North Texas Skeptic - Vol 19 No 06 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: June 2005
Volume: 19
Issue: 6

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into several controversial topics at the intersection of science, religion, and public policy, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and skepticism.

Scientific Babelism

The lead article, "Scientific Babelism" by John Blanton, explores the concept of "Babelism" as presented by Ruel A. Macaraeg. Macaraeg suggests that Babelism and Creationism are isomorphic, sharing assumptions that frame debates around origin and design rather than diversity and guided probability. The article draws a parallel between scientific babelism and the literal interpretation of the Tower of Babel story, where divine intervention scrambled languages, stifling human progress. It contrasts this with the scientific view of historical linguistics, which posits that languages evolve like biological populations. The author notes that creationists often embrace babelism alongside creationism, with figures like Don Patton discussing related topics.

Tim Gorski, NTS technical advisor, is mentioned for previously writing about scientific babelism as a spoof on scientific creationism, likening historical linguistics to the tyranny creationists complain about and humorously demanding equal treatment for scientific babelism in schools. The article emphasizes that while the analogy can be fun, babelism is a real issue in the creation/evolution debate, with creationists actively promoting these ideas.

Events Calendar

The issue includes an "Events Calendar" section, announcing the "June Program" for Saturday, June 11, at 2 p.m. at the Center for Community Cooperation in Dallas. The program topic was to be announced later. It also mentions a "June Board of Directors/Social Meeting" with time and place to be announced, and provides contact information (email and phone number) for inquiries.

North Texas Skeptics: Officers and Staff

Page 2 provides a directory of the North Texas Skeptics organization, listing officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) and staff (Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, Meetings and Social Director). It also lists the Board of Directors and Directors Emeritus. A section on "Scientific and Technical Advisors" includes names and affiliations of individuals with expertise in philosophy, geology, sociology, medicine, science teaching, counseling, physics, engineering, and law.

The organization is described as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization. Members receive the NTS newsletter and may attend functions at reduced costs. The newsletter, "The North Texas Skeptic," is published monthly and mailed to members. Permission is granted for reprinting articles, provided proper credit is given.

Ruel A. Macaraeg Discusses Scientific Babelism

A photograph on page 2 shows Ruel A. Macaraeg discussing scientific babelism at a May meeting, with a caption noting it was photographed by Mike Selby.

Babelism and Creationism Methodology

Mr. Macaraeg's additional points are detailed, stating that the methodology of Babelism and Creationism relies on "ad hoc examples" that fail to produce scientific theories. He criticizes skeptics and evolutionists for debating these points individually rather than addressing the flawed theoretical level, which hinders public support for evolution. Macaraeg also notes that Babelist-type arguments are used to support pseudohistoriographic and New Age theories, and suggests that familiarity with basic linguistic concepts can refute them. He views Creationism's proactive approach with arguments like Babelism as a way to keep the initiative, urging skeptics to be similarly proactive.

Web News

Monkey Trial or Kangaroo Court?

This section, by John Blanton, discusses the creationist attempt to put science on trial in Kansas. Scientists largely boycotted the proceedings, arguing that science cannot be debated on religious terms. Witnesses for the creationist side presented evolutionary biology as a "tyrannical discipline" that needs the "bright light of the supernatural." Testimonies included accounts of perceived "fear and tension" and "suppression of evidence." John Calvert, director of the Intelligent Design Network, described the state of science education in America. Witnesses like Nancy Bryson recounted losing her university position after speaking out against evolution, and Roger DeHart, a California high school teacher, was reassigned for discussing evolution with students. The article likens the situation to McCarthyism and suggests that political bullying is keeping "Darwinism" afloat, or perhaps the fact that evolution is true.

The article notes that between 1999 and 2001, Kansas science standards de-emphasized evolution. In 2004, a conservative majority on the state's Board of Education led to a push to rewrite standards to deprecate evolution and allow discussion of intelligent design. The "Intelligent Design" (ID) concept posits that natural processes cannot explain the diversity of life, suggesting design by an external entity. Mainstream scientists largely reject ID as a repackaged creationism. A committee drafted new standards, but eight dissenters proposed an alternative version with anti-evolution language, leading to hearings in Topeka. The creationist side, buoyed by a win in Ohio, saw Kansas as an easy target.

Kansas's mainstream biologists boycotted the hearings, comparing them to the 1925 Scopes "Monkey Trial," arguing that defending evolution in a "kangaroo court" would legitimize it undeservedly. Creationists, however, believe they have a strong product to sell, citing "gaping holes" in evolutionary theory and the potential of ID to provide a complete science education. Ohio biology teacher Bryan Leonard testified that a state lesson plan called "Critical Analysis of Evolution" was well-received by students because it taught what they wanted to learn.

This Homeopathic Hokum Does Nobody Any Good

By Paul Stokes, this article critiques homeopathic medicine. Stokes argues that no one has ever died from an overdose of homeopathy because it contains no active ingredient. He explains that homeopathic remedies are diluted to the point where they contain no molecules of the supposed active substance, making them ineffective. The article references physicist Robert Park, who calculated that a patient would need to drink thousands of gallons to ingest a single molecule. Stokes asserts that homeopathy is "hokum" and that its success, as seen in the Greater Glasgow NHS Board caving to a campaign against closing a homeopathic hospital ward, is a triumph for "forces of unreason" that ultimately damages society.

