North Texas Skeptic - Vol 17 No 08 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue: Volume 17, Number 8
Date: August 2003
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into several topics, primarily focusing on the ongoing debate between evolutionary science and creationism, with a particular emphasis on the 'intelligent design' movement. It also features an article examining the ancient Indian practice of Vaastu Shastra. The magazine includes event listings for the North Texas Skeptics organization.

Left Behind: The Battle Over Science Education

This lengthy article by John Blanton details the legislative and public debates surrounding the teaching of evolution in Ohio in early 2002. Two bills, House Bill 481 and House Bill 484, are discussed. HB 481 aimed to introduce 'intelligent design' into the science curriculum by requiring disclosure of alternative explanations and historical assumptions. HB 484 sought to ensure legislative approval for science standards. The article identifies the Discovery Institute (DI), a creationist think tank, as the driving force behind these efforts.

A panel discussion on March 11th in Columbus, sponsored by the Ohio Board of Education, is highlighted. The debate featured DI Fellows Stephen C. Meyer and Jonathan Wells arguing against scientists Lawrence Krauss and Kenneth R. Miller. Meyer, an associate professor of philosophy, and Wells, author of 'Icons of Evolution,' presented creationist arguments. Krauss, head of physics at Case Western Reserve University, and Miller, a biology professor at Brown University, defended evolutionary science. The article notes that Miller provided a historical account of the discussion.

The article critiques the scholarship of the intelligent design movement, suggesting it relies on 'lackluster scholarship' despite its proponents' academic credentials.

The Santorum Amendment and Misinterpretations

The article discusses how creationists, including Meyer, misinterpreted the 'No Child Left Behind Act' (Public Law 107-110), particularly referencing Senator Rick Santorum's amendment (amendment 799). This amendment aimed to distinguish science from religious claims and address controversy surrounding biological evolution. However, the final law significantly diluted these references, relegating them to a conference report with no legal force. Meyer's assertion that the law required teaching alternate scientific theories is presented as a misinterpretation.

'Icons of Evolution' and Scientific Critiques

Jonathan Wells' book 'Icons of Evolution' is a central focus of criticism. The article details how Wells uses ten 'icons' to challenge evolutionary theory. The magazine highlights specific examples:

• Haeckel's Embryos: Wells criticizes the use of Ernst Haeckel's drawings in textbooks to illustrate embryonic development, claiming they are inaccurate and faked. The article counters that modern textbooks increasingly use photographs instead of Haeckel's drawings, and that while Haeckel's drawings had issues, the underlying principle of embryonic similarity in vertebrates is supported by current research.
• Peppered Moths: Wells uses the peppered moth example to suggest evolutionary deception, claiming moths don't perch on tree trunks and that textbook photos are staged. The article explains that while the classical story has flaws and moths don't always rest on tree trunks, the evidence for natural selection remains strong. It also points out that the staged photos were likely for illustrative purposes to show camouflage.

The article notes that Wells' arguments are often based on selective quotes and that scientists like Michael Majerus, whose work Wells cites, actually support the evidence for natural selection.

The Cambrian Explosion

Wells also raises the issue of the 'Cambrian explosion,' questioning why textbooks don't discuss how major animal groups appear fully formed in the fossil record. The article states that Miller pointed out that major animal groups appear *after* the Cambrian explosion, and that plants do not appear in it. Wells' position on this issue is presented as inconsistent.

Defense of the Indefensible

The article concludes that the Discovery Institute and its allies are defending indefensible positions by focusing on these 'ten icons' rather than presenting stronger arguments. The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is mentioned as having responded to Wells' challenge, demonstrating the shallowness of his claims.

Vaastu Shastra: The God of Structures and Buildings

This article by Kumar S. Golla examines Vaastu Shastra, an ancient Indian system of building guidelines, and its Chinese counterpart, Feng Shui. Golla notes the prevalence of superstitions in India and how Vaastu Shastra, like astrology and numerology, is promoted through daily newspaper columns and weekly advice.

Vaastu Shastra is described as being derived from ancient Indian religious texts and dedicated to a god called Vastu Purusha. The core premise is that invisible forces and energies influence human life, and adherence to Vaastu rules is believed to promote health, prosperity, and well-being.

Golla expresses skepticism about Vaastu Shastra, particularly regarding its extensions to modern amenities like plumbing and computers, which did not exist thousands of years ago. He finds some basic rules sensible, such as avoiding water-logged areas or building at the foot of a hill. However, he criticizes the 'source-sink theory' and the arbitrary identification of energy sources and sinks, citing an example of a water tank's placement affecting a daughter's marriage prospects.

The article also touches on the proliferation of self-proclaimed 'Vaastu experts' and the sense of nationalism associated with promoting Vaastu Shastra as an alternative to 'foreign' modern architecture. Golla shares a personal anecdote about his parents' experience with a Vaastu expert for a condominium, highlighting the conflicting advice given by different experts and the ultimate lack of occupancy of the property.

Skeptic Ink: Icons of Evolution

This short piece by Prasad Golla and John Blanton is a commentary on Jonathan Wells' 'Icons of Evolution,' likely a review or excerpt related to the main article on creationism. It is noted as being free for non-commercial reuse.

Skeptical Cabaret

This section announces a performance by actress/singer Laura Ainsworth in August at the Ruby Room in Dallas. Her show, titled "My Ship Has Sailed" or "How To Be A Late Bloomer In A World Obsessed With Extreme Youth," is described as an evening of music, humor, and parodies, with a focus on the anti-aging industry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptics, as evidenced by this issue, maintains a strong stance in favor of scientific reasoning and critical thinking. The magazine actively debunks pseudoscience and challenges creationist arguments, particularly those associated with the 'intelligent design' movement. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, advocating for evidence-based explanations and rigorous testing of claims. The critique of 'Icons of Evolution' and the examination of Vaastu Shastra demonstrate a commitment to scrutinizing claims that lack scientific validation. The organization also promotes its own events and activities, fostering a community of skeptics and critical thinkers.