Indian Skeptic - 2010 07

Magazine Overview

Title: INDIAN SKEPTIC
Issue: No. 01/07
Date: July 2010

This issue of the Indian Skeptic, an e-magazine published and edited by Manoj Trichambaram, focuses on promoting rationalism, scientific temper, and critical inquiry. It is distributed free of charge with the hope of being useful to its recipients.

Featured Articles

Beyond Bodily Needs

This article, authored by Narendra Nayak, critically examines claims of individuals who assert they can live without food and water, or extract energy directly from the sun. Nayak argues that such claims lack scientific basis, explaining the biological necessity of food for energy and the impossibility of animals converting solar energy directly into carbohydrates without chlorophyll. He posits that these individuals are often charlatans, and the investigations into their claims are either compromised or lack rigor. The article contrasts these claims with the known metabolic processes of the human body, emphasizing the role of fat storage and the need for nitrogen fixation and other dietary components.

Kashmiriyat Revisited

Ram Puniyani's article delves into the concept of Kashmiriyat, exploring its historical roots in the syncretic interaction of various religious traditions in Kashmir, including Buddhism, Vedanta, and Sufi Islam. The article highlights the significance of figures like Nund Rishi and Lal Dedh in fostering this inclusive spirit. It discusses the communalization of the Kashmir issue, exacerbated by external influences and political machinations, which led to the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits. The article notes the recent visit of Kashmiri Pandits to the Kheer Bhavani temple as a potential signal of revival for Kashmiriyat and expresses hope for peace and the return of Pandits to the valley, emphasizing the need for democratic processes and friendly relations between India and Pakistan.

The 'Khap' Problem and a Scientific Solution

This article by M N Keshava Rao addresses the 'Khap' problem, likely referring to traditional, often regressive, social customs and their impact. The article suggests that a scientific solution is needed to address these issues, implying a need for rational and evidence-based approaches to social reform.

Do We Need God To Be Good?

Prabhakar Kamath's article questions the necessity of religious belief for moral behavior. It explores the relationship between faith and ethics, likely arguing that goodness can stem from secular or rational principles rather than divine command.

Bihar Rationalist Movement

Narendra Nayak also contributes an article on the Bihar Rationalist Movement, highlighting the efforts to promote rational thinking and challenge superstition in the region. This likely showcases the practical application of rationalist principles in social activism.

Book Review: Rationalist Speaks...

Prabhakar Nanawaty reviews a book titled 'Rationalist Speaks...', offering insights into its content and its contribution to rationalist discourse.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

Throughout the issue, the Indian Skeptic maintains a strong stance in favor of rationalism, scientific temper, and critical thinking. It actively debunks pseudoscientific claims and challenges religious dogma when it conflicts with reason. The magazine promotes a secular outlook and advocates for social reform based on scientific understanding and humanistic values. Recurring themes include the critique of superstition, the importance of evidence-based reasoning, and the exploration of socio-political issues through a rational lens. The issue also features quotes from prominent thinkers like Michael Bakunin and Rudolf Rocker, underscoring the magazine's commitment to intellectual discourse and social revolution based on human existence and rights.

Additional Content

The magazine also includes a quote from Michael Bakunin on the role of social revolution in providing a meaningful existence, and a quote from Rudolf Rocker on political rights being ingrained habits of a people rather than mere legal pronouncements. The contact information for submitting articles, letters, and communications is provided as [email protected].

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated July 2010, features a diverse range of articles focusing on morality, religion, social issues in India, and the rationalist movement. The cover story, 'Objective Morality!', by Tracie Harris, uses biblical references to question the existence of fixed, objective moral standards. Other articles delve into the 'Khap' Problem in India, the role of religion in ethics, and the progress of rationalist organizations.

Objective Morality!

Tracie Harris, a graphic designer from Austin, Texas, presents a critique of objective morality through a comic strip format. The strip juxtaposes biblical verses from Exodus 21:20-21 (regarding the punishment for beating a slave) and Leviticus 20:13 (condemning homosexual acts) with modern interpretations. Harris suggests that the Bible itself contains contradictions and justifications for actions now considered immoral, such as slavery and the condemnation of homosexuality. She implies that if morality is not divinely absolute, then its basis becomes subjective, and an atheist's morality, while flexible, is not necessarily worse for lacking a divine set of rules. The article also touches upon the justification of genocide and infanticide in the Bible when people were at war.

