Indian Skeptic - 2010 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of Indian Skeptic, No. 01/12, dated December 2010, is an e-magazine mailed free to recipients. The publication aims to foster a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform among its readers, as stated in the quote from Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution.

Anguish of Kashmiri People: Are We Listening?

This article by Ram Puniyani critically examines the statement by Arundhati Roy regarding Kashmir not being a part of India. The author notes the strong reactions from groups like the BJP and Mahila Morcha, including calls for sedition charges. Puniyani clarifies that Kashmir "acceded" to India, not "merged," with a proviso for total autonomy in most matters except defense, communication, currency, and external affairs. He argues that criticism of Roy stems from ignorance of Kashmir's history of accession. The article details the situations of Junagadh and Hyderabad, which were militarily integrated into India, contrasting them with Kashmir's unique geographical and demographic context. It highlights that Maharaja Harisingh initially refused to merge with either India or Pakistan, but after a Pakistani-backed tribal invasion, he sought India's help, leading to the treaty of accession. The author suggests that US designs to dominate the region through Pakistan played a significant role. The article also touches upon Sheikh Abdullah's disillusionment with India after Gandhi's assassination and the pressure from communalists, leading to his arrest and the alienation of Kashmiri people. The role of Pakistan, backed by the US, and the entry of Al Qaeda in the 1980s are cited as factors that worsened the situation. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to respect the pain and anguish of Kashmiri people, advocating for dialogue, reduced army presence, and deeper democracy.

Atheist Eve: What We Know About 'God'

This section features a comic strip by Tracie Harris titled "Atheist Eve." The comic humorously presents a skeptical view of religious narratives, questioning the existence of God and the basis of faith. It contrasts the creation story, Abrahamic agreements, and divine intervention with a call for evidence and faith.

Hey Ram! Reflections on HC Verdict on Babri Masjid Demolition

Keshava Sheth Revankar reflects on the High Court's verdict on the Babri Masjid demolition, delivered on September 30, 2010. The author quotes Georgia Harkness, stating that religion can be a dangerous force when human judgment is turned into divine command. Revankar criticizes the celebratory reaction to the demolition and points out that Hindus have also historically converted other religious structures into temples, citing examples of Jain and Buddhist sites. He questions the verdict, suggesting it might be based on "parampara" (tradition) rather than legal grounds, drawing parallels with Jiddu Krishna Murthy's views on tradition clouding perception. The article includes excerpts from an article by SB Roy, reconstructing the proto-history of the world and associating figures like Sita and Janaka with agricultural revolutions around 2000 B.C. Revankar argues that Indian mythologies are often presented as history, with characters attributed with supernatural traits, using Rama as an example. He criticizes the modern judiciary for following tradition and perception, similar to the ancient "Raj-Purohith" who sided with the queen in the Ramayana. The author also discusses the compilation of Hindu holy books like "Yoga-Vashist" and "Gita," suggesting "Gita" was chosen for its potential for interpolations. He criticizes the media for not addressing youth with historical facts, leading them to be drawn into "saffron ideology" and consumerism. The essence of Hinduism is described through Upanishadic verses and the concept of "Brahmma."

From the President of FIRA

Narendra Nayak, President of FIRA, contributes a piece that is not fully detailed in the provided pages but is listed in the table of contents.

Book Review: Science and Religion: Are they Compatible?

This book review by Prabhakar Nanawaty examines the compatibility of science and religion. The review is accompanied by an image of the book's cover, titled "SCIENCE AND RELIGION" by Paul Kurtz.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking

This section features Carl Sagan, likely discussing methods and principles of skeptical thinking. The content is not detailed in the provided pages.

Believe Nothing ...

This short piece is attributed to Buddha and is listed in the table of contents.

Quote from Noam Chomsky

A quote from Noam Chomsky, delivered at the University of Houston on October 18, 2002, is included. Chomsky discusses how countries with laws against hate crimes would ban the Old Testament due to its content exalting genocide. He also relates this to religious fundamentalists in New England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes skepticism, rational inquiry, and a scientific temper. It critiques religious fundamentalism, blind faith, and the uncritical acceptance of tradition. The editorial stance appears to be secular, advocating for critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning. The publication also engages with socio-political issues, particularly those concerning India, such as the Kashmir conflict and historical interpretations of religious events.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated December 2010, features a prominent article from Narendra Nayak, President of FIRA, detailing a "Gender and Health Equity Program at Koppala." The magazine also includes a significant "Book Shelf" section reviewing "Science and Religion: Are they compatible?" and other related articles.

