Indian Skeptic - 2011 01

Magazine Overview

Title: INDIAN SKEPTIC
Issue: No. 02/01
Date: January 2011

This issue of Indian Skeptic delves into critical social, political, and philosophical issues within India, with a strong emphasis on skepticism towards prevailing norms and institutions. The magazine positions itself as a platform for rational discourse and a challenge to superstition, dogma, and what it perceives as flawed governance.

Key Articles and Themes

Need Judicial Reforms and a Debate on the Issues of Sedition and Governance

Authored by Vidya Bhushan Rawat, this extensive article critically examines the Indian judicial system, particularly the lower judiciary, in the context of the "outrageous verdict" against Dr. Binayak Sen. The author argues that the charges of sedition and treason, once primarily associated with 'Muslims', are now being applied more broadly, reflecting a shift towards a more 'secular' application of these laws. The article questions the manipulation of legal processes by authorities, citing the case of Arundhati Roy for alleged 'anti-national' remarks on Kashmir. Rawat emphasizes the role of human rights activists in a democratic process, aiming to hold the state accountable. The piece highlights the degeneration of the state's core values over the past 20 years, particularly its abdication of responsibility towards Dalits and Adivasis. Key issues identified as "part and parcel of our struggle" are land redistribution and participation in power structures through reservation. The article critiques the post-1990s economic policies, including the opening up of the Indian market and privatization, which are seen as detrimental to farmers and reducing job opportunities. The marginalization and isolation of Muslims are also discussed, with the Babri demolition being cited as an event that "shook the very basic foundation of our nationhood." The author criticizes the "brahmanical capitalism" developed under the supervision of power elites, leading to rampant corruption and land grabbing. The article points to the emergence of local struggles against state policies that uproot people from their land, citing examples in states like Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamilnadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand. It argues that the "democratic deficit" in tribal areas has fueled anger against the state and criticizes the mainstream media for often ignoring these "regional" news. The author contends that for a nation to survive as a healthy democracy, an open debate on issues concerning the people is essential, and that the media's role has become blurred with intelligence and PR functions. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for judicial reforms, questioning the framing of Binayak Sen, and advocating for a thorough scrutiny of jail conditions and the judiciary. It also touches upon the hypocrisy of the Indian government's stance on human rights defenders, referencing the case of a Chinese dissenter receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. The piece calls for the establishment of a National Judicial Commission and the implementation of quotas for SC-ST-OBCs in the judiciary to ensure judges understand the issues faced by marginalized communities.

Atheist Eve: God's Priorities

This piece by Tracie Harris uses a graphic and anecdotal approach to question the priorities of a divine being. It juxtaposes statistics on child molestation and deaths from natural disasters and diseases with a humorous anecdote about someone finding a parking space and thanking Jesus. The underlying message critiques the perceived indifference of a deity to human suffering while being attentive to trivial matters.

The Super Intelligent Superstitious

Narendra Nayak writes about the paradoxical nature of people in the Dakshina Kannada region who consider themselves "super-intelligent" yet are deeply entrenched in superstitions. The article highlights two incidents that demonstrate this "super-superstitious" nature. The first concerns the Kukke Subramanya temple, where people are diagnosed with "naga dosha" (a curse for killing a snake) and are required to perform rituals. The author satirizes the diagnosis and the expensive treatments offered, linking it to the belief that appeasing snake gods can cure ailments like leprosy, which the scientific community attributes to mycobacterium leprae. The article also mocks the practice of groveling before the god and the rituals involving food remnants from Brahmins.

Arguments for God in Classical Indian Philosophy

Authored by Ajita Kamal, this article likely explores philosophical arguments for the existence of God within the context of classical Indian thought. The provided scan does not contain the full text of this article, but its inclusion suggests a philosophical inquiry into religious beliefs from a rationalist perspective.

Sudarshan, RSS & Scandalous Statements

Carl Sagan's contribution focuses on K. Sudarshan, the former chief of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), and his "scandalous statements." While the full text is not provided, the title indicates a critical examination of the ideology and pronouncements of a prominent figure within a significant right-wing Hindu nationalist organization.

Book Review: Atheism: A Very Short Introduction

Prabhakar Nanawaty reviews the book "Atheism: A Very Short Introduction." This review likely assesses the book's arguments and its contribution to the discourse on atheism, presenting a skeptical viewpoint on religious faith.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking

Also by Carl Sagan, this article presumably offers practical advice and methodologies for developing and applying skeptical thinking skills. It likely aims to equip readers with the tools to critically evaluate information and beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Indian Skeptic include a strong critique of religious dogma and superstition, a call for judicial and governmental reform, and an examination of social and political issues in India. The editorial stance is clearly one of rationalism, skepticism, and a commitment to human rights and social justice. The magazine actively challenges established power structures, religious beliefs, and what it perceives as flawed or corrupt systems, advocating for a more scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform, as encapsulated by the quote from Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated January 2011, is a critical examination of superstitions, irrational beliefs, and philosophical arguments for the existence of God, particularly within the Indian context. It features articles that challenge deeply ingrained societal norms and advocate for rationalism and scientific naturalism.