The 'Khap' Problem and a Scientific Solution

Authored by M N Keshava Rao, this article addresses the 'caste+gothra' restriction on marriages in India, a problem that extends beyond Khaps and affects many in India and Asia. Rao links this issue to 'Honour Killings,' child marriages, dowry crimes, and the stagnation of social progress among tribal populations. He argues that the Gothra system originated to prevent marriages between closely related individuals, akin to incest, and that this practice evolved into broader social taboos. Biologically, Rao explains that evolution favors genetic variety through 'more and freer mate selection,' leading to stability and the development of new species. He posits that early human settlements developed monogamy and preferred mates from outside their immediate clan, fostering social stability, equality, and liberty, which are foundations of democracy. However, he contends that religious and caste-based conservatism has curtailed mate selection, leading to unhealthy practices like polygamy and child marriages. Rao advocates for science-oriented rational solutions, urging the rejection of all caste, religious, and racial taboos, and promoting marriages between genetically unrelated individuals for at least three generations.

Do We Need God Or Religion To Be Good?

Prabhakar Kamath explores the relationship between religion and morality. He posits that the original intent of Hinduism was to establish law and order, but it has evolved into a business. Kamath argues that all religions are essentially 'a way of life' and that moral values and noble virtues, which stem from conscience and parental influence, are sufficient for ethical behavior. He lists moral values like not stealing, lying, hurting, or betraying, and noble virtues such as empathy, generosity, kindness, and fearlessness. Kamath suggests that practicing these virtues makes one feel good about themselves, and that a person who lives by these principles does not need religion, God, or any of the associated rituals. He criticizes the 'mindless' aspects of Hinduism, which he believes are propagated for financial gain, and contrasts them with the 'mindful' aspect of moral values that has become neglected. He also critiques 'temple-casino complexes' that attract devotees seeking fulfillment of desires rather than spiritual growth.

Rationalist Movement in Bihar

Narendra Nayak, President of FIRA, details the efforts to build a rationalist movement in Bihar, a state known for its intellectual history but currently riddled with superstitions. The movement has been campaigning to inculcate scientific temper, debunking claims of supernatural powers. An organization named Bihar Rationalist Forum was formed to strengthen the rationalist movement by conducting seminars, workshops, and creating a state-wide network. An ad hoc committee was elected, with Seema Singh as president, and the organization resolved to affiliate with FIRA. The article highlights the participation of young people and women, expressing hope for the movement's future.

Notable Quotes

The issue includes several notable quotes, including one from Stephen Grellet: "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Another quote is from Bhagat Singh: "When man tries to stand on his own legs, and become a realist he shall have to throw the faith aside, and to face manfully all the distress, trouble, in which the circumstances may throw him. That is exactly my state of affairs. It is not my vanity, my friends. It is my mode of thinking that has made me an atheist." A quote from Andre Comte-Sponville, "Love, not hope, is what helps us live. Truth, not faith, is what sets us free," is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of religion and its role in morality, the critique of traditional Indian social structures like the caste system, and the promotion of rationalism and scientific temper. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a secular approach to ethics and social issues, advocating for a move away from superstition and blind faith towards a more reasoned and humane worldview.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated July 2010, features a prominent review of the book "Rationalist Speaks..." by Justice R.A. Jahagirdar (Retd), under the cover headline "Sane Voice in the Maddening Crowd." The magazine also includes news about the "8th World Atheist Conference" and an excerpt on "Tools for Skeptical Thinking" by Carl Sagan.

Review of "Rationalist Speaks..."

The review, penned by Prabhakar Nanawaty, introduces "Rationalist Speaks..." as an anthology of articles by Justice R.A. Jahagirdar, addressing the pervasive religiosity and irrationalism in society. Despite the challenging environment, the author remains undeterred. The book delves into subjects such as social progress, the right to know, the death sentence, and controversial topics including the Burkha, Talaq, and polygamy, advocating for a uniform civil code. It also features biographies of prominent rationalists like R.D. Karve, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, and H. Narasimhaiah.

The review highlights that the author explores the multifaceted dimensions of these issues, acknowledging that there are no simple answers but suggesting rational and reasonable solutions. The book defines rationalism as a mental attitude that accepts the supremacy of Reason and aims to establish a verifiable system of philosophy and ethics, independent of arbitrary assumptions or authority. The author emphasizes that rationalism seeks to establish a system of ethics verifiable by experience, akin to a scientist's pursuit of truth for humankind's benefit.

