Phactum - 2008 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Phactum, September 2008 issue, is the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). It features a quote from Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on the importance of science. The issue is edited by Ray Haupt and provides information on upcoming events, book reviews, and articles on various skeptical and scientific topics.

Featured Speaker: Dr. John Allen Paulos

The main event highlighted is a talk by Dr. John Allen Paulos, a mathematician, philosopher, and journalist, hosted by PhACT. Dr. Paulos is known for his book "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences." He is scheduled to discuss his new book, "Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why the Arguments for God Just Don't Add Up," and potentially other topics. The event is free and open to the public, held at the Community College of Philadelphia.

Upcoming PhACT Events and Other Meetings

The "PhACT Calendar" section details several upcoming events:

• September 20, 2008: Dr. John Allen Paulos discusses "Innumeracy – Math in Society."
• October 18, 2008: Dr. Robert Kurzban, an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, will discuss "We the Person: Evolutionary Psychology and the Many Branches of your Brain."
• November 15, 2008: TBA
• December 14, 2008: Annual PhACT Winter Solstice Party (for members and guests).

Additionally, the calendar lists other relevant events in the Philadelphia area:

• September 23, 2008: Brian Greene discusses his book "Icarus at the Edge of Time" at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
• Every Monday: Socrates Cafe, a discussion group moderated by PhACT member Sam Frederick, meets at the Springfield Township Library.
• October 2, 2008: Dr. Stanley Hauerwas presents "Pentecost" at Eastern University.

The calendar also includes information on exhibitions and courses related to evolution at the University of Pennsylvania Museum and the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue lists several books by Dr. John Allen Paulos, including "Irreligion," "Innumeracy," "A Mathematician Plays The Stock Market," "Beyond Numeracy," "A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper," "Once Upon A Number," "I Think Therefore I Laugh," and "Mathematics and Humor." A review from Publishers Weekly praises "Irreligion" for its wit and style.

Letters to the Editor

Becky Strickland writes about the annual PhACT picnic, held at Mondauk Common Park, which provided an opportunity for members to socialize.

An anonymous letter, shared by the editor, discusses a theory linking atheism and skepticism to Asperger Syndrome (AS), citing the book "The Irrational Atheist" by Vox Day. The letter suggests that many atheists exhibit traits associated with AS, such as intelligence, social skill deficits, pedantic language, and obsessive interests. The author asks for Dave Leiter's opinion on whether skeptics he knows exhibit these traits.

Tom Napier discusses the effectiveness of reducing speed limits to decrease oil imports, arguing that the time saved by drivers might outweigh the cost of extra fuel. He also comments on the high price of gas in the US compared to Europe and suggests a gas tax to fund road repairs.

Doreva Belfiore reports on NPR findings regarding "detox" foot pads, which found only bamboo vinegar and minerals and no evidence of detoxification, attributing any color change to simple steam. She notes these pads are still sold at retail.

Articles and Commentary

"Various Ruminations" by Ray Haupt (and others):

• Alexander Isayevich Solzhenitsyn, R.I.P.: An obituary for the Nobel Prize-winning Russian author, detailing his life, his struggles with the Soviet regime, his imprisonment in labor camps, his writing career including "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich," his exile, and his return to Russia. It also notes his son Ignat's connection to the Philadelphia music scene.
• "Gaiety is the most outstanding feature of the Soviet Union" - Joseph Stalin: A quote attributed to Joseph Stalin.
• "Geographically Challenged Cuisine": A brief anecdote about ordering Mongolian Seafood.
• "New water lily species called proof of evolution": Discusses a hybrid water lily found in Manitoba and its implications for observing evolution in action, referencing an email exchange with Dr. Andrew Petto.

