Indian Skeptic - 2011 04

Magazine Overview

This issue of Indian Skeptic, identified as No. 02/04 and dated April 2011, is an e-magazine distributed freely with the aim of promoting scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform in India. The magazine explicitly states that the views expressed by its authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publication itself. To view the magazine correctly, readers are advised to use Adobe Reader 8.0 or a later version. Communications, including articles and letters, can be sent to [email protected].

Featured Articles and Content

Baba Ramdev: Yogi or Commissar?

This article by Ram Puniyani critically examines Baba Ramdev, a prominent godman in India, questioning his claims and the vast empire he has built through yoga therapy, medicines, and ashrams. The author highlights Ramdev's assertion of having a following of over a billion people and his ability to cure serious diseases like cancer and AIDS, as well as his controversial views on homosexuality. The article points out the lack of scientific scrutiny for his methods, often shielded by religious garb, and suggests that his claims need to be regulated and peer-reviewed. It also touches upon Ramdev's recent entry into politics and his campaign against corruption, questioning the partisan nature of his stance and suggesting that his donations should be accounted for.

Atheist Eve

This section features a comic strip titled 'Atheist Eve' by Tracie Harris. The comic presents a dialogue questioning the nature of worship and the attributes of a god, particularly focusing on the perceived negative aspects of the God of the Bible, such as the concept of original sin, human sacrifice, and harsh laws. The strip contrasts a critical, negative viewpoint with a more optimistic one, suggesting that one can choose to see blessings even in difficult circumstances.

The Bhagwan of Puttaparthi

Authored by Narendra Nayak, this article scrutinizes Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba, the godman of Puttaparthi. It notes his current critical health condition, questioning why a divine being requires mundane medical intervention. The article traces Baba's career from a 'prestidigitator' materializing sweets to claiming to be an avatar of Shirdi Sai Baba. It details his establishment of a large pilgrimage center and his alleged miracles, such as materializing holy ash and vibhuti, which the author claims have been exposed as tricks. The article also mentions his alleged ability to cure diseases, convert water into petrol, and bring people back to life, none of which have been independently corroborated. It further discusses the financial empire built by Baba and the potential struggle for control over his assets, suggesting that his properties, built from public contributions, should be used for public purposes.

Astrology to Improve Productivity!

This article, attributed to 'Bangalore Skeptic', appears to be a critical examination of the claims made by proponents of astrology regarding its ability to enhance productivity. While the full content is not detailed here, its inclusion in a skeptical magazine suggests a critical or debunking perspective.

From the President of FIRA

Authored by Narendra Nayak, this piece likely discusses the activities or perspectives of FIRA (Foundation for Rationality and Inquiry), an organization that promotes scientific temper and critical thinking.

Book Review: Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Prabhakar Nanawaty reviews the book 'Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast'. The review, accompanied by the book's cover image, likely assesses the book's content from a skeptical or rational viewpoint.

Tools for Skeptical Thinking

This section features Carl Sagan, a renowned astronomer and science communicator, likely discussing principles or methods for developing and applying skeptical thinking. Sagan's work is often associated with promoting scientific literacy and critical evaluation of claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Indian Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of religious figures, pseudoscientific claims, and the importance of rationalism and scientific inquiry. The magazine takes a clear stance against blind faith and the exploitation of people through fraudulent spiritual practices. It advocates for evidence-based reasoning, scientific methodology, and a critical approach to claims made by godmen and other sources of unsubstantiated beliefs. The issue also touches upon the intersection of religion, politics, and corruption in India, and the need to foster a more secular and rational society. The inclusion of a quote from the Constitution of India emphasizes the importance of developing a scientific temper and spirit of inquiry as fundamental duties of citizens.

This issue of Indian Skeptic, dated April 2011, features a critical examination of the Institution of Engineers' Bangalore Chapter for inviting an astrologer to lecture on improving productivity. The magazine also reports on training programs aimed at fostering scientific temper and rationalism, and reviews a book on the evolutionary origins of belief systems.

Institution of Engineers Peddles Astrology to Improve Productivity!

The lead article, 'Bangalore Skeptic,' expresses dismay over the Institution of Engineers' Bangalore Chapter inviting an astrologer to speak on improving productivity. The author, P.L. Rao, a member of the Institution and a rationalist, argues that this is contrary to the institution's charter, which promotes science and technological advancement. He highlights that the Indian Constitution mandates the development of a scientific temper and spirit of inquiry. Rao recounts his efforts to cancel the lecture, including sending an email to the Chairman, and his subsequent actions at the venue, where he distributed the email and briefed attendees. While the lecture proceeded, the Chairman acknowledged the mistake and promised more careful selection of future programs.

2nd Programme at Periyar Maniammai University

This section, authored by Narendra Nayak, President of FIRA, details two training programs conducted at Periyar Maniammai University. Following the success of a program for first-year students, two more were organized for senior students. These programs aimed to train students in scientific temper and rational thinking. The article describes interactions with students, including discussions on irrational thinking in disease treatment, quackery, and spiritualism. A notable incident involved a student claiming spiritual powers to read a currency note's serial number, which ultimately failed, leading to a demonstration of how such beliefs can be debunked. The programs included group discussions on furthering the rationalist movement and exposed students to methods of 'miracle exposure.' The author notes the encouraging results, with many students claiming a change in their thinking, and mentions plans for further workshops and increased membership in the rationalist club.