The first article, "Rationalism and Social Progress," traces the historical development of rationalism from ancient Greek philosophers to Charles Darwin, critiquing the historical intertwining of religion and superstition. It uses examples of figures like Galileo, Copernicus, Edward Jenner, and Charles Darwin to illustrate the role of Reason and refutes claims made by astrologers. The article addresses common criticisms of rationalism, such as a lack of imagination or morality, and argues against them.

The anthology includes biographies of figures like Buddha, Socrates, Galileo, Ingersoll, Annie Besant, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, James Stewart Mill, R.D. Karve, and H. Narasimhaiah, focusing on their rationalist views and courage in challenging societal norms, inequality, and orthodoxy.

Regarding Buddhism, the author suggests it is not a religion in the traditional sense, lacking a god or gods, but rather a guide for individuals, encouraging Sanghas. The review notes the author's contemplation on why India doesn't have its own distinct form of Buddhism based on Ambedkar's work.

The review also touches upon R.D. Karve, a pioneer in sex education and a rationalist, son of the legendary Dhondo Keshav Karve. It notes that R.D. Karve was prosecuted multiple times for his writings in "Samaj Swasthya" on topics like family planning and sex education. He also edited the English magazine "Reason." The author feels it's unfortunate that R.D. Karve's writings haven't received in-depth study, considering his significant contribution to rationalism.

The article discusses Dr. Hosur Narasimhaiah, a scientist and rationalist, regretting that his influence was confined to Karnataka. It then delves into the author's commentary on Islamic practices, including polygamy, the Burkha, and the method of divorce (Talaq). The author argues that the Quran, when interpreted properly, supports monogamy and that Prophet Muhammad's later marriages were often to war widows. The Burkha is presented not as a religious mandate but as a social practice, with variations across Muslim countries. The author clarifies the Quranic stance on triple Talaq, emphasizing the need for arbitration in marital disputes.

The author's interest in human rights, minority rights, the Uniform Civil Code, and Article 370 is also mentioned, posing the question of whether civilization has the moral maturity to accept the human person as the unit and measure of all things. The review notes the author's comments on corruption in India and the importance of the "Right to know" as a statutory right, despite impediments like censorship and religious commands.

The author expresses high regard for Amnesty International for its fight for justice for innocent victims.

Skeptic News: 8th World Atheist Conference

This section announces the "8th World Atheist Conference" themed "Atheism - An Alternative Culture," scheduled for January 7-9, 2011, in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. The conference is jointly convened by Dravidar Kazhagam, Atheist Centre, and The Rationalists' Forum. It highlights the movements founded by atheists, social reformers, and humanists like Periyar E.V. Ramasami and Gora. The registration fee is Rs. 400, and contact details for the co-ordinator and conveners are provided.

Remembering Abraham Kovoor

This section reports on a public meeting held on the 110th birth anniversary of Dr. Abraham Thomas Kovoor, founder of the rationalist movement in India and Sri Lanka. Sach Dev Virdee, secretary of the Asian Rationalist Society Britain, spoke about Kovoor's commitment to rationalism and exposing spiritual frauds. Advocate Harinder Lalli emphasized the importance of rational thinking in daily life for logical reasoning and overcoming psychological fears. The report also mentions legal actions against faith healers, citing a case where a faith healer was imprisoned for 18 months. Representatives from various organizations, including the Birmingham Humanist Group, shared views on human rights and the importance of rational thinking in building a caste-less society and safeguarding against fraudulent faith healers.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking by Carl Sagan

This article is an excerpt from Carl Sagan's essay, "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection," which encapsulates the basic tenets of skeptical thinking. Key principles include seeking independent confirmation of facts, encouraging substantive debate, understanding that "authorities" can err, spinning multiple hypotheses, quantifying observations, ensuring every link in an argument is sound, applying Occam's Razor (choosing the simpler explanation), and ensuring hypotheses are falsifiable. The excerpt encourages readers to question their own beliefs and compare them with alternatives.

Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha

This section announces that the Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha (Bangalore Rationalist Association) conducts monthly lectures and discussions on various topics and provides contact information for interested individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of rationalism, skepticism, and scientific thinking as antidotes to irrationalism, fundamentalism, and superstition. The magazine advocates for critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the pursuit of truth. There is a strong emphasis on social reform, human rights, and challenging established orthodoxies, particularly those rooted in religion. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of secularism, intellectual inquiry, and the application of reason to societal issues, as exemplified by the review of Justice Jahagirdar's book and the coverage of atheist and rationalist conferences.