Phactum - 2006 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: April 2006
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Description: Phactum is the newsletter and main propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, published approximately six times a year. This issue, dated April 2006, features a variety of articles and announcements relevant to skepticism and critical thinking.

Reader Contributions and Editorial Stance

The opening section, "What is on your mind?", encourages readers to submit letters, articles, suggestions, and event listings. It emphasizes that PhACT is not a partisan organization and aims to focus on issues rather than factions. Topics of interest include science, pseudo-science, education, ghosts, intelligent design, UFOs, and more. Responses to articles can be sent to Ray Haupt via email at [email protected].

PhACT Council

The issue lists the PhACT Council members: Eric Krieg (President), Ray Haupt (Treasurer), Bob Glickman (Secretary), Dr. David Cragin, Dr. David Cattell, Greg Lester, Tom Napier, Harry Rothwell, and Becky Strickland.

Membership Information

Membership and support for PhACT are encouraged through a $15 annual fee, with a $10 rate for students. This includes receiving the publication.

Upcoming Meeting Announcement

A meeting hosted by the Physics Department of the Community College of Philadelphia was scheduled for Saturday, April 15, 2006, at 2:00 PM. The topic was "Terrorism and Emergency Preparedness," featuring Ralph Gumbert, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the City of Trenton. He was to discuss the impact of terrorism, initial emergency response, local preparedness, and potential widespread impacts. Executive meetings were held prior to the lecture at 1 PM, and all members were invited to attend. The event was free and open to the public.

Article: Standardized Test Scores: The Red Herring in Public Education

By Matthew L. Mandel, an eighth-grade teacher in Philadelphia, this article critiques the overemphasis on standardized test scores as the sole measure of educational success. Mandel argues that while scores may be rising, this is not necessarily indicative of genuine learning or improved educational environments. He points to issues in Philadelphia's public schools, such as poor ventilation, lack of modern technology, and safety concerns, which are often overlooked in the pursuit of higher test scores. The article suggests that the School Reform Commission's focus on business models and testing detracts from addressing the fundamental needs of students and teachers. Mandel credits the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) for leading reform efforts like reducing class sizes and setting high academic standards, contrasting this with a perceived lack of balance in media reporting, such as a segment by John Stossel.

Article: David Hume on Miracles

By Bill Wisdom, this article analyzes David Hume's essay "Of Miracles" from "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding." Wisdom explores five potential main contentions of Hume's argument, focusing on the impossibility of miracles, the lack of justification for belief in them based on human testimony, and the factual claim that no miracle has ever been sufficiently evidenced. The author suggests that Hume's strongest philosophical claim is that human testimony cannot justify belief in religious miracles, largely supported by his arguments regarding factual evidence. The article notes that Hume himself acknowledges that some types of miracles might admit of proof from human testimony.

Article: How to Dispose of Junk E-mailers

By Eric Krieg, this article addresses the prevalence of spam and 419 scams (advance-fee fraud). Krieg shares his personal method of combating these scams by creating a game where he sends out humorous, lengthy responses to spammers, often using a persona like 'Myra'. He argues that wasting the scammers' time is a worthwhile endeavor, potentially preventing them from defrauding others. He also humorously notes that the money spent by scammers on international calls might contribute to telecommunications infrastructure in third-world countries. Krieg, an Electrical Engineer and a founder of PhACT, expresses a preference for seeing enterprising people build businesses rather than engage in scams.

Article: Whatever You Do, Don't Touch It!

By Bill Wisdom, this piece recounts an experience from a "Science and Pseudoscience" course he taught at Temple University. He describes inviting guest speakers, including an astrologer, a parapsychologist, and an amateur UFO investigator. The UFO investigator, who claimed to be tracking seventeen distinct alien communities on Earth, offered a peculiar piece of advice: "Whatever you do--don't touch it! You'll be tempted to, of course. But several people have yielded to that temptation...and they've all died!" When asked why, the investigator stated they died of "cirrhosis of the liver." Wisdom finds this anecdote amusing and illustrative of the often bizarre nature of claims encountered in the study of pseudoscience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of claims that lack empirical evidence. The publication actively encourages intellectual discourse and the sharing of diverse viewpoints, while maintaining a focus on rational analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting critical inquiry into topics ranging from education and public policy to paranormal claims and online scams. The organization positions itself as a platform for reasoned debate and the dissemination of information that challenges conventional or unsubstantiated beliefs.