, misleading them into believing they can challenge modern science without proper training. He noted that Henry Morris admitted that student theses were used to produce creationistic publications, and that students were encouraged to believe that selective quoting and other unscientific methods were valid scientific analysis.

The article reveals that Dr. George F. Howe was the ICR's advocate on the committee, having been recommended by Henry Morris. Howe submitted a document to Honig refuting Hurlbert's account, which included a letter from Morris. Morris's letter, however, repeated usual evasions and failed to address Hurlbert's core issues regarding faculty qualifications and experience.

Ultimately, Honig's suspicions were confirmed, and he sought to resolve the case by consulting Dr. Robert L. Kovach, a professor of geophysics at Stanford, who was sent additional documents for review.

Notes

The "Notes" section provides further details: The ICR's application listed eleven faculty members, including a librarian, running three science departments and an education department. For program comparisons, the ICRGS named institutions like the University of Wisconsin, San Jose State, San Diego State, and the University of Toronto. "Catastrophism" in "creation-science" refers to explaining geological phenomena as relics of Noah's Flood. All ICR functionaries must commit annually to "scientific creationism" and "biblical creationism," which include tenets like life being created by a supernatural Creator and species being created fully complete without evolution.

Dethroning the God-Men of India

This section, authored by Yves Barbero, focuses on B. Premanand, a prominent Indian skeptic and head of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (India). Premanand tours the U.S. and Canada, lecturing on the exploitation of the unlettered in India by "god-men." He is described as a magician of the first water, using his sharp rationality to expose these frauds. Premanand's work stems from his childhood doubts about people "possessed" by God. He heads a 100,000-strong organization and has spent over sixty years tackling god-men. His dislike for their dishonesty and sympathy for the poor drive his efforts, making him a target of fear and hate.

Premanand details the typical tricks used by god-men, often simple magic tricks or skills that can be learned. He demonstrates how a flame can be held near skin safely, and how ashes can be produced seemingly from thin air. Skepticism is presented as a matter of social justice in India, especially given the poverty that makes people vulnerable to exploitation by god-men who demand large sums for miracles, often forcing believers into debt with loan sharks.

God-men are often managed by professionals who keep doubters at bay. Premanand aims to destroy their reputation by replicating their tricks and exposing them. He offers free computer astrology printouts to anyone sending a stamped envelope to Bay Area Skeptics, a practice that has upset local astrologers. God-men often use connections with government, sometimes offering valuable jewels that are not considered bribes if they "materialize." Premanand notes that no god-man has ever created anything without bodily movement and that their claims of immortality are false. He also mentions James "The Amazing" Randi's $10,000 prize for demonstrating psychic powers under monitored conditions. India has a law against publicizing supernatural powers, which Premanand uses to embarrass god-men, as he did with Satya Sai Baba, who allegedly makes gold from thin air.

Anthroposophical Medicine

Authored by Dan Dugan, this section introduces anthroposophical medicine (AM), based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. Don Henvick and Dugan attended a lecture by Dr. Joop van Dam, M.D., from the Netherlands. Anthroposophy is described as a "science and world view" based on knowledge of the spiritual world. AM claims twelve hospitals and hundreds of clinics in Europe, fully funded by state and private insurance plans. In the U.S., there are 45 licensed practitioners, and a "Michael Medical Clinic" was set to open temporarily in San Francisco.

Dr. van Dam spoke on "Healing and Rhythm," deploring separate medical specialties for body and spirit. He asserted that all contact between higher and lower worlds creates a rhythm. While social ideas of anthroposophy, like "psychosomatic insights," have been accepted, its "insights into matter" have not fared as well. He prefaced his natural science remarks with an "ecology/consciousness-raising" story about a cleansed bay, before proceeding to what the author terms "SERIOUS pseudoscience," including the phases of the moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims and fraudulent practices. The primary focus is on the critique of "creation science" and its institutionalization within higher education, exposing the lack of scientific rigor and the religious motivations behind it. The article on "god-men" in India highlights the exploitation of vulnerable populations through fraudulent claims of supernatural powers. The introduction to anthroposophical medicine, while presenting it as a recognized medical practice in Europe, also hints at its basis in spiritual beliefs and what the author implies is "pseudoscience" in its natural science aspects. The overall stance is one of critical inquiry, demanding evidence-based reasoning and exposing claims that lack scientific validity or are used for deception and exploitation.

This document contains selected articles from the March 1989 issue of "BASIS," the monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics. The issue focuses on critiques of alternative medicine, organizational updates for the Bay Area Skeptics, and information on scientific challenges.

