Cincinnati Skeptic - Vol 02 No 04 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: The Association For Rational Thought News
Issue: Volume 2, No. 4
Date: June, 1993
Publisher: The Association For Rational Thought (A.R.T.)
Focus: Practicing the art of rational thinking in everyday life, encouraging the investigation of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims from a scientific viewpoint.

Recognize Quack Science!

This section summarizes a talk by Roy Auerbach, Membership Secretary of A.R.T., on how to detect scientific quackery. Auerbach emphasizes that distinguishing between quackery and legitimate science requires careful investigation, as some fields contain elements of both. He outlines four "laws" of quack science:

1. Think Big: Quack sciences often deal with grand theories (origin of the universe, solar system) or extraordinary discoveries (anti-gravity, cold fusion) and tend to attack established scientific giants like Einstein or Newton.
2. Think Difficult: The laws of quack science are claimed to be very difficult to verify, with effects appearing sporadic and equipment for detection being unreliable or unavailable. While sound science eventually overcomes such difficulties, they persist in quack science.
3. Rule of Paranoia: The quack scientist often views themselves as a persecuted genius, believing that established organizations (government, business, academia) are conspiring against them. This is exemplified by the uproar over cold fusion.
4. No Criticism Allowed: Quack scientists often release findings to the press before peer-reviewed publication, favoring self-publication or unrefereed conference proceedings. This allows the public to absorb claims without immediate critical response. The quack scientist is often portrayed as a "Lonely Hero of the Laboratory," with discoveries appearing out of the blue and using exclusive, jargon-filled language.

Failed Arguments with Non-Skeptics: Ships That Pass in the Night

This section, based on a talk by President Keith Brabender, addresses the difficulties skeptics face in communicating with those who lack a skeptical perspective. Brabender suggests that better communication is possible through understanding the opponent's perspective and methods of argument.

• Key points include:
• Differing Perspectives: Arguments fail when opponents base their reasoning on different foundations (verifiable facts vs. personal experience vs. personal values).
• Skeptic's Basis: Skeptics rely on mutually observable and verifiable facts. Believers often use unverifiable personal experiences.
• Countering Tactics: Skeptics should emphasize the testability of facts and the difference between personal meaning and objective substance. The tactic of urging a skeptic to concede that no mutually verifiable reality exists is countered by pointing out our daily reliance on verifiable facts (clocks, traffic lights).
• False Dilemma: Skeptics should avoid being trapped by false dilemmas (forced choices) by refusing to choose or by staying focused on observable facts.
• Anecdotal Evidence: Skeptics need to explain why isolated anecdotes (e.g., a smoker living to 93) are not sound bases for generalization.
• Personal Experience: Believers often argue from personal experience, which they find more persuasive than impersonal facts and statistics. This is particularly challenging when paranormal experiences are recalled later, possibly through hypnosis, leading to fabricated memories.
• Values vs. Science: Some individuals distrust scientists, believing they have a hidden agenda to destroy traditional values. Skeptics can counter by noting scientists participate in societal values and that science often provides useful knowledge.
• Communication Strategy: Understanding the believer's emphasis on individual experience and belief, maintaining a sense of humor, and viewing the opponent as not an enemy are helpful.

Officers Elected at April Meeting

The Second Annual Election of Officers for A.R.T. was held on April 10th. The following officers were elected for the coming year: Keith Brabender (President), Dick McGrath (Vice-President), Mary Pacinda (Corresponding Secretary and Publicity Coordinator), Peggy Borger (Treasurer), Roy Auerbach (Membership Secretary), Joe Gastright (Investigations Officer), and Virginia Jergens (Newsletter Editor). The Executive Council, composed of these officers, meets several times a year. The organization is seeking volunteers for Recording Secretary, Meeting Organizer, and Media Resources Coordinator.

Executive Council Plans for Fall

The Executive Council met on June 12th. Plans included pursuing federal tax-exempt status for A.R.T. to obtain lower postage rates. A potential radio program on WAIF did not materialize, leading to consideration of other publicity methods like a speakers bureau. The council also discussed protecting A.R.T. from legal claims arising from misrepresentation by individuals. Meeting dates and newsletter publication schedules for 1993-94 were set, with the newsletter expanding from eight to twelve pages. A discussion during lunch concluded that the movie "Jurassic Park" is not art but science.

1992-93 Annual Reports

President's Report (Keith Brabender): The 1992-93 year was successful, with increased membership, income, and interest driven by newsletter mailings. Monthly meetings attracted about 25 people. A new, well-equipped meeting place was established in Blue Ash. Roy Auerbach was instrumental in setting up a membership database, and Mary Pacinda took over publicity coordination. The president noted the need for a Meeting Organizer and encouraged members to volunteer for talks or presentations.

Vice-President's Report (Dick McGrath): McGrath focused on assisting the President and contributing to Executive Council decisions. He aims to support the association's programs and goals in the coming year. He also offered to substitute as recording secretary if needed.

Investigations Officer's Report (Joe Gastright): Gastright defined the goals of skepticism and the Investigations Committee as defending a naturalistic interpretation of the world and upholding the findings of science. He clarified that skeptics do not propose a truth separate from science but defend science's methods and findings against nonsense. The committee's role is to encourage members to investigate paranormal claims, provide naturalistic interpretations, and focus on claims contradicting mainstream science. Skeptics should urge proponents of paranormal claims to substantiate them scientifically.

Secretary's Report (Mary Pacinda): The secretary's duties included taking minutes, mailing them to the Executive Council, and sending welcome letters to new members. She prepared and mailed meeting reminders and press releases to various media outlets in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. For the next year, she plans to update the press release list and expand it to include more local media.

Treasurer's Report (Iduna Borger): Dues and contributions have led to a steady increase in the A.R.T. account balance, which is around $1000. Expenses primarily consist of the newsletter, postage, meeting supplies, and corporation expenses. No officers are paid.

Membership Report (Roy Auerbach): Current membership is 63, with 34 renewals at the start of the year. A campaign to add new members and re-engage former members was initiated, using a Filemaker Pro database. Lapsed members receive the newsletter for a year to encourage renewal. Recruitment efforts targeted local CSICOP subscribers and will expand to other professional lists. The year saw 18 new memberships and 11 renewals from approximately 350 new contacts. The goal for the next year is to maintain active mailings and potentially reduce postage costs by applying for non-profit rates.

Newsletter Editor's Report (Virginia Jergens): The newsletter was published monthly in its first year (Oct 1991-Apr 1992) and quarterly in its second year (Oct 1992-June 1993). The mailing list expanded with the help of Roy Auerbach's database. The newsletter provided membership information, meeting announcements, and articles of skeptical interest. A one-page flyer describing A.R.T.'s activities was also created. For the next year, the plan is to publish quarterly and apply for non-profit postage rates. The editor seeks member contributions for articles, book reviews, and reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of rational thinking, skepticism towards pseudoscientific and paranormal claims, and the importance of scientific methodology. The Association for Rational Thought (A.R.T.) positions itself as an organization dedicated to encouraging informed evaluation and distributing the results of investigations to the public. The editorial stance is clearly pro-skepticism and pro-science, advocating for critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the scientific method as the most reliable means of understanding the world. The organization actively seeks to educate the public and engage members in its mission through meetings, newsletters, and outreach efforts.