Ritualistic Sacrifice and Societal Malaise

The magazine opens with a stark account of a ritualistic child sacrifice that occurred on December 17th in Sharbatkatte, India. A 75-year-old man, Kamalaksha Purusha, along with accomplices, allegedly killed a child to appease spirits. The article highlights the public outrage against the police for their initial inaction and the subsequent arrest of the perpetrators. It contextualizes this incident within the broader landscape of superstitions prevalent in the Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod regions, which include snake worship and other folk beliefs. The author posits that the combination of high literacy, per capita income, and education, paradoxically, has led to a "sixteenth-century mindset superimposed on a 21st-century technology," creating a potent brew of irrationality.

The article also touches upon the peculiar reactions of various societal groups, including the ruling Hindutwa party, religious heads, and saffron outfits, noting their muted response. It mentions the intervention of the State Child Welfare Committee and the State Human Rights Commission, which sought a report on the incident as a violation of human rights.

Critique of K. Sudarshan's Statements and RSS Ideology

Another significant piece addresses the controversial statements made by K. Sudarshan, the father figure of the RSS, in November 2010. Sudarshan had alleged that Sonia Gandhi was a foreign agent and implicated her in the deaths of her family members. The article notes that while the Congress party protested, the RSS itself distanced itself from the statement but did not condemn Sudarshan, instead upholding his intellect. The author argues that Sudarshan's statement is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the RSS's core ideology, which is based on a "communal view of society." This ideology, according to the article, posits that all members of a religious community share similar interests, and these interests are often irreconcilable and hostile to those of other religious communities.

Philosophical Arguments for God's Existence Critiqued

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a philosophical analysis by Ajita Kamal, titled "Arguments for God in Classical Indian Philosophy." The article focuses on the nine arguments for God's existence presented by Udayana (Udayanācārya), a 10th-century Indian philosopher. Kamal systematically dissects each argument, including those based on causality (Kāryāt), combination (Ayojanāt), support (Dhrtyādé), word (Padāt), faith (Pratyayata), scriptures (Shruté), precepts (Vākyāt), specialty of numbers (Samkhyāviśeṣāt), and unforeseen power (Adrşţāt).

Kamal argues that these arguments, when examined through the lens of modern scientific logic and empiricism, are logically flawed. She identifies common fallacies such as infinite regress, circular reasoning, arguments from ignorance, and the "god of the gaps" fallacy. For instance, the argument from causality is critiqued for assuming a first cause without evidence and for positing an overly complex entity (God) to explain a simpler phenomenon. The argument from combination is dismissed by explaining that self-combination of inanimate matter is a natural process, as seen in crystals and chemical reactions. The argument from faith is deemed a misrepresentation of faith, as it makes objective claims about reality. The article also points out the misappropriation of scientific terms like 'atom' in ancient philosophical arguments.

Kamal emphasizes that modern science, with its understanding of physics, cosmology (like the Big Bang theory and potential cyclic universes), and complexity, provides naturalistic explanations for phenomena previously attributed to divine intervention. She concludes that Udayana's arguments, and indeed many classical Indian philosophical arguments for God, are based on unnecessary assumptions and have contributed to a stagnation in Indian philosophy.

Call for Scientific Naturalism

The author, Ajita Kamal, advocates for a new "Scientific Naturalism" that celebrates rational Indian minds of the past and present. She argues that a failure to embrace such a rational approach leaves Indians as passive observers in crucial global discussions on technology, ethics, society, government, and culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of superstition and irrationality, the defense of rationalism and scientific inquiry, and the examination of communal ideologies in India. The magazine's stance is clearly skeptical of religious dogma and supernatural claims, promoting a worldview grounded in logic, evidence, and scientific understanding. It encourages critical thinking and a move away from what it perceives as outdated and harmful traditional beliefs towards a more modern, rational, and scientific outlook on life and society. The issue also highlights the importance of human rights and the need to address societal ills through rational and evidence-based approaches.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated January 2011, focuses on themes of communalism, atheism, and rational thinking. The magazine presents a critical analysis of communal ideologies in India, reviews a book on atheism, and extracts an essay on skeptical thinking.

Communal Ideology in India

The issue critically examines communal ideology in India, stating that it operates by changing horizontal social differences into vertical ones, primarily based on religion. This ideology, according to the article, focuses on identity issues and undermines real worldly problems, serving as a tool to hide birth-based privileges. It is argued that communal ideology, whether Muslim or Hindu, originated from elites, landlords-kings, their associated clergy, and middle-class followers. While these ideologies may appear hostile to each other, their roots, values, and social logic are presented as fundamentally the same.

