North Texas Skeptic - Vol 20 No 10 - 2006

Magazine Overview

The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 20, Number 10, published in October 2006, is a magazine focused on scientific skepticism and critical thinking. This issue prominently features a review of L. Sprague de Camp's book, 'The Great Monkey Trial,' which delves into the historical context and events of the 1925 Scopes Trial.

The Great Monkey Trial

The lead article, 'The Great Monkey Trial' by L. Sprague de Camp, reviewed by John Blanton, examines the historical context of the Scopes Trial. It begins by describing the passage of the 'Butler Act' in Tennessee in 1925, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools, driven by a rise in Christian fundamentalism. State legislator John Washington Butler authored the act, reflecting the beliefs of many in his state.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) advertised for a teacher to challenge the law, leading to John T. Scopes, a science teacher and athletic coach in Dayton, Tennessee, becoming the defendant. The town saw an opportunity for local debate and notoriety. Scopes, who subscribed to evolution, agreed to be the pawn in this drama.

The review highlights L. Sprague de Camp's meticulous research for his 1968 book, 'The Great Monkey Trial.' De Camp, who was a child during the trial, compiled his account from official records, news files, personal interviews, and visits to Dayton. The book includes interviews with Scopes and George Rappleyea, who instigated the case. De Camp's work is noted for its historical perspective and detailed account, supported by extensive end notes and a bibliography.

The article contrasts William Jennings Bryan, a three-time presidential candidate and a symbol of fundamentalism, with Clarence Darrow, a renowned defense attorney. Bryan eagerly joined the prosecution, seeing the trial as a major platform. Darrow, a former acquaintance of Bryan's, volunteered for the defense. Their past collaboration on social reforms was strained by Bryan's rigid adherence to biblical inerrancy and his inability to distinguish between truth and rhetoric.

The review notes the popularization of the Scopes Trial through the play 'Inherit the Wind' and its film adaptation, though these dramatizations altered names and events, often serving as commentary on contemporary issues like McCarthyism. The article points out that while the play depicts Scopes being jailed, in reality, he was convicted and fined but never served jail time, and his conviction was later overturned.

A key event described is Darrow's cross-examination of Bryan, where Darrow forced Bryan to admit his lack of knowledge about the Bible and science. Bryan's famous quote, 'I do not think about the things I don't think about,' is presented, followed by Darrow's retort. This public display exposed Bryan's intellectual limitations and disillusioned many of his supporters. In real life, Bryan died shortly after the trial, unlike his fictional counterpart who dies dramatically in court.

The article draws parallels between the fundamentalists of the 1920s and modern advocates of the Intelligent Design movement, noting similar arguments and tactics, such as questioning the validity of radiometric dating and asserting that 'evolution is just a theory.'

Sprague de Camp's conclusion is quoted, contrasting the 'high comedy' of the Scopes Trial with the more severe outcomes of earlier ideological conflicts involving figures like Galileo and Bruno, where burnings and imprisonment were common.

The Book

This section discusses the availability of L. Sprague de Camp's book, 'The Great Monkey Trial,' noting it is out of print. The reviewer, John Blanton, recounts how his daughter acquired a second-hand copy for him online. He mentions de Camp's background as a science fiction writer, known for his 'Conan' stories, and his collaboration with his wife, Catherine de Camp, on the writing of these tales.

Trouble

John Blanton's article, 'Trouble,' addresses the challenges faced by skeptics from creationists. He recounts a phone call from a creationist who used a quote, originally from Blanton's own 1992 web article, to argue against radiometric dating. The creationist claimed that the presence of non-radiogenic lead in uranium-lead dating methods invalidated the age of the Earth. Blanton explains how the quote was mangled and taken out of context to support a creationist argument. He expresses concern that such misrepresentations can be accepted by those who wish to believe the Earth is young and that the Bible is correct.

Skeptic Ink

'Skeptic Ink,' by Prasad Golla and John Blanton, is a comic strip that appears to satirize media sensationalism and public perception of scientific issues, with one panel showing a tabloid headline about the world ending.

What's New

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

• Polygraph: It is noted that eighteen years after a previous mention, the polygraph's unreliability in detecting lies is still an issue, despite its increased use in screening employees. The article criticizes the lack of mention of advances in brain research (fMRI) that could offer more accurate insights.
• Telephone Telepathy: The article mentions Rupert Sheldrake's claims that people can telepathically know who is calling when their phone rings, linking this to a broader discussion of paranormal phenomena and the potential for 'warrantless eavesdropping programs.'
• Rain: The governor of South Dakota proclaimed a 'Week to Pray for Rain' during a severe drought, but no rain fell, suggesting that prayer was the 'wrong technology.'
• Evolution: The article speculates that the departure of George Coyne from the Vatican Observatory might signal a closer alignment of the Church with anti-evolutionist viewpoints, particularly concerning Intelligent Design.

Future Meeting Dates

A list of upcoming meeting dates for The North Texas Skeptics is provided for November 2006 through June 2007.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic strongly advocates for scientific reasoning and critical evaluation of claims, particularly those related to pseudoscience and religious fundamentalism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of empirical evidence and rational inquiry, as demonstrated by the detailed examination of the Scopes Trial and the critique of creationist arguments against radiometric dating. The magazine consistently promotes skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, whether they originate from paranormal phenomena, pseudoscientific theories, or religious dogma that contradicts scientific consensus. The recurring themes include the historical conflict between science and religion, the importance of accurate scientific understanding (like radiometric dating), and the ongoing challenges posed by anti-evolutionary movements and their modern manifestations like Intelligent Design. The publication also highlights the role of skepticism in public discourse and the need for vigilance against misinformation.