Indian Skeptic - 2010 08

Magazine Overview

Title: INDIAN SKEPTIC
Issue: No. 01/08
Date: August 2010
Publisher: Manoj Trichambaram (Editor & Publisher)

This issue of Indian Skeptic, an e-magazine mailed free to recipients, presents a collection of articles that critically examine social, political, and religious phenomena through the lens of rationalism and skepticism. The magazine aims to foster a scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.

Articles

Cow in Contemporary Political Chessboard

This article by Ram Puniyani discusses the political implications of the 'Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill 2010.' The author argues that this legislation is part of a larger agenda by the BJP to target Muslim minorities and 'Brahminize' society by making beef eating a taboo. The article highlights that beef is a cheap source of protein for the poor, including Dalits and Adivasis. It references historical texts and scholars like B.R. Ambedkar and D.N. Jha to show that beef consumption was prevalent in Vedic times. Swami Vivekananda is quoted stating that in old ceremonials, not eating beef would make one not a good Hindu, and on certain occasions, one had to sacrifice a bull and eat it. Savarkar is also mentioned as stating that the cow is a useful animal, not sacred. The author criticizes the promotion of cow dung and urine as medicinal products without scientific study and points out that the 'Cow' issue is being used to divide communities. The article also recalls historical instances of communal violence related to cow slaughter and pig in mosques, contrasting these with Mahatma Gandhi's example of offering beef to a Muslim guest and advocating for respect of others' practices.

Selections from Science versus Miracles

Authored by B. Premanand, this article explores the conflict between scientific understanding and claims of miracles and supernatural powers. It asserts that every citizen has the right to believe or not believe in God, but this right is restricted if it harms others' beliefs. The article defines a 'miracle' as a phenomenon unexplainable by natural laws, often ascribed to divine intervention. It argues that many phenomena once considered miracles are now explained by natural laws. The author questions the claims of godmen who assert they can create anything from nothing, pointing out that their 'creations' are usually existing objects. He challenges godmen to undergo investigation under fraud-proof conditions, noting their refusal based on their powers being beyond human comprehension. The article suggests that if godmen's claims are false, they are cheating the public, and if true, the theory of conservation and relativity should be discarded. It concludes that if supernatural powers exist, the possessors have a moral obligation to demonstrate their methods are not tricks, and their claims should be subject to investigation.

Atheist Eve

This piece by Tracie Harris, a graphic designer, presents a series of quotes and observations under the title 'Religion for the Poor and Uneducated.' It includes critical statements about evangelical pastors exploiting fear in Nigeria, the use of pornographic images to support a bill in Uganda, and the Catholic Church's stance on condom use contributing to the AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. It also notes the Taliban's ban on media and education for girls in Afghanistan. The article includes a counterpoint asking why one would have a problem with religion if it gives people hope and happiness, especially those in poor countries with limited opportunities. Tracie Harris is described as having a background of recovering from a fundamentalist upbringing, leading to the creation of 'Atheist Eve.'

From the President of FIRA

Narendra Nayak, President of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA), reflects on the organization's recent activities and media coverage. He notes the extensive media attention received, attributing it partly to the public's declining trust in media due to its coverage of paranormal phenomena. Nayak suggests that media outlets may be seeking to regain credibility by covering the 'other side,' represented by rationalist organizations. He recounts FIRA's training programs in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, and their coverage by various TV channels and print media, including 'fire' items like fire walking and dipping hands in boiling oil. He mentions invitations from India TV, Sahara TV, and Live India, and his participation in live sessions and training programs.

Book Review: Charwak: History and Philosophy

This section features a book review by Prabhakar Nanawaty of 'Charwak: History and Philosophy.' The review highlights the book's exploration of the Charvaka school of thought, an ancient Indian materialist and atheist philosophy.

Letters

This section contains letters from readers, providing diverse perspectives and engaging with topics previously discussed in the magazine.

Karnataka State Federation of Rationalist Associations

An article by S Srinivas Natekar discusses the activities and objectives of the Karnataka State Federation of Rationalist Associations, likely focusing on their efforts to promote rational thought and counter superstition in the region.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Indian Skeptic consistently promotes rationalism, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. The magazine takes a skeptical stance towards religious dogma, supernatural claims, and pseudoscience. It aims to debunk superstitions and challenge unreasoned beliefs, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and secularism. The editorial stance is clearly against communalism and the exploitation of faith for political gain, encouraging a pluralistic society that respects diverse practices while upholding scientific principles.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated August 2010, focuses heavily on the philosophy of rationalism and its historical roots in India, with a prominent feature on Charwak philosophy. The magazine also touches upon the broader rationalist movement in India and includes reader feedback and quotes.

Articles and Content

Tracing the History of Charwak Philosophy

This extensive article, authored by Prabhakar Nanawaty and reviewing the book 'Charwak: History and Philosophy' by Prof Sadashiv Athavale, delves into the Charwak (or Lokayatvaad) philosophy. It highlights that Charwak was not a person but a philosophy of materialism that can be traced back to ancient India. Prof Athavale, a distinguished Maharashtrian historian, is credited with a distinct place among his peers for his frank and pragmatic insights. The book, translated by Suman Oak and published by Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, is presented as a lucid volume of 100 pages.

