North Texas Skeptic - Vol 23 No 09 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: September 2009
Volume: 23
Issue: 9
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic features a cover story titled "Information and myth" by John Blanton, which critically examines Stephen C. Meyer's book "Signature in the Cell." The magazine also includes an "Events Calendar," a review of Frederick Grinnell's book "Everyday Practice of Science," and a "We get letters" section.

Information and myth by John Blanton

The main article by John Blanton reviews "Signature in the Cell" by Stephen C. Meyer, a book arguing for Intelligent Design based on DNA evidence. Blanton expresses skepticism, noting that Meyer is a creationist. He quotes Amazon's description of the book, which claims Meyer makes a comprehensive case for Intelligent Design using DNA and evolutionary theories. Meyer, who holds a Ph.D. in the philosophy of science from Cambridge, directs the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute.

Blanton highlights Meyer's discussion of the "Sternberg affair," where Richard Sternberg, editor of the "Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington," published Meyer's paper. The scientific community was reportedly miffed, and accusations arose that Sternberg bypassed the review process. Meyer claims Sternberg lost his office and faced a hostile supervisor, with investigations by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform revealing further issues. Blanton counters that Meyer's account is selective, omitting details such as Sternberg not being employed by the Smithsonian Institution and only receiving free office space there. Blanton concludes that "Signature in the Cell" is "the biggest piece of creationist propaganda to come our way in years."

Blanton contrasts Meyer's approach with that of scientists like Darwin, Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton, who popularized ideas based on scientific work. He notes that Meyer's book is a personal journey, using "quote mining" to support his arguments. Blanton finds Chapter 2 (history of science) and Chapter 3 (Watson-Crick discovery) to be the best parts of the book.

Meyer's central assertion, according to Blanton, is that "Useful information can come only from an intelligent source." Blanton refutes this, stating that he can generate useful information by typing on his computer. He discusses Claude Shannon's quantitative definition of information and how compression algorithms work by eliminating redundancy, not creating new information.

Blanton argues that while intelligent beings create inventions, the process is not necessarily about creating "new" information in the way Meyer implies. He uses examples of designing circuit boards and the butterfly effect to illustrate how complex outcomes can arise from deterministic or seemingly random processes. He suggests that truly novel information can be created through non-deterministic processes, such as alpha decay, and that the universe has access to such processes.

The article also touches upon genetic algorithms (GAs), which mimic evolution. Blanton notes that Meyer and William Dembski contend that intelligence is required for new information, but Blanton argues that GAs, while using pseudo-random number generators, can produce improved outcomes without necessarily creating fundamentally new information. He cites an example of a neural network for playing checkers developed using GAs. Blanton concludes that the universe does not use a PRN generator and that truly random processes are available to produce new information.

Blanton mentions that Meyer's book is repetitive and that some parts seem not well-researched, citing Meyer's discussion of John von Neumann (who died in 1957) and his first meeting with William Dembski. Blanton encourages readers to purchase the book through Amazon via a provided link, noting that The North Texas Skeptics will receive a commission.

Events Calendar

The "Events Calendar" section announces a "September program" on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas. The event features a discussion on "Conspiracy Theories," including claims about the JFK assassination, moon landings, and 9/11 attacks, with John Brandt explaining why such hoaxes persist. It also mentions an NTS Board meeting and social dinner on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 7 p.m. at Don Mexico in Dallas.

Everyday Practice of Science

This section introduces "Everyday Practice of Science: Where Intuition and Passion Meet Objectivity and Logic" by Frederick Grinnell. The book is described as aiming to help non-scientists understand scientific practice. Grinnell, a professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and supporter of evolution, connects the scientific world to societal dimensions. The article notes that scientists are often frustrated by the public's understanding of science and that Grinnell's book addresses this. The book can be ordered from Amazon for $22.36.

We get letters

This section contains a letter from Jared Mc Cormick, who identifies himself as an "avid lover of science, physics, facts and truth" but without formal credentials. He writes to address "The North Texas Skeptics" (NTS) and specifically John Blanton, accusing them of trying to discredit Dr. Patton's credentials. Mc Cormick asserts that there is overwhelming evidence supporting Dr. Patton's credentials and that the NTS's actions are "misrepresenting/twisting, and deceitful." He argues that if such tactics are common for the NTS, it indicates a lack of credibility and a reliance on slander rather than science. He urges the NTS to stick to facts and move on once credentials are proven.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of claims that blur the lines between science and myth, particularly concerning Intelligent Design. The North Texas Skeptics, through its publication, demonstrates a strong commitment to scientific skepticism and evidence-based reasoning. The review of Meyer's book clearly positions the magazine as an opponent of creationism and a proponent of established scientific principles. The "Events Calendar" further reinforces this stance by promoting discussions on conspiracy theories and the scientific method. The "We get letters" section, while presenting a dissenting opinion, highlights the magazine's engagement with its readership and its adherence to its core principles of demanding unbiased science and credible theory.