The article contrasts this with the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha, who addressed societal misery and the caste system. It suggests that the attack on Buddhism symbolized the ascendance of an exploitative caste and economic system. During the medieval period, kings patronized clergy regardless of religion, with the clergy primarily interested in rituals and maintaining the status quo. In contrast, saints focused on moral values as a societal binding force, addressing worldly issues.

The article notes that communal ideologies in India, both Muslim and Hindu, opposed the social change accompanying the freedom movement, which aimed not only for independence but also for caste and gender transformation, economic justice, and an end to imperialism. The author observes that organizations like the RSS, while aiming for a Hindu state, also seek to utilize the democratic space provided by the Indian Constitution, requiring a delicate balancing act.

Specific incidents are cited, such as the Gandhi murder and the murder of Pastor Stains, as outcomes of divisive sectarian ideology, with organizations like the RSS allegedly aiming to usurp democracy and strengthen communal politics, though often disowning such actions publicly.

Review: Atheism: A Very Short Introduction by Julian Baggini

This section reviews Julian Baggini's book, which is intended as a systematic defense and explanation of atheism for atheists, agnostics, and religious believers. The book is praised for avoiding footnotes and referencing, helping atheists organize their arguments. Baggini describes his own journey to atheism, noting that a rational case for it cannot be made solely on rational discussion due to prejudices and fears surrounding atheists, who are often perceived as miserable or amoral.

The review highlights Baggini's definition of atheism as the belief that there is no God or Gods, distinct from disbelief. He argues against the notion that atheists believe in no God and no morality, or no meaning to life. Baggini's case for atheism includes the absence of evidence for the supernatural and the physical dependence of the mind on the brain. He emphasizes that atheism is motivated by naturalism, the belief in a natural world only.

The article discusses the common misconception that atheists are materialistic, explaining that naturalism posits that the universe is governed by physical sciences, yet minds, beauty, and emotions arise from this physicality. Atheism is presented as a broader claim of naturalism and a way of life, not merely an opposition to religion.

Baggini refutes the idea that morality requires God, referencing the Euthyphro dilemma. He argues that a truly moral person acts ethically not out of fear of punishment but from an intrinsic sense of right and wrong, possibly stemming from empathy or shared humanity. The book also addresses the objection that atheism leads to a meaningless life, asserting that life's meaning is derived from personal projects and desires, not prepackaged by religion.

The review touches upon the counter-argument that atheism is linked to totalitarian atrocities like those in Nazi Germany and Stalin's era. Baggini concludes that Nazi Germany was not an atheist state, and while Soviet communism had elements of 'militant atheism,' his book argues against this extreme form, advocating instead for state secularism.

Baggini rejects the perception of atheism as anti-religious, framing it as pro-naturalist. He briefly considers arguments for God's existence (cosmological, teleological, ontological) but emphasizes that religious belief often begins with conviction, trumping reason and logic. The book concludes that atheism is a form of humanism, where humanists are atheists who believe in living purposeful and moral lives, accepting the reality of human existence without childish illusions.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking by Carl Sagan

This section features an extract from Carl Sagan's essay, 'The Fine Art of Baloney Detection,' which encapsulates the basic tenets of skeptical thinking. Key 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: Arguments from authority have little weight; experts are not infallible.
• Multiple Hypotheses: Spin more than one hypothesis and devise tests to disprove alternatives.
• Objectivity: Do not get overly attached to one's own hypothesis; compare it fairly with alternatives.
• Quantify: Use measures and numerical quantities to discriminate between hypotheses.
• Logical Chains: Ensure every link in a chain of argument works.
• Occam's Razor: Choose the simpler hypothesis when faced with two equally explanatory ones.
• Falsifiability: Always ask if a hypothesis can be falsified; untestable propositions are not valuable.

Sagan's work emphasizes that science is a way of thinking, a candle in the dark, and that skepticism is crucial for discerning truth from falsehood.

Skeptic News

This section provides information on rationalist associations in India. It mentions the Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha (Bangalore Rationalist Association) conducting monthly lectures and discussions, with contact details provided for Dr. M.N. Keshava Rao and A.S. Nataraj. It also announces district-level meetings of the Karnataka State Federation of Rationalist Associations, with contact information for the State Convener, BVV Subba Rao.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of religion's role in politics and society, the defense of rationalism and atheism against dogma and superstition, and the promotion of skeptical inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of secularism, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking, viewing communalism and blind faith as detrimental to societal progress and individual freedom. The magazine advocates for a rational approach to understanding the world and making moral judgments, independent of religious dictates.