North Texas Skeptic - Vol 19 No 11 - 2005

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 19, Number 11, dated November 2005, is published by The North Texas Skeptics and focuses on the intersection of science, skepticism, and public discourse. The cover headline announces an "Evolution education update," signaling a primary theme of the issue.

Evolution Education Update

The magazine details recent developments in the creationism versus evolution debate, particularly highlighting the critical nature of this controversy in public schools. It notes that schools are increasingly pressured to either promote creationism or cast doubt on the scientific validity of evolution. The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is identified as the leading organization opposing the promotion of creationism in public education.

MSTA Denounces Antievolution Legislation

The Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) issued a statement denouncing Michigan House Bill 5251. This bill, if enacted, would require the state board of education to revise science standards to ensure students could "use the scientific method to critically evaluate scientific theories including, but not limited to, the theories of global warming and evolution" and "Use relevant scientific data to assess the validity of those theories and to formulate arguments for or against those theories." The MSTA argued that existing standards already require students to "use scientific knowledge to make decisions about real-world problems" and that legislative intervention was unnecessary. The MSTA statement also observed that the proposed revision might imply that evolution and global warming are less robust or scientific than other theories, which they deemed "dishonest and unprofessional."

Links are provided to the full MSTA statement and NCSE's coverage of HB 5251.

NAS and NSTA Deny Permission to Kansas

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) rejected a request from the Kansas state board of education to use material from their respective science standards in the draft Kansas Science Education Standards. The reason cited was that the Kansas draft "inappropriately singles out evolution as a controversial theory despite the strength of the scientific evidence supporting evolution... and its acceptance by an overwhelming majority of scientists." The NAS and NSTA also stated that the draft standards "violate the document's mission and vision" and would leave Kansas students unprepared for higher education and a competitive world. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) endorsed this decision, with AAAS executive director Alan Leshner emphasizing the need to protect science education integrity. Reports from the Associated Press, The New York Times, and the Washington Post are referenced, noting that the Kansas board would need to scrutinize any approved standards to ensure they do not lift language from the national groups' material. The refusal to allow copyrighted material was noted as a reprise of a similar situation in 1999. Gerald F. Wheeler, executive director of the NSTA, is quoted as saying, "Science is not a dance card or jukebox where you can choose the songs you want."

Links are provided for the joint statement from NAS and NSTA, the AAAS press release, and coverage from various news outlets.

Discovery and Thomas More Squabble at AEI Event

Representatives from the Discovery Institute (an organization associated with "intelligent design") and the Thomas More Law Center (which represented the defense in Kitzmiller v. Dover) engaged in a public dispute at an American Enterprise Institute (AEI) event titled "Science Wars: Should Schools Teach Intelligent Design?" The conflict arose when Mark Ryland of the Discovery Institute denied that the institute had encouraged schools to teach intelligent design, stating they advised the Dover Area School Board not to adopt the policy at issue. However, Thompson of the Thomas More Law Center countered by quoting a Discovery Institute publication that suggested "school boards have the authority to permit, and even encourage, teaching about design theory as an alternative to Darwinian evolution." Thompson also noted that the withdrawal of three expert witnesses associated with the Discovery Institute had been problematic for his legal team. The discussion was part of a broader conference featuring various scientists and commentators, including Kenneth R. Miller, Paul Nelson, and Barbara Forrest.

Links are provided for transcripts and AEI's conference page.

Kitzmiller Coverage Continues

The issue provides extensive resources for following the Kitzmiller v. Dover trial, which began on September 26, 2005, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This trial is described as the first legal challenge to the constitutionality of teaching "intelligent design" in public schools. Due to significant media attention, a comprehensive summary is deemed impractical. Instead, the magazine directs readers to various online resources, including official court information, NCSE, the ACLU, Americans United, local press coverage, and blog coverage from sources like The Panda's Thumb and "Evolution News & Views" (hosted by the Discovery Institute).

Skeptic Notes

NTS Paranormal Challenge, Skeptics and the Press

Adam Hugo contacted the North Texas Skeptics (NTS) regarding a challenge he applied for with the James Randi Foundation. Hugo claims he can "prove that clouds can be made to disappear" by picking them out of the sky within ten to twenty minutes, describing this as a paranormal ability that occurs when one is "lucky to be at the right spot at the right time." The NTS notes that this claim differs from previous submissions and that they are working with Hugo to see if he can demonstrate his ability.

Investigative Journalism

The NTS received contacts from two newspapers. One concerned an episode involving the Skeptics from the previous year, the details of which are withheld pending the story's publication. The second contact was from a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise who was writing about TV dramas involving the paranormal and sought a skeptical viewpoint.

Paranormal Plots

In discussing paranormal plots in media, the reporter inquired about the NTS's perspective. The NTS expressed enjoyment of shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits" and discussed more recent productions like "Medium." The discussion touched on the overuse of the paranormal as a plot device, noting that its adherence to natural law is not required, which can lead to arbitrary plot manipulation and a loss of coherence for viewers. The concept of the "god from out of the machine" from ancient Greek theater is mentioned as an example. The NTS concluded that while viewers can enjoy escapist fiction, they should not confuse it with reality. When asked why skeptics do what they do, the response was simply, "Because you don't."