The Gender and Health Equity Program at Koppala

Narendra Nayak recounts a program held on November 29th in Koppala, a backward region in North Eastern Karnataka, known for superstitions like "Bhanamathi" (black magic). The program aimed to address issues of Gender, Health equity, and safe motherhood. Ms. Vani led the team working on these issues. The event involved interactions with about a hundred volunteers, including paid workers and volunteers. The district has a high maternal mortality rate and lacks medical facilities, compounded by superstitions.

The interactions included a lecture, video footage, and demonstrations, though hampered by limited time. Participants' educational qualifications varied from just literate to those with university degrees. The program aimed to clarify doubts about superstitions and promote gender justice. Nayak explained concepts of equal rights for women and gender justice through demonstrations, verbal explanations, and video footage. He noted that many women had a long-felt need for such clarifications.

Participants shared their reactions, expressing that they felt cheated by quacks but helpless. They also noted the power of suggestion, demonstrated by lifting a person with fingers. The program also touched upon property rights for women and the Special Marriage Act. Nayak shared his own experience of a low-cost marriage registration, surprising the audience.

Discussions also covered the concept of 'maata manthra' (black magic) and the potential psychological or superstitious nature of beliefs. Nayak explained that direct attacks on religious beliefs can be counterproductive, so the focus is on what happens in the name of god. He also shared his personal decision not to pursue 'Maata' removal treatments, despite his parents' concern.

Book Shelf: Compatibility of Science and Religion

This section, authored by Prabhakar Nanawaty, reviews the book "Science and Religion: Are they compatible?" edited by Paul Kurtz. The review highlights the Western academic debate on the compatibility of science and orthodox religion. While acknowledging that Hindu religion often appears to integrate scientific values, the review argues that this is self-deception, as science and religion fundamentally differ in their methodologies and conception of truth.

Science requires an open mind, free inquiry, and critical thinking, while religion relies on faith, revelation, and introspection. The book is a compilation of articles from a symposium organized by the Centre for Inquiry in 2001, funded by the Templeton Foundation. Contributors include prominent scientists and thinkers like Richard Dawkins, Richard Feynman, Steven Pinker, and Daniel Dennett.

The review emphasizes that science is based on evidence and reason, with knowledge being tentative and subject to revision. Religion, conversely, asserts unchanging truths and discourages skepticism. The article quotes Paul Kurtz stating that science and religion are fundamentally different, with science seeking evidence and religion relying on faith.

Key themes discussed in the book include cosmology and God, intelligent design, the conflict between science and religion, science and ethics, and paranormal claims. Several contributors, including Steven Weinberg, argue against the idea of a fine-tuned universe, suggesting no constructive dialogue is possible between science and religion. Victor Stenger proposes the existence of multiple universes, while David Shotwell dismisses the supernatural.

Quentin Smith disagrees with theistic theories on cosmology, and the "Intelligent Design" section discusses the controversy surrounding evolutionary theory. Creationists are presented as a force undermining science, particularly in the Islamic world. The review notes that while some contributors hope for accommodation between science and religion, others, like Jacob Pandian, see potential danger in cooperation that weakens scientific endeavor.

Sir Hermann Bondi is quoted stating that science unites the world, while religion is inherently divisive. Barry Palevitz advises against compromising science with religion due to a lack of objective evidence.

The "Science and Ethics" section explores the relationship between ethics, science, and religion. Stephen Jay Gould's concept of Non-Overlapping Magisteria (NOMA) is mentioned, suggesting a common goal of wisdom. Richard Dawkins, however, argues for irreconcilable differences and criticizes the interposition of the "soul" in evolutionary processes. Feynman notes science's impact on religious ideas but believes it doesn't strongly affect moral conduct.