The article clarifies common misconceptions, stating that Charwak philosophy predates Buddha and was considered 'Vitandvaad' (argumentative) by some. It emphasizes that Charwaks were the first to refute the validity of Vedas, deeming them not of superhuman origin but creations of men. They rejected concepts like Agnihotra, Shraaddha, rebirth, heaven, and hell, advocating for enjoying life on earth and living happily. The philosophy also opposed caste and color discrimination and challenged the subjugation of women.

Charwakvaad's logic is described as extraordinary, rejecting all religious books and sacred statements. They relied on sense perception as the basis for inference and advocated uncompromising rationalism. The article contrasts this with other Indian philosophies like Vedant, Sankhya, and Jainism, noting that while Jains and Bouddhas opposed the Yadna system, they still retained concepts like rebirth. Charwaks, however, focused on a secular, worldly life, emphasizing productive work, earning a living, and enjoying life (Arth and Kama).

The article discusses the difficulty in identifying a specific person named Charwak, with various interpretations and puns on the name. It mentions historical figures associated with this philosophy, such as Ajit Keshkambali and Brihaspati.

The philosophy's scientific basis is explored, with Charwaks believing that knowledge perceptible to the senses is true knowledge and that any item of knowledge should be verifiable. They analyzed the concept of God and concluded its non-existence, and also considered the origin of the universe and life from elements.

The concept of 'Moksha' (liberation) is discussed, with Charwaks advocating for freedom and happiness in this life rather than focusing on rebirth or salvation. The article addresses the criticism of Charwak couplets, such as the one suggesting incurring debt to enjoy life, explaining that these might have been quoted out of context.

Despite its rationalist approach, Charwak philosophy was often despised and ridiculed, with followers referred to as 'Nastiks'. The article notes that while some aspects of Charwak philosophy, like those in Arthashastra and Kamashastra, were acknowledged, the philosophy itself largely disappeared, with few written works surviving.

Rationalism in India

Another section details the efforts to promote rationalism across India. The author recounts experiences from programs in Baghpat and Delhi, highlighting the media coverage received and the engagement with younger generations in basic sciences. The INSPIRE program in Delhi aimed to interest young minds in rational thinking. The article mentions interactions with underprivileged sections of society and the need to consolidate the rationalist movement in states like Orissa and Karnataka.

In Orissa, the movement aims to consolidate various organizations and activists into a well-organized state-level movement. Plans include state-level meetings and training camps. In Karnataka, a similar process is underway, with meetings held in Bangalore and Dharwar, and plans for further meets to establish a state-wide presence.

The movement faces challenges, particularly its weakness in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The article expresses a hope to build up the movement with enthusiastic youngsters, referencing the website nirmukta.com as a step in this direction.

Other Content

• Book Shelf: A visual display of various books, including 'Phantoms in the Brain' by V.S. Ramachandran and Sandra Blak, 'Cosmos' by Carl Sagan, and 'Why People Believe Weird Things' by Michael Shermer.
• Quote: A quote from Carl Sagan is featured: "Where did God come from? If you say that I must not ask the question of where God came from, then why must I ask the question of where the universe came from?"
• Quote: A quote from Bertrand Russell is presented: "What we need is not the will to believe, but the wish to find out."
• Quote: A quote from Charles Darwin is prominently displayed: "Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science."
• Letters: A letter from Pramod Sahasrabuddhe offers suggestions for improving the Indian Skeptic's e-journal format, recommending HTML, clickable links, image size reduction, and a single-column layout for better readability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are rationalism, critical thinking, the historical and philosophical underpinnings of skepticism, and the promotion of scientific temper. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and the critique of superstition and unscientific beliefs. The magazine actively promotes the Charwak philosophy as a historical precedent for rationalist thought in India and encourages the growth of the rationalist movement across the country. There is a strong emphasis on educating the public, particularly the younger generation, about scientific principles and logical reasoning.

Title: Indian Skeptic
Issue: August 2010
Date: 2010-08
Publisher: Indian Skeptic
Country: India
Language: English

This issue of Indian Skeptic focuses on the formation and activities of rationalist organizations in India, particularly in Karnataka, and also features an excerpt on skeptical thinking by Carl Sagan.

Karnataka State Federation of Rationalist Associations Conference

The primary focus of the magazine is the first Karnataka State Rationalist Conference, which took place on March 14, 2010, at Akhila Karnataka Makkala Koota in Bangalore. The conference aimed to establish a platform to unite rationalists from across the state and deliberate on the formation of a state-level organization. Delegates from various parts of Karnataka attended.

Dr. Viajya, a journalist and literary critic, inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the need to spread rationalism to rural areas and combat superstitions, even among educated individuals. He stated, "There is a need to spread rationalism to rural areas."

Srinivas Natekar, in his keynote address, criticized the media for propagating unscientific ideas, such as life after death, without scientific analysis.

