Phactum

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: April 2008
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Description: This issue of Phactum, the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a range of topics including science education, public health debates, historical accounts, and skeptical inquiry. It features upcoming events, member contributions, and discussions on current controversies.

Featured Articles and Content

Evolution vs. Creationism Debate

The lead article announces an upcoming PhACT lecture on April 19, 2008, featuring scientist Andrew J. Petto, Ph.D. The lecture will address Darwin, evolution, creationism, and the ongoing social and legal conflicts between science and religion in American public schools. Dr. Petto, co-editor of "Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism," is a senior lecturer at the University of Wisconsin and has been active in promoting evolution in state science education standards. The article notes the coincidence of this lecture with the anniversary of Charles Darwin's death and the release of Ben Stein's film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," which supports the Intelligent Design side of the debate. Dr. Petto is expected to critique the film.

Vaccine Controversies

Several letters to the editor and articles address the debate surrounding vaccines. Harriet Hall, MD, defends Quackwatch.com against claims made by Joel Kauffman, refuting the assertion that thimerosal in vaccines caused a damage claim to be won. Hall also disputes Kauffman's claim that vaccines cause diabetes, citing numerous studies that find no link. Joel M. Kauffman, PhD, responds, arguing that Hall is ignoring evidence for the protective effects of cholesterol and that high cholesterol predicts longevity rather than mortality. He cites studies suggesting a correlation between declining cholesterol levels and increased risk of cancer and death from infectious diseases. Another section details a note from Joel Kaufmann quoting JB Classen and DC Classen regarding a putative association between vaccines and diabetes, which Hall characterizes as largely published in fringe journals and not widely accepted by the scientific community.

PhACT Calendar and Events

The magazine includes a detailed calendar of upcoming events hosted or sponsored by PhACT and affiliated organizations. These include lectures, discussions, a picnic, and a media integrity panel. Notable events include:

• April 19, 2008: Andrew J. Petto discussing "Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism" at Community College of Philadelphia.
• May 17, 2008: A Media Integrity Panel Discussion with Faye Flam, Tony Romeo, and Bruce Gordon at Edibles Restaurant in Horsham, PA, focusing on media responsibility in presenting science and pseudoscience.
• September 20, 2008: A talk by John Allen Paulos on "Innumeracy – Math in Society."
• April 11, 2008: Delaware Valley Mensa General Membership Meeting on "Chocolate."
• April 16, 2008: Austin Dacey discussing "The Secular Conscience: Why Belief Belongs in the Public Conscience."
• April 23, 2008: Roger Mudd discussing "The Place to Be: Washington, CBS, and the Glory Days of Television News."
• June 13, 2008: Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia's Anti-Superstition Bash 2008.
• June 26-29, 2008: International Cultic Studies Association 2008 Annual International Conference at the University of Pennsylvania.

"Real Free Energy" and Passive Solar Heating

A meeting report by Tom Napier details a presentation by Nick Pine on "Real Free Energy," which focuses on passive space heating systems that harvest solar energy. Pine's approach uses corrugated or hollow polycarbonate sheets instead of glass and incorporates ground-level brick or concrete for heat storage. He advocates for using off-the-shelf components and improvising heating systems, contrasting this with the often-unfulfilled promises of "free energy" promoters. The system aims to reduce heating bills by utilizing solar input to heat air, which then warms a storage medium.

Debunking and Skepticism

Tom Napier also contributes an article titled "Debunk: Isn't that what skeptics do?" He examines the term 'debunk' and its application to skeptical inquiry. Napier argues that while the American Heritage Dictionary defines it as exposing falseness, it has acquired a pejorative meaning of ridiculing without prior investigation. He clarifies that skeptics differentiate between bunkum and non-bunkum and aim to educate the public. He notes that the JREF award is being withdrawn due to an overwhelming number of "charlatans" making dubious claims, and that a full investigation of paranormal claims is often unnecessary due to a lack of evidence over a century and a half of investigation.

Historical Articles

Two historical pieces are included: one on the USS Philadelphia and the Civil War, detailing its service as a naval vessel seized during the Civil War and later serving as flagship of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron; and a brief mention of Richard Henry Lee (1732-1797), an American Statesman and ancestor of Robert E. Lee.

Soundbites and Other Content

"Soundbites" compiled by Becky Strickland includes quotes on vaccines and autism from Dr. Paul Offit, and on parental liberty and vaccination from bioethicist John Harris. It also lists Dr. Paul Offit's recommended adult vaccines. The issue also features an election announcement for PhACT council positions and a call for donations to support PhACT's activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phactum, as the propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. Recurring themes include the defense of scientific principles against pseudoscience and creationism, critical examination of media claims, and the importance of skepticism in evaluating extraordinary claims. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, pro-reason, and critical of what it perceives as anti-intellectual or pseudoscientific movements. The magazine encourages active participation in promoting critical thinking and supports organizations dedicated to these principles.