The final sections delve into paranormal claims and religious belief. Paul Kurtz coins the term "paranatural" to describe phenomena like life after death, weeping statues, and faith healing, suggesting they can be investigated scientifically. The unreliability of eyewitness testimonies is highlighted, emphasizing the need for controlled studies. The book is presented as a resource for understanding topics like intellectual design, creationism, sociobiology, and near-death experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around rationalism, critical thinking, and the scientific investigation of phenomena often attributed to superstition or supernatural causes. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical viewpoint, encouraging readers to question beliefs not supported by evidence. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and rational explanations, challenging the acceptance of dogma and blind faith. The articles advocate for a secular perspective, emphasizing humanism and evidence-based reasoning over religious or superstitious explanations.

Title: Indian Skeptic
Issue Date: December 2010
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Indian Skeptic delves into themes of skepticism, rationalism, and critical thinking, featuring a review of a book on the compatibility of science and religion, an excerpt on skeptical thinking by Carl Sagan, and information on rationalist organizations in India. The issue also includes philosophical reflections from Emma Goldman and Buddha.

Book Review: Science and Religion: Are they Compatible?

The issue reviews the book "Science and Religion: Are they Compatible?", edited by Paul Kurtz with assistance from Barry Karr and Ranjit Sandhu, published by Prometheus Books in 2003. The review highlights that the articles within the book offer a wealth of information without being dense or dry. A key point discussed is that the compatibility of religion and science hinges on whether religious believers submit their beliefs to scientific standards of inquiry. The review also touches upon the ideas of Martin Gardner, who finds awe and wonder in the vastness of the unknowable, and Matt Young, who proposes a human-centered, god-centered religious humanism where ethics are developed by communities. Paul Kurtz's article suggests that religious systems are products of human imagination, trafficking in fantasy and fiction, which are powerful expressions of human dreams and hopes.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking by Carl Sagan

An excerpt from Carl Sagan's essay, "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection," is presented, outlining fundamental principles of skeptical thinking. These principles include:

• Independent Confirmation: Wherever possible, seek independent confirmation of facts.
• Substantive Debate: Encourage debate on evidence by knowledgeable proponents of all viewpoints.
• No Authorities, Only Experts: Arguments from authority hold little weight, as even experts can err. Science recognizes experts, not absolute authorities.
• Multiple Working Hypotheses: When faced with something to explain, consider all possible explanations and devise tests to disprove them. The hypothesis that survives disproof has a better chance of being correct.
• Detachment from Hypothesis: Do not become overly attached to one's own hypothesis; it is a temporary step in the pursuit of knowledge. Actively seek reasons to reject one's own ideas.
• Quantification: Use numerical measurements to discriminate between competing hypotheses, as vague and qualitative issues are open to multiple interpretations.
• Sound Argument Chains: Every link in a chain of argument, including the premise, must be valid.
• Occam's Razor: When two hypotheses explain data equally well, choose the simpler one.
• Falsifiability: Hypotheses must be falsifiable in principle, allowing for assertions to be checked and experiments to be duplicated by others.

Rationalist Associations in India

The "Skeptic News" section provides information on two rationalist organizations:

• Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha (Bangalore Rationalist Association): This association conducts monthly lectures and discussions on various topics. Contact persons are Dr. M.N.Keshava Rao and A.S.Nataraj.
• Karnataka State Federation of Rationalist Associations (KSFRA): This federation convenes district-level meetings across the state. The State Convener is BVV Subba Rao.

Philosophical Reflections

The issue features a quote attributed to Emma Goldman defining the philosophy of Atheism as a concept of life focused on the actual, real world and its liberating possibilities, free from metaphysical concepts that have led to "helpless degradation." Additionally, a quote attributed to Buddha emphasizes the importance of believing in doctrines only after due examination and analysis, based on whether they are conducive to the good, benefit, and welfare of all beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, rationalism, critical thinking, and the examination of beliefs through empirical evidence and logical reasoning. The editorial stance appears to strongly advocate for a scientific and rational approach to understanding the world, questioning traditional beliefs and authorities, and promoting intellectual honesty and open debate. The inclusion of quotes from figures like Carl Sagan, Paul Kurtz, and Buddha underscores a commitment to rigorous inquiry and evidence-based conclusions.