"Radiation: Myths and Misunderstandings" by Tom Napier (Part III: Radiation everywhere):

This article explores the ubiquitous nature of radiation. It begins by discussing high-energy neutron generation through fusion. The author then addresses "Radiation effects," emphasizing that a common reaction to potential hazards is a desire for total elimination, even when impractical. He notes that modern instruments can detect minute quantities of substances, but determining their effects requires massive, long-term studies. The article discusses "The natural background" radiation from the ground, food, and cosmic rays, and how factors like altitude, location (e.g., Brazilian tourist resorts), and medical procedures (X-rays) contribute to exposure. It contrasts the tiny doses measured by instruments with those that cause detectable effects. The author also touches on the difficulty of definitively linking radiation exposure to cancer due to multiple causes and the ethical challenges of conducting human radiation studies. The article includes a pie chart illustrating "Sources of background radiation."

"Interpreting Evidence in Witchcraft Trials" by Don Nigroni:

This article examines the historical interpretation of evidence in witchcraft trials, particularly in Europe and colonial America, focusing on the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Nigroni discusses the use of confessions under torture, trials by water, spectral evidence, and the touch test. He contrasts the prevailing interpretations of the time with more modern perspectives, such as Thomas Brattle's skepticism that afflicted individuals might be possessed by the Devil, and contemporary views that suggest mental illness or faking. The article highlights the stark contrast between the mass hysteria in Massachusetts and the more reasoned approach taken in Pennsylvania, where only one witchcraft trial occurred and no executions took place. It also mentions Judge Samuel Sewall's later remorse and apology for his role in the trials.

"Warning From Quackwatch":

This section warns consumers about homeopathic "look-alike" products, citing a Consumer Reports article advising against purchasing products labeled "homoeopathic."

"Big Snake Oil?":

This article critically examines the funding and activities of the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM), later renamed the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). It details how Senator Tom Harkin championed the cause, leading to significant government funding. The article points out that despite substantial investment, few alternative medicine products have shown proven efficacy, with only omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D being highlighted. It references a review by Saul Green, PhD, noting that no studies reported negative results. The article also discusses the ineffectiveness of supplements like Echinacea, saw palmetto, and chondroitin. It further scrutinizes NCCAM's funding of Reiki studies, questioning their scientific validity and the lack of published outcomes.

"Reiki and Youtube":

This section discusses the availability of videos on YouTube related to "Laurel and Hardy" and "Reiki attunement." It reiterates the criticism of NCCAM for funding studies on Reiki, suggesting that such funding is a squandering of taxpayer money that could be better used for meritorious scientific research.

"More infections from raw milk reported":

This brief report notes that Alexandre Family EcoDairy Farms has ended its raw milk program due to several consumers becoming ill, including one woman in intensive care. It mentions documented cases of Campylobacter infections and the company's cow-share program.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include a strong emphasis on critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism towards pseudoscience and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and challenges claims made in areas like alternative medicine, New Age practices (Reiki), and historical interpretations of events like witchcraft trials. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, rational inquiry, and a critical examination of government spending on unproven therapies. There is a notable critique of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and its funding priorities. The issue also touches upon historical events and figures through the lens of critical analysis, such as the Salem Witch Trials and the life of Alexander Solzhenitsyn.

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: September 2008
Publisher: Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum delves into several distinct topics, including the science of radiation effects, the intersection of religion and critical thinking, and a profile of a US Navy submarine.

Radiation Effects and Space Travel

The article "Page 11" discusses the complexities of understanding radiation effects, drawing from studies of Japanese atom-bomb survivors. It highlights the difficulty in extrapolating cancer incidence from high doses to the low doses people are normally exposed to, where measurement is impossible. A minimum probability of cancer exists independent of radiation exposure, and essential bodily elements like potassium are radioactive. The concept of dose rate is also explored, questioning whether a low dose rate over a long period has the same effect as an instant flash of radiation, with some theories suggesting the body needs some radiation to maintain defenses.