Analyzing the Belief System

This is a review by Prabhakar Nanawaty of Lewis Wolpert's book, 'Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast: The Evolutionary Origins of Belief.' The reviewer explains that Wolpert, a development biologist and broadcaster, sympathetically examines belief systems and their relevance in the contemporary world. The book explores what determines people's beliefs about causal events, distinguishing human thinking from that of other animals and how it evolved. Wolpert approaches the subject as a trained scientist, not hostile to religion but skeptical of paranormal phenomena due to a lack of evidence. The review highlights Wolpert's emphasis on the brain's 'belief engine' that seeks explanations, even when logical reasoning is insufficient. It discusses how beliefs are shaped by parental and cultural influences, and how the evolution of tools and language played a crucial role in human cognition and the development of causal beliefs. The review also touches upon the author's analysis of religion, health beliefs, and moral/ethical beliefs, suggesting that many are acquired and modified over time, often without rigorous evidence. The reviewer concludes by quoting an assessment of Wolpert's book as a strong argument for the superiority of science, noting that while religions change under pressure from science, scientists themselves can be stubborn in their beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscience, the promotion of rationalism and scientific temper, and the critical examination of institutions that deviate from scientific principles. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, as demonstrated by its critique of the Institution of Engineers and its reporting on rationalist training programs and book reviews that advocate for scientific understanding over unfounded beliefs.

Title: Indian Skeptic
Issue: April 2011
Date: 2011-04

This issue of Indian Skeptic focuses on the principles of skepticism, the scientific method, and the nature of belief. It features excerpts and discussions on the works of prominent thinkers like Lewis Wolpert and Carl Sagan, alongside news from rationalist organizations in India.

Articles and Content

The Conflict Between Science and Religion

The issue begins by exploring the idea that God is a reason for "impossible ideas." It discusses the nature of scientific beliefs, noting that scientists can be influenced by emotion and prejudice, and that scientific beliefs must be supported by persuasive evidence. The article posits a fundamental conflict between science and religion, asserting that science offers the most reliable method for validating beliefs, even when it challenges common sense. It references a reviewer's comment that Wolpert's book argues for the superiority of science, as scientific theories are checked against observable reality and are discarded if they don't fit. The text also notes that religions tend to change under scientific pressure, citing the eventual acceptance of evolution by Pope John Paul II.

Review of "Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast"

A review or discussion of Lewis Wolpert's book, "Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast: The Evolutionary Origin of Belief," is presented. The book is described as a powerful argument for science over other belief systems, highlighting science's advantage in checking theories against reality. Wolpert is praised for writing with clarity and forthrightness, avoiding "mumbo-jumbo."

Carl Sagan's Tools for Skeptical Thinking

This section features an extract from Carl Sagan's essay, "The Fine Art of Baloney Detection," which encapsulates the basic tenets of skeptical thinking. The article emphasizes the importance of independent confirmation of facts, substantive debate among knowledgeable proponents, and the caution against relying solely on "authorities," as even experts can err. Sagan advocates for the "multiple working hypotheses" approach, where one considers and tests various explanations for a phenomenon, favoring the one that resists disproof. He also stresses the need to avoid over-attachment to one's own hypotheses and to actively seek reasons for rejecting them. Key principles highlighted include quantification, ensuring the integrity of every link in a chain of argument, applying Occam's Razor (choosing the simpler hypothesis when two explain data equally well), and the necessity of falsifiability – that a hypothesis must be testable and potentially disprovable.

Quote from Carl Sagan

A prominent quote from Carl Sagan is featured: "Science is far from a perfect instrument of knowledge. It's just the best we have. In this respect, as in many other, it's like democracy. Science by itself cannot advocate courses of human action, but it can certainly illuminate the possible consequences of alternative courses of action." This quote underscores the value and limitations of science.

Quote from Buddha

A quote attributed to Buddha is presented, advising against blind belief based on tradition, imagination, or respect for a teacher. It encourages individuals to accept only what, after examination and analysis, is found to be conducive to good, benefit, and the welfare of all beings.

Skeptic News and Association Activities

This section provides updates from rationalist organizations. The Bangalore Vicharavadi Sangha (Bangalore Rationalist Association) is noted for conducting monthly lectures and discussions. Contact persons for this association are Dr. M.N. Keshava Rao and A.S. Nataraj. Additionally, the Karnataka State Federation of Rationalist Associations (KSFRA) is convening district-level meetings across the state. BVV Subba Rao is listed as the State Convener for KSFRA, with contact details provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of beliefs, the power and methodology of science, and the importance of rational thinking. The editorial stance clearly favors scientific inquiry and skepticism as the most reliable means of understanding the world, contrasting this with faith-based or traditional belief systems. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based reasoning, logical consistency, and the active questioning of claims, regardless of their source.