North Texas Skeptic - Vol 20 No 03 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: March 2006
Volume: 20
Issue: 3

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic delves into the intersection of science, religion, and evolution, featuring a prominent review of Daniel C. Dennett's book "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon." The magazine also covers various scientific news items, debates surrounding creationism and Intelligent Design, and upcoming events for the organization.

Feature Article: How Much Evolution Do You Really Believe In?

The cover story, by John Brandt, introduces Daniel C. Dennett's new book, which explores how religious belief evolved. Brandt notes that he will provide a full review after reading the book. He highlights a surprisingly negative review of Dennett's work by Leon Wieseltier in The New York Times. Wieseltier's opening paragraph is quoted, stating that "the question of the place of science in human life is not a scientific question. It is a philosophical question. Scientism... is a superstition..." Brandt challenges this view, arguing that Wieseltier's claim is "silly" and that the view of science explaining human conditions is a "reasonable methodological posture." He further suggests that Wieseltier's arguments against explaining human behavior through evolution are similar to those used by creationists.

Debates on Evolution and Creationism

Scientism and Creationist Arguments

John Brandt directly addresses Wieseltier's critique, pushing back against the idea that science explaining all human conditions is a superstition. He contrasts this with the creationist use of the term "scientism" to argue that science itself is a religion. Brandt points out that Wieseltier's criticisms of Dennett's evolutionary explanations for human behavior mirror creationist arguments, particularly the idea that if a behavior isn't obviously adaptive, it must have a non-evolutionary origin. Brandt emphasizes that science is not a buffet and one cannot selectively accept its findings.

The "Dover Effect" and Intelligent Design

The magazine reports on the rejection of a requirement to teach "critical analysis of evolution" in Ohio biology classes. This rejection is attributed to the "Dover ruling" by U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones III, which deemed teaching Intelligent Design (ID) unconstitutional. The article notes that the Discovery Institute, a proponent of ID, saw this as a setback. The "Dover effect" is described as having blunted ID's momentum in several states.

Evolution Sunday

An article highlights the celebration of Charles Darwin's 197th birthday at 450 churches nationwide, where sermons and programs mingled biological evolution with faith. This event is seen as part of a broader public exposure to evolution through books, museum exhibits, and upcoming films like "Flock of Dodos."

Scientific News and Updates

Dietary Supplements Strike Out

Robert Park's "What's New" column reports on the ineffectiveness of popular dietary supplements. Saw palmetto, used for prostate problems, and glucosamine/chondroitin, used for arthritis pain, were found to be ineffective in recent studies. The article criticizes the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) for allowing supplements to be sold without proof of efficacy and notes the lack of congressional action to revise these standards.

EMF and Wireless Internet

Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, has banned wireless internet access due to concerns about the impact of electromagnetic forces on human physiology. The article notes that the EMF/cancer issue has been followed for over 20 years.

"Vitamin O" Scam Mutates

The "vitamin O" scam, selling ordinary salt water at inflated prices, has resurfaced with a new variation claiming water infused with "the power of intention." The article mocks the idea of drinking ordinary water with such claims.

Global Warming and NASA

James Hansen, a top NASA climate scientist, reportedly faced pressure from George Deutsch, a White House appointee, to moderate his statements on global warming. Deutsch had previously insisted that the Big Bang theory should be referred to as a "theory" for religious reasons. NASA chief Michael Griffin later clarified that altering or filtering technical material was not the job of public affairs. Deutsch resigned, and it was revealed he had lied about his journalism degree. The article also mentions the termination of NASA's Deep Space Climate Observatory, suggesting it may have been due to Al Gore's involvement.

Journalism and Climate Change

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists is awarding its journalism award to novelist Michael Crichton for "State of Fear," a fictional story that questions the reality of global warming. The association is criticized for seemingly seeking a journalist divorced from reality to align with oil company interests.

Climate Scientist Silenced?

Physicist James Hansen stated that NASA had screened his talks and journalist requests following a talk on December 6, 2005, where he advocated for increased automotive fuel efficiency standards to cut emissions. This action was reportedly criticized by Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert.

Junk Reporting and "Junk Science"

Steven Milloy, a Fox News columnist known for his "Junk Science" column, is criticized for praising Representative Joe Barton's investigation of Michael Mann, a scientist whose research indicated rising global temperatures. Milloy, who has received oil company donations and worked for tobacco companies, is accused of attempting to intimidate scientists.

Blasphemy and Intelligent Design

The article notes that the "Intelligent Design" dispute is considered "so yesterday," contrasting it with current events like Muslim protests against Danish cartoons and an Italian judge ordering a priest to prove Jesus Christ's existence. It briefly mentions Luigi Cascioli's accusation of "abuse of popular credulity."

Henry M. Morris

The death of Henry M. Morris, widely regarded as the founder of the modern creationist movement, at age 87 is reported. His 1961 book "The Genesis Flood" is cited as a cornerstone of the movement, and he founded the Institute for Creation Research.

Web News

Anti-Darwin Bill Fails in Utah

John Blanton reports on the failure of a bill in the Utah House of Representatives that aimed to challenge the theory of evolution in high school science classes. The bill was defeated after an amendment by a Mormon legislator, Stephen H. Urquhart, who stated that God did not have an argument with science. The Discovery Institute's spokesman, Casey Luskin, called the vote "a loss for scientific education."

Wise's Darwinian Double-Speak

This section critiques Martha Wise, a member of the Ohio Board of Education, for her stance on science education. Wise is described as opposing any scientific criticisms of Darwinian theory and is accused of using "Orwellian double-speak" to argue against the "Critical Analysis of Evolution" lesson plan. The article suggests her motivations are religious and that she misinterprets the "Dover ruling."

Skeptic Ink

This comic strip by Prasad Golla and John Blanton humorously depicts a debate about depicting psychics and frauds, with a character joking about not threatening "the Wookie."

Organizations and Subscriptions

Information is provided about The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) and its publication, The Skeptical Inquirer. Subscription details and contact information are included. An application for membership in The North Texas Skeptics is also presented, outlining membership benefits and costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The North Texas Skeptic consistently promotes a skeptical, science-based viewpoint. The magazine actively debunks pseudoscience, challenges creationism and Intelligent Design, and advocates for evidence-based reasoning. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and the scientific method. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evolutionary biology and the explanatory power of science, often critiquing what it perceives as anti-science sentiments or religious interference in scientific education. The publication also engages with current scientific news and societal issues through a skeptical lens.