A significant portion of the article debunks the myth that the Van Allen radiation belts prevented the Moon landings. It explains that the injuries seen on Hiroshima survivors were due to heat and blast, not radiation. The Van Allen belts are described as zones of high-intensity particulate radiation surrounding Earth, composed of trapped protons and electrons. While prolonged exposure within the belts would be lethal, the Apollo astronauts passed through the edge of the belts rapidly, limiting their exposure time and dose rate to within acceptable industrial safety standards. The article notes that three astronauts even made the trip twice. The real radiation risk for manned spaceflight is identified as solar flares, which, contrary to myth, did not occur during any Apollo missions. A shielded room would be necessary for Mars-bound spacecraft to protect against flares.

The article also touches on a linguistic myth, correcting the pronunciation of "nuclear" to "new-clear."

PhACT's Policy on Religion: An Appeal

Don Baldino, an adjunct professor of philosophy, appeals to PhACT to apply its critical thinking principles to religious arguments, specifically the ontological argument for God's existence. He expresses dismay that PhACT, a secular organization, appears to restrict its investigations to empirical claims, while religious institutions readily examine arguments for God. Baldino argues that PhACT has historically employed logic and should not exempt religious claims from critical examination. He contrasts inductive arguments for God (like Paley's argument from design) with the deductive nature of Anselm's ontological argument. He points out that Anselm's argument aims to show that disbelief in God is unstable for anyone who understands the concept of God. Baldino also references Pascal's wager, suggesting that the odds of worshipping the wrong god among 2,850 deities (as listed on Godchecker.com) make the risk of disbelief far greater than Pascal calculated.

Baldino criticizes the idea of a "crooked line in the sand" that restricts critical inquiry into religious claims, questioning the principle that allows PhACT to oppose creationism in science classrooms but not examine other religious arguments. He provides examples of logical fallacies used in religious contexts, such as Elijah Muhammad's claim about the origin of white people (argument from ignorance) and Louis Farrakhan citing Jimmy Carter as an authority (argument from inappropriate authority).

He concludes by stating that analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments is education, and that PhACT should engage in this process for religious claims. He emphasizes the danger posed by religious fundamentalists in positions of power and argues that PhACT's insistence that religious beliefs are beyond rational inquiry aids these zealots. He calls for PhACT to investigate "crystals and pyramids and tinfoil hats" rather than avoiding critical analysis of religious claims.

Soundbites and "Dead Skeptic" Clerihews

This section features "Soundbites" compiled by Becky Strickland, offering quotes on critical thinking and scientific forums from A.C. Grayling and Lawrence Krauss. It also includes a quote from Thomas Jefferson regarding government waste.

Tom Napier presents "The 'dead skeptic' clerihews," a collection of humorous, rhyming biographical sketches of notable figures associated with skepticism and science fiction, including Stephen Jay Gould, Philip J. Klass, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Carl Sagan.

USS Philadelphia (SSN 690)

This article profiles the USS Philadelphia (SSN 690), a Los Angeles Class attack submarine. It details its construction, commissioning in June 1977, and deployment history, including operations in the Mediterranean during Operation Desert Storm. The submarine is noted as the first nuclear submarine armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. It is powered by a nuclear reactor generating 35,000 horsepower and can dive to approximately 950 feet, with speeds of 15 knots surfaced and 32 knots submerged.

The article recounts an incident on September 5, 2005, when the USS Philadelphia was struck by the Turkish merchant vessel M/V Yaso Aysen in the Persian Gulf. While there was some hull damage, the propulsion system was unaffected, and no injuries were reported.

The USS Philadelphia is scheduled for de-commissioning in Bellingham, Washington, in 2010. In fiction, it appears in Tom Clancy's novel "Red Storm Rising," where it is sunk by a Soviet submarine. The article also mentions a fictional USS Philadelphia (NCC-79223) from Star Trek.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the application of critical thinking and skepticism to various domains, including scientific claims (radiation effects, space travel), religious arguments, and even fictional narratives. The publication, PhACT (Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking), clearly advocates for rigorous rational inquiry and the examination of evidence across all subjects, challenging the notion that religious beliefs should be exempt from such scrutiny. The editorial stance is one of promoting a scientific and skeptical worldview, encouraging readers to question assumptions and to apply logical analysis to complex issues.