What's New

Intelligent Design: Cornell Will Seek to Educate the Public

Robert Park's column reports on events related to intelligent design. A CBS News poll indicated that 51% of Americans believe God created humans in their present form, suggesting a need for the scientific community to engage the public. Hunter Rawlings, president of Cornell University, announced that Cornell would "venture outside the campus to help the American public sort through the issues [raised by intelligent design]," describing ID as a "political movement seeking to inject religion into state policy and our schools."

Evolution: The Discovery Institute Did What Science Could Not

This section notes that the "how we know" question is being raised in daily news, similar to the 1925 Scopes trial, due to the Discovery Institute. It contrasts scientific disputes, which are settled by evidence, with religious wars. Harvard announced plans to study the origin of life, and the University of Kansas Natural History Museum opened an evolution exhibit.

Kansas: "You Can't Just Choose the Songs You Want to Hear."

This section reiterates the objection by the NAS and NSTA to the draft Kansas science education standards, emphasizing that the draft failed to make clear that supernatural phenomena have no place in science. Gerald Wheeler is quoted again: "science is not a jukebox."

Supreme Questions

Supreme Question: Right Now There's No One to Ask It Of.

This section presents a question from Dave Clary: "Does legislation aimed at protecting natural resources contravene a Higher Law that says these resources were put here for humans to consume."

Supreme Question: What Are the Nominee's Views on Science?

This section discusses the importance of a Supreme Court nominee's views on science, arguing that science is clearly relevant given the scientific component of many court cases. It highlights a reader-submitted question: "How does being descended from a monkey affect your judicial philosophy?" The NTS plans to print more suggested questions.

Supreme Irony: Should Nominees Be Questioned About Science?

This section reflects on President Bush's emphasis on Harriet Miers's evangelical Christian roots, contrasting it with the traditional practice of not questioning nominees about religious views. It argues that a nominee's views on science are more important in the 21st century and poses a question about whether physical events can be caused by something other than earlier physical events, such as "clasping your hands, bowing your head, and wishing."

Intelligent Astrology: Trial Focuses on Definition of Science

This section discusses the definition of science in the context of the Dover School Board case. Michael Behe testified in favor of a broader definition, acknowledging that under his definition, astrology could fit as well as intelligent design.

Faith-Based Government: Senator Brownback(R-KS) Hears the Call

This brief section notes Senator Sam Brownback's public engagement with questions about the nomination of Harriet Miers and his openness to religion in politics.

Jour 101: Be Careful Which Raft You Take Down the Canyon

This piece critiques a New York Times story about two expeditions down the Grand Canyon, one led by a Christian fundamentalist minister and the other by Dr. Eugenie Scott. The author feels the story failed to be educational, suggesting that it presented two equally valid interpretations of geological evidence, which is problematic.

Jour 102: How Will an Annular Eclipse Affect Your Horoscope?

This brief item mentions a rare annular eclipse and quotes Dr. Stephen Maran of the American Astrological Society. It implies a connection to astrology, which is framed skeptically.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip titled "Skeptic Ink" by Prasad Golla and John Blanton is included. It features three panels with characters discussing risks associated with faith healing, homeopathy, and natural therapy, contrasting it with risking health and trying "them all at once."

Paranormal Challenge!

This section provides detailed instructions for The North Texas Skeptics' Paranormal Challenge. The challenge offers a prize of $12,000 to any claimant who can demonstrate any psychic or paranormal power or ability under scientifically valid observing conditions. The instructions outline the requirement for a written agreement, a "protocol," which must specify the ability to be demonstrated, the test procedures, and the criteria for success or failure. It emphasizes that claims must be specific enough to be scientifically testable and that results must be significantly beyond chance expectation. Both parties are responsible for their own expenses, and they waive claims against each other. All information gathered during the process may be used by either party, including for publication. The offer is made personally by the challengers, not on behalf of The North Texas Skeptics as an organization. The challengers will enter into negotiations with claimants to establish a satisfactory protocol.

The signed challengers are Gregory H. Aicklen, John F. Blanton, Prasad N. Golla, Mike Selby, and John A. Thomas.

Application for Membership

The final pages include an application for membership to The North Texas Skeptics, detailing membership options, annual dues ($35.00), newsletter subscription rates ($15.00), and an option to introduce a friend to the newsletter. It also includes a section for tax-deductible donations and a membership agreement that states a belief in subjecting paranormal and pseudoscientific claims to fair and systematic testing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate between evolution and creationism/intelligent design, the importance of science education, and the skeptical examination of paranormal claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking, as demonstrated by the NTS's stance on the evolution debate, its paranormal challenge, and its questioning of nominees' views on science. The magazine actively promotes skepticism as a tool for discerning truth from pseudoscience and advocates for the integrity of scientific education.