North Texas Skeptic - Vol 14 No 07 - 2000

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 14, Number 7, published in July 2000, is a newsletter from The North Texas Skeptics organization. The issue's cover prominently features the headline "DATA OR DOGMA: What Should Be the Basis for Educational Policy, and Who Should Decide?" by Michael R. Honig.

DATA OR DOGMA: What Should Be the Basis for Educational Policy, and Who Should Decide?

This main article, by Michael R. Honig, explores the fundamental question of whether educational curricula should be guided by verifiable facts (data) or by beliefs and tenets presented as authoritative without sufficient evidence (dogma). Honig begins by quoting Thomas Jefferson on the importance of an educated electorate for democracy and then defines data and dogma. He poses the central question: should children's education be based on facts or dogma?

The article delves into four specific examples:

1. Posting the Ten Commandments in schools: Honig finds no empirical evidence that displaying the Ten Commandments improves behavior. He argues that educational institutions should not rely on such dogma, as children have other avenues for moral instruction.
2. Religion-based ideas like Creationism: Honig labels "Scientific Creationism" an oxymoron, stating that it fundamentally misunderstands science. He contrasts the scientific method of seeking answers with the dogmatic approach of seeking data to support pre-determined conclusions. He argues that Creationism belongs in a comparative religion class, not a science class, and questions its validity against other creation myths.
3. The role of religion in educational curricula: While personally believing religion should not be used for indoctrination, Honig stresses that religion is a crucial element of history and civilization and therefore must be taught about. He notes that ignoring religion in textbooks leads to a superficial understanding of history, such as the Puritans' motivations for coming to America.
4. 'Feel-good' history: Honig criticizes history taught to make a nation feel good about itself, citing the example of the War of 1812. He points out that while the burning of Washington, D.C., is often taught, the preceding American burning of York (now Toronto), Canada, is frequently omitted, illustrating self-serving historical dogma and "institutional forgetting."

Honig argues that understanding the full picture and multiple sides of every story is essential in a diverse world. He advocates for an education that includes all facts and perspectives, rather than excluding them, to avoid the pitfalls of "New Think" and "institutional forgetting." He emphasizes the need to distinguish between science and fiction, and secular facts and religious tenets. He concludes that while dogma offers a false sense of security, it leads to narrow-mindedness. The educational system must teach facts and data in context, and while interpretations are acceptable, lies by omission are still lies.

Regarding how to decide what is taught, Honig suggests establishing a rigorous institutional framework with federal, state, and local bodies, setting goals for objectivity, using peer review, and multilevel review to average biases. He proposes using the scientific process for curriculum decisions, clearly distinguishing between fact, theory, and speculation. Ultimately, he believes that teaching critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate information will empower students to form their own conclusions based on facts.

The "Gas Pump Needle-Stick" Internet Hoax

This article by Daniel R. Barnett debunks a widespread internet hoax about hypodermic needles infected with HIV-positive blood being affixed to gas pump handles. Barnett received an email warning, purportedly from "Captain Abraham Sands" of the Jacksonville Police Department, detailing alleged incidents and urging vigilance. However, upon investigation, Barnett found no record of a Captain Abraham Sands in Jacksonville, Florida, nor any confirmation from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). He cites urban legend websites like Snopes and the Urban Legends Reference Pages, which confirm the hoax and state that the reported incidents and CDC confirmations were false. The article notes that while discarded needles can pose a risk, the specific claims in the email were fabricated. Barnett advises readers to stop such hoaxes by informing the sender and others about their falsity.

Web news

This section, by John Blanton, covers two main topics:

• Alternative Science and Richard Milton: Richard Milton, who runs the Alternative Science website, is discussed for his critique of James Randi's skeptical challenges, suggesting Randi's rules may be biased against paranormal claims. Milton believes challenges should reassure participants that they are not being set up to be ridiculed.
• Maurice Ward's Heat-Resistant Coating: The article highlights the discovery by Maurice Ward of a thin plastic coating that can withstand temperatures of 2,700 degrees Centigrade. Initially reported in the defense magazine Jane's International Defence Review, the coating's potential to make military equipment impervious to nuclear weapons was noted. Its effectiveness was demonstrated on BBC Television's "Tomorrow's World," where an egg coated with the substance remained raw after being exposed to an oxyacetylene torch. The article likens the inventor's struggle for recognition to the plot of the film "The Man in the White Suit."

Milton's site also touches on other alternative science topics like cold fusion and evolution. The article mentions that The Skeptic and The North Texas Skeptic have previously covered many of these topics, with past issues available in a searchable database.

Amazon books on the NTS Web site

This section announces a new initiative by The North Texas Skeptics (NTS) to generate income through affiliate links to Amazon.com on their website, ntskeptics.org. While NTS is a non-profit, they are now endorsing products by linking to Amazon book sales. They will feature books of special interest to members, including works by notable skeptics like James Randi, Martin Gardner, and Richard Dawkins, as well as books on the creation/evolution controversy and by pseudoscience writers like Rupert Sheldrake. Members can also access some of these books from the NTS library.

Skeptical ink

This section features a three-panel comic by Prasad Golla and John Blanton. The comic satirizes astrology, showing one character expressing concern about going out because "saturn is in ascension" and the other character, who dismisses astrology as "crap," later saying, "Of course, I knew he would say that," implying a subconscious adherence or a predictable outcome regardless of belief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptic consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, and the importance of evidence-based reasoning. The July 2000 issue strongly advocates for education based on data and facts, contrasting it with dogma and pseudoscience. It actively debunks popular hoaxes and urban legends, highlighting the unreliability of unchecked internet information. The publication also engages with topics in alternative science, often from a critical perspective, while acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of subjects like religion. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific literacy, rational inquiry, and a discerning approach to information, particularly in educational contexts and in evaluating claims about the paranormal or pseudoscientific phenomena.