North Texas Skeptic - Vol 25 No 04 - 2011

Magazine Overview

This issue of The North Texas Skeptic, Volume 25, Number 4, dated April 2011, features a cover story titled "Life is but a dream" by John Blanton. The issue also includes a review of Philip Mereton's book "The Heaven at the End of Science," event calendars for the North Texas Skeptics, and articles discussing "Intelligent Design is not Creationism" and "The Universe Is Haunted." It also features a "Challenge activity" related to paranormal claims and a "What's new" section covering topics like homeopathy and the "Amaz!ng Meeting" in Las Vegas.

"Life is but a dream" by John Blanton

This article introduces the concept that the perceived reality might be a dream. It references the book "The Heaven at the End of Science" by Philip Mereton, published by Distant Drums Press, which is 438 pages long. The core argument presented is that what we see and hear through our senses is all in our head, in our mind. The author challenges the reader to consider what proof exists for a world outside one's own mind, suggesting that only an out-of-body experience could offer such proof. Mereton, a student of philosophy, uses notable philosophers to support his hypothesis that the dream world is the actual world, and our perceived reality is a dream. The article anticipates counterarguments, such as why one needs to work if life is a dream, and Mereton's response that our personal dream is part of a single, collective dream, possibly the mind of God.

Review of "The Heaven at the End of Science" by Philip Mereton

This section delves deeper into Mereton's book, highlighting his philosophical approach. The reviewer notes that Mereton's arguments align with some modern pseudo-science and lead to shaky propositions. The article contrasts Mereton's views with the scientific understanding of the universe's expansion from the Big Bang, questioning how such order could arise from chaos. It also touches upon Mereton's perspective on biological evolution, which echoes the literature of Intelligent Design, suggesting intelligence and design where mainstream science sees natural processes. The reviewer notes that Mereton's work in this area seems to draw heavily from existing Intelligent Design proponents like Behe, Dembski, and Meyer, rather than presenting original research. Mereton is also cited for referencing paranormal phenomena as evidence of linked minds and accepting propositions that have been demonstrated to be false, such as the idea that the external world is not detached from the mind. The reviewer points out Mereton's use of a "collective dream" concept, which is compared to creationist arguments like "Last Wednesdayism," suggesting that both may have similar flaws in their reasoning.

North Texas Skeptics Officers and Board

The magazine lists the officers of the North Texas Skeptics: Jamye Johnston (President), Mike Selby (Vice President), John Brandt (Secretary, Meetings and Social Director), and David Price (Treasurer). The Board of Directors and Directors Emeritus are also listed, along with Scientific and Technical Advisors, including professors and doctors. The organization is identified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific and educational organization.

"Challenge activity" by John Blanton

This section details the North Texas Paranormal Challenge, an initiative by the organization to test paranormal claims. The article explains that applicants must provide a demonstration of their abilities, as the organization believes that what applicants propose to demonstrate is impossible. A specific case is presented from "Jackson Abide" (an alias) who claims telepathic abilities and wishes to participate. The organization outlines the testing procedure, which involves separating the participants and having one transmit a paragraph to the other to write down verbatim. The prize offered is $12,000 for a successful demonstration, with the goal of being the first to document such abilities. The article notes that over a dozen applicants have failed to pass the initial demonstration phase, with Rosemary Hunter cited as an example of someone who came at her own expense and could not demonstrate any abilities. The organization states that all communications related to the challenge will be posted on their website and in the newsletter.

Web news by John Blanton

This section presents various items from the Skeptical News pages of the NTS website. One item discusses David Klinghoffer's post on "Intelligent Design is not Creationism." Klinghoffer, associated with the Discovery Institute, is presented as a Senior Fellow at the creationist Center for Science and Culture. The article notes that Klinghoffer's post is related to the book "The Nature of Nature," a compendium of essays on science and religion, which was censored at Baylor University. The book's editors, William Dembski and Bruce Gordon, are identified as creationists. Klinghoffer's argument is that Intelligent Design is distinct from traditional creationism and that there is a serious debate about evolution. The article also mentions a controversy involving journalist Lauri Lebo and her work on the Kitzmiller v. Dover case, and her blog on creationism versus science. Klinghoffer questions the existence of peer-reviewed Intelligent Design research, linking to several papers, including one in the "International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics" about "Evidence Of Design In Bird Feathers And Avian Respiration" by A.C. McIntosh. However, the journal's editor's note indicates the paper is exploratory and does not represent the journal's or reviewers' agreement with the conclusions. Another link leads to a paper in "Bio-Complexity Journal" by Douglas D. Axe, who heads an Intelligent Design research group funded by the Discovery Institute. The author concludes that the creationist bloggers on Discovery Institute's Evolution News are entertaining.

"Infinitesimals: excuse me doctor, DNA is calling on line one."

This "What's new" column by Robert Park discusses the controversy surrounding Luc Montagnier, a Nobel laureate in Medicine, and his "far out homeopathic convictions." Montagnier claims that electromagnetic waves emanate from highly diluted DNA of pathogens. The article explains the homeopathic principle of "The Law of Infinitesimals," where extreme dilution is used. Montagnier is reportedly leaving France for Shanghai to escape a "climate of fear" surrounding his electromagnetic wave claims, similar to claims made by Jacques Benveniste. The article notes that others in Europe are afraid to publish similar results due to "intellectual terror."

"The Amaz!ng Meeting – Las Vegas" by David Price

This article announces the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) annual "Amaz!ng Meeting" in Las Vegas for 2011, themed "TAM 9 From Outer Space." Over 1300 people attended the previous year's event. The keynote speaker is Neil deGrasse Tyson, and other speakers include Bill Nye, Phil Plait, PZ Myers, Eugenie Scott, Carol Tavris, Michael Shermer, Steve Novella, Ben Radford, and James Randi. George Hrab will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The conference is scheduled from July 14-17 at the South Point Hotel, with discounted registration available until April 30.

Skeptic Ink

A comic strip titled "Skeptic Ink" by Prasad Golla and John Blanton is included, depicting humorous scenarios related to misfortune.

Application for Membership

The final pages contain an "Application for Membership" for The North Texas Skeptics, detailing membership levels, costs, and benefits, along with an option to introduce a friend and make tax-deductible donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and religious or philosophical arguments that challenge established scientific consensus. The North Texas Skeptics organization actively promotes critical thinking and scientific inquiry, as evidenced by their "Paranormal Challenge" and their critical reviews of books and articles that deviate from scientific methodology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and a naturalistic worldview, while critically examining claims that lack empirical support or rely on flawed logic, such as certain interpretations of Intelligent Design and homeopathy. The magazine also engages with philosophical discussions about the nature of reality, as seen in the review of Mereton's book.