Anthroposophical Medicine and Dr. van Dam

The primary focus of the articles is a critical examination of anthroposophical medicine, as presented by Dr. van Dam. Dr. van Dam's theories suggest that zodiacal positions selectively influence plant growth, a concept purportedly supported by a "statistically significant, reproducible" study from 1927 by Lilli Kolisko. These studies allegedly demonstrate that planets influence the capillary absorption of metals. Anthroposophists refer to these influences as "peripheral forces," which are said to counteract conventional forces like gravity, magnetism, and electricity. According to this view, the forms of nature are created when these peripheral forces cease to move, becoming frozen moments.

Dr. van Dam also discussed medicine, stating that chemical medicines are detrimental because they "silence" parts of the body. He advocated for "natural" medicines, similar to homeopathy. While acknowledging the improbability of active ingredient molecules remaining in high dilutions (e.g., 10 to the minus 30th), he asserted that the process accumulates "peripheral forces" in the solvent. The method of "attracting" these forces involves tossing the solution into the air for three minutes at each dilution stage, allegedly reducing the effect of gravity. He explained that low potencies have ordinary effects, while high potencies (vanishing concentrations) have opposite effects, allowing for controlled reactions in either direction.

He cited a study from the University of Amsterdam that he claimed proved the effect of an anthroposophical medicine preparation on seeds and tissue cell cultures, with effects noted beyond the 23rd dilution (D23). Examples were given, such as using lead (D6) to "densify" bones for treating rickets, and using it in D30 for arteriosclerosis with an opposite effect. The author expressed skepticism about thinning arterial plaque while simultaneously thinning bones.

Dr. van Dam also emphasized the importance of periodicity in therapy, discussing circadian rhythms, weekly soul-life rhythms, and monthly/annual rhythms. He shared an anecdote about a man who felt well exactly one year after surgery, which he used to support his rhythm theory. Treatments mentioned included liver treatment for insomnia, depression, and constipation, and injections of meteoric iron for migraines.

When asked by Don Henvick about the difference between anthroposophical medicine and homeopathy, Dr. van Dam stated that homeopathy is empirical, while anthroposophical medicine is a deeper approach that seeks to understand the underlying reasons for phenomena.

Dr. van Dam proposed that "trained perception" could be used to study plants and divine their properties, a method he associated with Goethean science, often taught in Waldorf schools.

The author noted that the audience seemed to be composed of believers and refrained from questioning Dr. van Dam about the definition of a quack. Dr. van Dam's second night seminar was to cover "art therapy."

Board Changes and Bay Area Skeptics Activities

The newsletter announces changes within the Bay Area Skeptics (BAS) board. Vice Chair Mark Hodes was released due to career obligations but consented to remain on the board in a less demanding role. Yves Barbero has taken over Mark's post, increasing his responsibilities. The organization expresses gratitude to Mark for his contribution and congratulates Yves on his new role.

The BAS board is described as having enormous talent and enthusiasm, with exciting plans for 1989, including expanding their activities into the higher education system. They aim to become a significant force in the field.

The organization also thanks the broader BAS family for their support, emphasizing that public contacts are the most effective way to counter misinformation. Many individuals have reported that BAS has helped them confront paranormal claims.

The newsletter highlights that subscriptions are the main source of income, with printing being the biggest expense. Increased subscription numbers, including contributions above the basic rate, underscore the board's obligation to serve rational inquiry.

To broaden their scope, BAS encourages members to share the "BASIS" newsletter with friends and to send in ideas and suggestions for the organization and the newsletter.

Attention! Report on Science Education

BAS advisor Eugenie Scott, Executive Director of The National Center for Science Education, provided a copy of an ongoing committee report sponsored by the American Society of Zoologists, titled "Science As a Way of Knowing." This report, originally published in 1984, is newly reprinted. Readers can obtain a free copy by writing to Dr. John A. Moore at UC Riverside.

$100,000 Offer!

James Randi has increased his offer from $10,000 to $100,000 for a successful demonstration of paranormal ability under controlled conditions. The article suggests this significant increase may prompt more paranormalists to come forward. Those interested in being tested are advised to write to James Randi in care of the BAS address. Randi is also preparing a TV special.

Disclaimer and Contact Information

Opinions expressed in "BASIS" are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of BAS, its board, or its advisors. The articles are selected from the March 1989 issue. To obtain a free sample copy, readers can send their name and address to BAY AREA SKEPTICS, 4030 Moraga, San Francisco, CA 94122-3928. Messages can also be left on "The Skeptic's Board" BBS (415-648-8944) or the 415-LA-TRUTH voice hotline.

Copyright (C) 1989 BAY AREA SKEPTICS. Reprints must credit "BASIS, newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of alternative and pseudoscientific practices, particularly anthroposophical medicine and homeopathy, contrasted with a commitment to rational inquiry and scientific skepticism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based science and challenges unproven claims, as evidenced by the focus on Dr. van Dam's theories and the promotion of James Randi's challenge. The newsletter also emphasizes the importance of science education and the role of skeptical organizations in countering misinformation.