North Texas Skeptic - Vol 03 No 05 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Skeptic," the newsletter of The North Texas Skeptics, published in September/October 1989, features several articles examining pseudoscience, educational issues, and conspiracy theories. The cover headline highlights an investigation into the science degrees of "man tracker" Carl Baugh. Other articles cover astrology in universities, the conspiracy theory surrounding "Alternative 3," Project 2061 aimed at improving scientific literacy, and an analysis of destructive cults.

A Follow-up on Carl Baugh's Science Degrees

By Glen J. Kuban, this article scrutinizes the scientific degrees claimed by Carl Baugh. It reveals that Baugh's Ph.D. in anthropology was allegedly awarded by the College of Advanced Education (CAE), which is unaccredited and lacks science facilities. Don Davis, an administrator at CAE, described it as a "missions" school operating under Clifford Wilson in Australia. Baugh's diploma indicates CAE is the "Graduate Division" of International Baptist College (IBC), which is also unaccredited and operates as a correspondence school for religious studies, reportedly featuring tapes by Jerry Falwell. Notably, Carl Baugh himself was listed as president of IBC. Furthermore, Baugh's master's degree in archaeology is linked to Pacific College, Inc. (also known as Pacific College of Graduate Studies), which traces its origins to creationist Clifford Wilson in Australia. Wilson is the principal officer of Pacific College, Inc., a religious school without accreditation in Australia. The article suggests that Wilson was a close associate and partner of Baugh in IBC. The author concludes that Baugh's alleged science degrees appear to originate directly or indirectly from himself and his partner, through their unaccredited Bible schools. The article notes there is no evidence Baugh holds an undergraduate degree in science, and questions the misrepresentation of his credentials.

Astrology and the University

By John Thomas, this piece investigates the University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA) student newspaper, The Shorthorn, for publishing Jeanne Dixon's horoscope column. Despite UTA's stated mission to pursue truth and knowledge, the student newspaper included astrology, which editor Laurie Pope admitted was considered "utter garbage" but was added to boost circulation. Pope did not consult faculty and questioned the feature's educational impact. The article also reports that Arnie Philips, the paper's ad director, confirmed the column was intended to increase readership and advertising revenue. Dean of Science Dr. Howard J. Arnott was unaware of the column and considered it irrelevant to the science department. However, the article argues that popular beliefs, even seemingly harmless ones like horoscopes, are not irrelevant in a democratic society and a publicly funded university. Philosopher Robert P. Crease is quoted stating that "Astrologers are to intelligence what quacks are to medicine," warning that accepting such practices can make one receptive to more harmful beliefs.

NTS Chair Addresses Students

This brief section notes that John Thomas, chair of the North Texas Skeptics, spoke to a Government class at North Lake College in July, engaging in a question-and-answer session. The organization aims to expand its speaking activities and seeks opportunities to present to other groups.

Alternative 3: More Food for the Conspiracy-Hungry

By Mark Meyer, this article critically examines the "Alternative 3" conspiracy theory, which originated from a 1977 ITV television program and a related book. The theory posits a secret joint American-Soviet plan to colonize space due to an impending environmental catastrophe, involving secret bases on the Moon and Mars, and even human and livestock abduction for "Batch Consignments." Meyer meticulously debunks the theory by pointing out numerous factual inaccuracies and inconsistencies. He notes that the television program's existence is difficult to verify, that key figures like astronaut Bob Grodin are fictional, and that the claim of probes landing on the far side of the Moon is impossible because the Moon always shows the same face to Earth. The article concludes that "Alternative 3" is a fascinating but ultimately unbelievable story, likely a spoof, and criticizes the willingness of some groups, like MUFON, to accept such narratives without critical examination.

Science for All Americans: Project 2061

Reviewed by Debbie Boak, this article discusses Project 2061, initiated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 1985. The project aims to achieve scientific literacy among American citizens by recommending a curriculum focused on essential scientific concepts and thinking skills, rather than rote memorization. The review highlights that U.S. schools are failing to adequately educate students in science and mathematics, with many teachers lacking proper qualifications. Project 2061 proposes a three-phase plan to reform education in science, mathematics, and technology, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these fields and the importance of scientific habits of mind for informed decision-making and a healthy society. The article stresses that scientific literacy is crucial for addressing global challenges and ensuring America's future.

On the Nature of a Destructive Cult

By Robert Utz, this article analyzes the characteristics and psychological mechanisms of destructive cults. Utz describes cults as imposing a stark contrast between personal impotence and empowerment, creating a parasitic dependence on the cult's ideology and resources. Through "cognitive restructuring, emotional purging, and regression," cults establish a "metaview" that distorts reality and fosters "social schizophrenia." The article draws parallels with the self-help movement "est," as described by Michael Rossman, highlighting how cults redefine involvement and responsibility to serve the cult's interests. It criticizes the "lifeboat ethic" and the replacement of autonomy with obedience and sacrifice. The author argues that critical reasoning requires distance from authority, and that cults are destructive because they erode meaning and personal judgment, leading to an "abdication of the power to choose."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of claims presented as scientific or factual, particularly those that lack rigorous evidence or originate from unaccredited sources. The newsletter consistently promotes skepticism towards pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, and misrepresentations of credentials. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of scientific literacy and critical thinking, as evidenced by the review of Project 2061 and the analysis of destructive cults. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning, academic integrity, and a rational approach to understanding the world, actively challenging what it perceives as irrational beliefs and practices, especially when they infiltrate educational institutions or public discourse.