Discredited Doctor's 'Cure' for Aids Ignites Life-and-Death Struggle in South Africa

This section, by Sarah Boseley, reports on the challenges in South Africa regarding HIV/AIDS treatment. It highlights the case of Patricia Masinga, who died after opting for a diet of garlic and lemon instead of antiretroviral drugs, despite working for an AIDS organization. The article discusses Matthias Rath, a German doctor who claims vitamins, not drugs, are the cure for AIDS and other diseases, and who has gained support from some in the South African government. Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has expressed favor for alternative remedies like garlic and beetroot. Rath's claims, published in major newspapers, have created uncertainty, amplified by the government's equivocal stance. The article also notes a broader trend in the US of allowing pharmaceuticals to be sold as food supplements without strict safety provisions.

Science vs. Science

This article discusses the ongoing debate over teaching evolution, extending beyond Kansas to other states. It highlights the "Intelligent Design" (ID) movement, composed of scholars and writers who argue that the complexity of life suggests design. Key figures mentioned include Phillip Johnson (considered the grandfather of the ID movement), Michael Behe (biochemist), William Dembski (mathematician), and Stephen Meyer (historian and philosopher of science). These individuals are associated with the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture. The article notes that the ID movement aims to portray intelligent design as science, but its reliance on supernatural explanations places it outside the realm of science.

It mentions that Oklahoma's Attorney General ruled that biology textbooks do not need a disclaimer calling Darwinism "controversial." In Louisiana, a school board voted against appealing a court decision that declared such disclaimers unconstitutional. The article suggests that Darwinists are being forced to play defense due to the emergence of the ID movement.

Phillip Johnson's book "Darwin on Trial" and Michael Behe's "Darwin's Black Box" are cited as influential works in the ID movement. William Dembski is described as "God's Mathematician" for his use of mathematics to argue for design. Stephen Meyer emphasizes that making ID ideas clear is advantageous because, he claims, Darwinism relies on obfuscation and jargon to conceal its weaknesses.

What's New

This section, by Robert Park, presents several brief news items:

Ephedra: Federal Judge in Utah Lifts the FDA Ban on Ephedra

A federal judge in Utah lifted the FDA ban on ephedra, stating the FDA had not determined a safe level for its use. The article notes that the FDA had not determined a safe level because it would be unethical to test a harmful substance on people. This situation has led to renewed calls to change the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA).

2005 Trotter Prize: An Award for Overlapping the Magisteria

The Trotter Prize was awarded for "illuminating the connection between science and religion." The award went to William Dembski, a senior fellow of the Discovery Institute and an intelligent-design theorist. The article critiques this, stating that by resorting to supernatural explanations, intelligent design belongs in a different "magisteria" than science.

Miracles? I Don't Think So. NBC Dateline Is Not So Sure.

This item discusses an NBC Dateline program that explored claims of divine intervention. The program presented findings that suggested unexplained phenomena but failed to mention that no miracle has ever been scientifically verified, leaving viewers to believe it is an open scientific question.

Skeptic Ink

This section features a comic by Prasad Golla and John Blanton titled "Skeptic Ink." The comic humorously depicts creationists dumbing down movies and a discussion about whether IMAX "caved in" to creationist pressure. It also includes a humorous observation about a deer running away from a forest fire.

Kansas: Is "Intelligent Design" Science? Define "Science."

This piece reports on the Kansas School Board's attempt to redefine "science" to include "intelligent design." The author notes that courts have ruled ID to be religion and suggests that Kansas needs a new definition of religion, perhaps as "A way of explaining why it wasn't really your fault."

Acupuncture: Or Maybe You Could Just Eat a Jalapeno Pepper.

This short article references a JAMA study comparing acupuncture with sham acupuncture for migraine treatment. The study found that sham acupuncture was as effective as real acupuncture, suggesting that the placement of needles may not be critical and simplifying training for specialists.

Scopes II: Evolution Isn't on Trial, Civilization Is on Trial.

This article discusses the State Board of Education hearings on teaching evolution in Kansas. It highlights witnesses like Jonathan Wells, who aims to "destroy Darwinism," and Mustafa Akyol, who advocates for the Genesis account of creation. Jack Krebs of Kansas Citizens for Science complains that proponents are trying to make science stand for atheism, while acknowledging that many scientists are atheists due to the assumption of natural causes. The article notes that as scientific understanding of causes grows, the domain of "God" shrinks.

Table-Top Fusion: Small Neutron Generator Is Far From Record.

This item reports on a UCLA team demonstrating fusion of deuterium in a table-top device. The article points out that Ernest Rutherford achieved fusion 71 years prior and that self-sustaining reactions are difficult. It notes that the unique feature of the UCLA device is its compact size due to a pyroelectric crystal, but also mentions that thousands of similar fusion devices exist in nuclear weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the conflict between science and pseudoscience, particularly in the context of creationism versus evolution. The magazine consistently advocates for a rational, evidence-based approach, critiquing religious or pseudoscientific claims that challenge established scientific consensus. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking, skepticism towards unverified claims (such as homeopathy and miracles), and a defense of scientific methodology against political or religious interference. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and against the encroachment of non-scientific ideas into educational and public discourse.