North Texas Skeptic - Vol 24 No 09 - 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: The North Texas Skeptic
Issue Date: September 2010
Volume: 24
Issue: 9
Publisher: The North Texas Skeptics
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic features a prominent article titled "Free to think" by John Blanton, which delves into the controversy surrounding Caroline Crocker, a professor whose contract was not renewed after being accused of teaching creationism. The magazine also includes a book review of Carl Zimmer's "At the Water's Edge" and announcements for upcoming events.

"Free to think" by John Blanton

The lead article by John Blanton introduces Caroline Crocker's story, which gained attention through the video "Expelled." Crocker, who holds a Ph.D. in immunopharmacology, was teaching cell biology at George Mason University (GMU) when her supervisor accused her of teaching creationism. Her contract was not renewed, and she claims to have been blacklisted, unable to find further employment. Blanton notes that Crocker's story is the subject of her book, "Free to Think."

Blanton references a Washington Post article from February 2006, where Crocker admitted to promoting distorted views about evolution. He highlights her repetition of Jonathan Wells' claims about the peppered moth experiments, stating that she claimed the experiment was falsified because moths were glued to trees. Blanton, a photographer, suggests that gluing moths to trees would be a practical method for obtaining clear photographs, implying Crocker's statement was misleading or deliberately false.

Blanton recounts his own experience of posting a comment on a blog related to Crocker's book, which led to a discussion with Kevin Wirth, the CEO of Leafcutter Press and publisher of Crocker's book. Wirth is also associated with Access Research Network (ARN), an organization focused on viewpoint discrimination against "Darwin skeptics."

The article scrutinizes Crocker's claims, particularly regarding the peppered moth experiment and the fossil evidence for evolution. Blanton addresses Crocker's use of quotes from scientists like Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, arguing that she mischaracterizes their statements to support her position. He also discusses the Archaeopteryx and Eohippus fossils, refuting Crocker's assertions that Archaeopteryx is a fraud or that Eohippus is the same as a hyrax.

Crocker is also shown to have presented a slide on Charles Darwin that portrays him negatively, focusing on his personal failings rather than his scientific contributions. Blanton criticizes this approach as lacking scientific and scholastic rigor.

The article also touches upon the work of other scientists and authors, including Michael Behe and his concept of irreducible complexity, and journalist Judith Hooper's book "Of Moths and Men." Blanton asserts that critiques of the peppered moth research have been refuted by scientists involved in the research, and that proponents of Intelligent Design have not conducted their own scientific research.

Kevin Wirth's comment on the book is presented, praising "Free to Think" for exposing the unseemly aspects of academia and inspiring readers with Crocker's story. However, the article notes that Ray Bohlin, who heads Probe Ministries and co-founded the Foundation for Thought and Ethics (FTE), also provided a positive review. Bohlin's views on evolution are described as curious, particularly his belief that all modern life forms share a common ancestor except humans.

The article concludes by noting that while Crocker's expulsion was reportedly initiated by student complaints, the broader context involves the ongoing debate between evolutionary science and creationism/Intelligent Design.

Book Review: "At the Water's Edge" by Carl Zimmer

John Blanton reviews Carl Zimmer's 1998 book, "At the Water's Edge." The book explores the evolution of animal life, from its origins in the sea to its transition to land, and the subsequent development of species like whales. Blanton highlights Zimmer's comprehensive approach, which integrates paleontology, geology, embryology, and genetics.

The review discusses the concept of microevolution versus macroevolution, with creationists often accepting the former but rejecting the latter. Blanton explains how Darwinian processes, involving random mutations and natural selection, can drive macroevolution through the accumulation of beneficial changes over time. He uses the example of fish limbs evolving to become useful for movement on land.

The book also addresses transitional fossils, such as the lungfish, which provided early evidence for the transition between aquatic and terrestrial life. Zimmer's work details the evolution of mammals from dinosaurs and the subsequent migration of some mammals back into the water to become whales. The review specifically mentions the discovery of Pakicetus fossils in Pakistan as evidence for the transition from land animals to whales.

Blanton praises Zimmer's book as a valuable resource for those debating Young-Earth Creationists and Intelligent Design advocates. He notes that while science has advanced since the book's publication, its core conclusions remain largely confirmed.

Skeptic Ink

This section features a comic strip titled "The X-Tracker," which satirizes the process of applicant screening. It also includes a brief discussion on the evolution of whales, referencing Zimmer's book and listing various transitional whale species.

Events Calendar and Announcements

The magazine includes a calendar of upcoming events for The North Texas Skeptics, including program meetings and social dinners in September, October, and November. It also announces other freethought and skeptical events, such as the Texas Freethought Convention in Dallas, Skep Track at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, and Skepticon 3 in Springfield, MO.

Application for Membership

The final pages provide information on how to become a member of The North Texas Skeptics, outlining different membership levels and subscription options, as well as an option to introduce a friend to the publication. It also includes a membership agreement and contact information for the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of creationism and Intelligent Design, the defense of evolutionary science, and the importance of academic freedom in scientific discourse. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and skeptical of pseudoscientific claims, advocating for a rational and systematic approach to evaluating evidence. The magazine actively promotes critical thinking and challenges what it perceives as misinformation regarding evolution and science education.