'Corrupt politicians have joined hands with religious organizations by donating money through budget which is a dangerous signal to the society. At this critical juncture there is a need for us to form a platform to fight against superstitions,' stated one of the speakers.

U. Kalanathan, patron of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA), discussed the necessity of forming a federation, establishing units at various levels, and outlining the organization's activities. He stressed the importance of activity-based education to reach all segments of society.

Narendra Nayak, President of FIRA and representative of Dakshina Kannada Vicharavadi Sangha, presided over the function. He urged delegates to work collaboratively to strengthen the Karnataka State organization, advocating for united efforts to combat religious fundamentalism and superstitions, and to establish rationalist groups even in rural areas, drawing inspiration from Kerala.

Delegates shared their personal experiences in promoting rationalism and discussed the need for, formation, and strengthening of a state-level rationalist organization.

Sripal, an advocate from Shimoga and an activist with Komu Souharda Vedike, recounted his and his friends' experiences in opposing a proposed ban on eating beef in Karnataka. They publicly ate beef to protest the ban, which led to their arrest and a case being filed against them. Sripal explained that their action was to demonstrate that beef consumption is not limited to Muslims but is prevalent among other communities as well. He highlighted the importance of a state-level rationalist organization to ensure their voices are heard on such matters.

Resolutions and Criticisms

A resolution was unanimously passed to protest the government's actions and called for the withdrawal of cases filed against those involved in the beef-eating protest. The article criticizes the ban as "antidemocratic" and an interference with people's food habits in the name of religious sentiment, deeming it a violation of human rights. Another resolution criticized the allocation of government funds to religious organizations through the budget.

B.V.V. Subbarao, the convener of the conference, expressed gratitude for the event's success. A. S. Nataraj, addressing the closing ceremony, remarked, "Road ahead is difficult. But we have to move forward and fight for right and spread rationalism."

Other Prominent Activists and Organizations

Several other activists representing science, rationalist, and Dalit movements also spoke at the conference. These included E. Basavaraju (General Secretary, Bharatiya Gyan Vijnana Samiti, Karnataka), Yeriswamy (editor of Putani Vigyana), V.T. Rajashekr (editor of Dalith Voice), Nagaragere Ramesh (People Democratic Forum), Kranti and Deshmukh (Maharashtra Andha Shrudda Nirumalana Samithi), Nehru (Tamilnadu Rationalist Forum), Iringal Krishnan (Science Trust, Calicut), and Dhanuvachapurm Sukumarn (Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham).

Upcoming Events and Contact Information

The Karnataka State Federation of Rationalist Associations announced a meeting scheduled for August 22, 2010, in Hassan. Interested individuals were directed to contact Mr. BVV Subba Rao, the State Convener of KSFRA, for details.

The Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha (Bangalore Rationalist Association) was also highlighted, noting that it conducts monthly lectures and discussions. Contact information for Dr. M.N. Keshava Rao and A.S. Nataraj was provided for those interested in attending these programs.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking by Carl Sagan

The issue includes an excerpt from Carl Sagan's essay, "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection," which outlines key tenets of skeptical thinking. The article is drawn from his book, "The Demonhaunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark."

Key principles of skeptical thinking presented are:

• Independent Confirmation: Wherever possible, seek independent confirmation of facts.
• Substantive Debate: Encourage debate on evidence from knowledgeable proponents of all viewpoints.
• Authority vs. Experts: Arguments from authority hold little weight, as authorities can err. Science recognizes experts, not absolute authorities.
• Multiple Hypotheses: Consider all possible explanations for a phenomenon and devise tests to systematically disprove each alternative. The hypothesis that survives disproof is more likely to be correct.
• Attachment to Hypotheses: Avoid becoming overly attached to one's own hypothesis. It is a temporary step in the pursuit of knowledge. Critically examine why one favors a particular idea and compare it fairly with alternatives.
• Quantification: Use measurable, numerical quantities to discriminate between competing hypotheses. Vague, qualitative statements are open to multiple interpretations.
• Chain of Argument: Ensure every link in a chain of reasoning, including the premise, is valid.
• Occam's Razor: When faced with two hypotheses that explain data equally well, choose the simpler one.
• Falsifiability: Always question whether a hypothesis can be, at least in principle, falsified. Untestable propositions are of limited value. Assertions must be verifiable, and skeptics should be able to replicate experiments and verify results.

Quote from Buddha

The issue concludes with a quote attributed to Buddha, emphasizing critical thinking and personal verification:

"Believe nothing
Merely because you have been told it
Or because it is traditional
Or because you yourself have imagined it
Do not believe what your teacher tells you
merely out of respect for the teacher
But whatever, after due examination and
analysis
You find to be conducive to the good,
the benefit,
The welfare of all beings
that doctrine believe and cling to
and take it as your guide."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of rationalism, the fight against superstition and religious fundamentalism, and the importance of critical and skeptical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific reasoning, evidence-based analysis, and the debunking of unscientific beliefs and practices. The magazine advocates for organized efforts to spread rationalist ideals and criticizes the media and government policies that it perceives as undermining rational thought or infringing on personal freedoms in the name of religion or tradition.