North Texas Skeptic - Vol 09 No 10 - 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 9 Number 10
Date: October 1995
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics

This issue of The Skeptic, published by The North Texas Skeptics, features a prominent address by Richard Feynman titled "The value of science," originally given at the 1955 Autumn meeting of the National Academy of Science. The newsletter also includes several shorter articles critically examining various health-related topics and claims.

The Value of Science by Richard Feynman

Richard Feynman's address explores the multifaceted value of science. He begins by addressing the suggestion that scientists should focus more on social problems. Feynman argues that while scientists do consider these issues, social problems are inherently more complex and difficult to solve than scientific ones. He uses the question of the value of science itself as an example of a non-scientific subject where a scientist might sound naive.

Feynman outlines three key values of science:

1. Enabling Power: Scientific knowledge provides the power to create and do things, which can be used for good or bad. This power is valuable in itself, regardless of how it is applied. He illustrates this with a Buddhist proverb: "To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell," highlighting that the key (science) has value but requires wisdom in its use.

2. Intellectual Enjoyment and Worldview: Science offers a unique form of intellectual enjoyment derived from learning and discovery. This enjoyment is as valuable as any other societal pursuit. Furthermore, scientific effort leads to a worldview that reveals the marvels of nature, far surpassing human imagination. Feynman poetically describes the universe, from molecules to the vastness of space, emphasizing the intricate patterns and the emergence of life.

3. Experience with Ignorance and Doubt: Scientists are accustomed to dealing with ignorance, doubt, and uncertainty. This experience is crucial, as scientific progress relies on recognizing limitations, leaving room for doubt, and questioning authority. Feynman stresses that this freedom to doubt, born from historical struggles, is a vital responsibility to society, warning against suppressing discussion and criticism in favor of proclaimed answers.

Feynman reflects on humanity's potential versus its accomplishments, noting that dreams of the past often remain unfulfilled. He discusses how forces like education and communication, while powerful, can be manipulated for good or evil. He posits that while science does not directly teach morality, the understanding of the physical world can lead to a sense of meaninglessness if not coupled with a search for direction. He concludes that admitting ignorance is the "open channel" to progress, advocating for a trial-and-error system guided by doubt and discussion, as exemplified by the Age of Reason and the scientific method.

Health Skepticism

This section of the newsletter presents several critical analyses of health-related topics:

Silicone Implants Cleared Again

This article reports on a Harvard Medical School study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (1995) that failed to establish an association between silicone breast implants and connective tissue disorders. The study, using data from the Nurses Health Study, found that among 87,501 women, only a small percentage developed connective tissue disorders, and a statistically insignificant number of those had breast implants. The analysis also showed no link to self-reported symptoms.

FTC Nixes Facilitated Communication Devices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) secured consent decrees against companies marketing devices like Crestalk and Canon Communicator. These devices were promoted as aids for communication for autistic individuals, utilizing a controversial technique called Facilitated Communication, which resembles a Ouija board. The companies pledged not to market these devices for such purposes.

New Director Takes Charge of NIH OAM

Wayne B. Jonas, M.D., has been appointed as the new director of the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) at the National Institutes of Health. Jonas, a family doctor with an interest in homeopathy and herbal remedies, previously directed research at Walter Reed Hospital. The article questions whether he will enforce strict scientific methodology for taxpayer-funded studies or allow the OAM to become a platform for quackery.

Kombucha Tea Rises to Popularity

Kombucha, a fermented tea often called "mushroom" tea, is gaining popularity with unsubstantiated health claims. The article raises concerns about its safety, including potential contamination with the cancer-causing fungus Aspergillus, the development of antibiotic resistance, and the presence of plant acids. A recent report in American Medical News linked the death of an Iowa woman to its consumption, though the FDA has taken no action beyond requesting adverse effect reports.

Fennel Oil Toxic, Tea OK

Fennel seeds are a common folk remedy for flatulence and colic, and also used in cough remedies for loosening phlegm. The active component is a volatile oil, which has shown spasmolytic effects. However, the volatile oil itself is not recommended for medicinal use, as even small quantities have been reported to cause vomiting, seizures, and respiratory problems. The article notes that while fennel oil can be toxic, the tea itself is considered acceptable.

This information is provided by the Dallas/Fort Worth Council Against Health Fraud.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to health claims and scientific understanding. The editorial stance champions critical thinking, the scientific method, and the importance of questioning and doubt. It actively debunks unsubstantiated health remedies and questionable therapeutic techniques, advocating for rigorous scientific scrutiny and warning against the dangers of pseudoscientific claims and unverified alternative medicine practices. The inclusion of Richard Feynman's address underscores a deep respect for scientific inquiry, intellectual honesty, and the pursuit of knowledge through rigorous investigation, even when it involves confronting uncertainty.