Phactum - 2008 11 - November

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: November/December 2008
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Content Focus: Skepticism, science, critical thinking, and debunking pseudoscience.

PhACT Meeting Announcements

The issue highlights upcoming meetings hosted by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). A key event on November 15, 2008, at Community College of Philadelphia, features Dr. Pamela Freyd discussing the False Memory Syndrome Foundation and the dangers of "recovered memories." This presentation will cover the history of the false memory problem, research studies, and the FMS Foundation's role in the debate. Admission is free.

Other announced events include the Annual PhACT Winter Solstice Party (December 14, 2008) and a TBA event on January 17, 2009. The newsletter also lists various lectures and meetings hosted by affiliated organizations, including the University of Pennsylvania Museum (November 13, 2008) on the archaeology and evolution of the social brain, and Delaware Valley Mensa meetings.

Featured Articles and Discussions

False Memory Syndrome

Dr. Pamela Freyd's presentation is detailed, explaining the explosion of accusations of childhood sexual abuse based on "repressed memories" excavated through hypnosis in the early 1990s. The article notes the destruction of families and the flood of lawsuits, followed by a slowdown as evidence mounted against the scientific basis of these claims. The clergy abuse scandal is mentioned as keeping the notion of recovered memories in the news.

Skepticism and Science

Several sections address skepticism and scientific literacy. The "Sense About Science" initiative is promoted, a UK-based charity that aims to promote evidence and good science. Their resources, including a guide to radiation and a project on "Why Evidence-Based Medicine Matters," are highlighted. The importance of peer review is discussed, with input from editors of leading journals like Nature and Science.

Medical Topics and Concerns

Joel M. Kauffman, PhD, contributes articles on vaccine skepticism and medical myths. He cites a peer-reviewed journal article questioning the value of the shingles vaccine and mentions lawsuits against Merck regarding the Gardasil vaccine. Kauffman also critiques the blanket condemnation of vaccine skeptics and discusses the book "Cultural Dwarfs and Junk Journalism." He also authored "Malignant Medical Myths," which critiques mainstream medicine, citing 200,000 deaths per year from medical treatment in the USA and questioning the advice on screening tests, drugs, and diet.

Another medical concern discussed is cholesterol-lowering "dietary supplements." Dr. Stephen Barrett reports that red yeast rice products showed significant variations in their active substance and that some contained citrinin, which can cause kidney damage. The FDA has intervened, but sales continue under the "dietary supplements" category.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

The article discusses electroconvulsive therapy, noting its controversial history and early brutal treatments. It clarifies that modern ECT uses precisely calculated electrical currents. The author points out that medical experimentation with electroshock predates the commonly cited 70 years, referencing Benjamin Franklin's experiments described in a letter to Sir John Pringle in 1757.

Other Topics

Witchcraft Cases: Don Nigroni examines historical witchcraft cases in the Delaware Valley, including those of Margaret Mattson and Gertrude Hendrickson in 1684, and a couple accused in 1701. A satirical account of a witch trial from The Pennsylvania Gazette is also presented.

Evolution: The issue touches on the debate surrounding evolution, referencing a claim by geneticist Professor Steve Jones that human evolution is ending. This claim is met with skepticism by experts like Glenn Branch and Dr. Andrew Petto from NCSE.

Cold Fusion: An article briefly mentions "Hot fusion" and the potential of "Cold Fusion" (now termed LENR - Low Energy Nuclear Reactions) for abundant energy, citing research demonstrations.

Innumeracy: The newsletter points out a statistical anomaly in a media report about baseball playoff statistics, highlighting how numbers can be misleading and referencing Dr. Paulo's book "Innumeracy."

The Mentalist: A TV show featuring a psychic detective is discussed, with the author noting the twist that the protagonist admits to using observation and deduction rather than supernatural abilities, while still maintaining that no real psychics exist.

Letters to the Editor

Martha Knox (Coordinator, PhillyCoR; Director, HAGP) criticizes Tom Napier's assertion that CSICOP (now CODESH) is the only organization of its kind, pointing out the existence and activities of the Council for Secular Humanism (CODESH), the Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia (HAGP), and the Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia (FSGP). She argues that PhACT is aware of these groups and has even co-hosted events with them, suggesting that PhACT's policy of not critiquing "fuzzy" religious beliefs is hypocritical.

Tom Napier responds to Martha Knox, acknowledging awareness of FSGP but stating he avoids contact as he is not a "militant atheist." He reiterates his previous stance that those wishing to change PhACT's nature should found their own organization or attempt to change FSGP.

Tom Napier also responds to a critique of his "Creation porn" comment, explaining it as an ironic allusion to the right-wing definition of pornography.

Joel M. Kauffman, PhD (Berwyn, PA) addresses the issue of vaccine skepticism, providing citations for articles questioning the value of the shingles vaccine and reporting on Gardasil vaccine complaints. He distinguishes between skeptics and "pseudoskeptics" (disbelievers).

PhACT's Policy on Religion

Don Baldino's two-part appeal, "PhACT's Policy on Religion - An Appeal. Part II of only II," argues that PhACT should extend its critical inquiry to religious claims, not just pseudoscientific ones. He contends that the refusal to examine religious claims implies religion is exempt from criticism, which is dangerous, especially in light of events like 9/11. Baldino cites statistics on religious beliefs regarding violence and the Second Coming, arguing that these beliefs are as irrational as those of David Berkowitz. He also discusses the logical incoherence of the concept of God, suggesting that deductive logic can prove negatives. He concludes that by exempting religion, PhACT is not promoting critical thinking but corrupting it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum strongly advocates for critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism towards pseudoscience and unsubstantiated claims. The publication actively promotes events and resources that encourage evidence-based reasoning. There is a clear editorial stance against irrational beliefs, whether they manifest as medical myths, pseudoscientific theories, or certain religious doctrines. The newsletter serves as a platform for members to voice opinions and engage in debates, particularly concerning the scope and application of critical thinking within the organization and society at large. The recurring theme is the importance of applying rigorous scrutiny to all areas of human belief and knowledge, challenging dogma and promoting a rational worldview.

Phactum, November/December 2008 issue, is a publication from the Phila. Assoc. for Critical Thinking. This issue features articles on evolution, senior gambling addiction, and historical accounts of technological innovations.

Evolution: Speciation in Action

The issue opens with an article titled "Ask, And Ye Shall Receive" by Paul Schlueter III, which addresses the challenge of finding observable examples of evolution occurring in real-time. The author notes that evolution, particularly speciation (the divergence of one species into multiple distinct species), typically requires long periods and environmental barriers to prevent interbreeding.

Two examples are presented:

1. Galapagos Finches: While the separation of islands by water initially prevented interbreeding, leading to adapted traits, the author questions whether they are truly separate species if they could interbreed when brought together. However, it is noted that one species of Galapagos finches has evolved a specialized beak to exploit an invasive plant, serving as an adaptation to a new food source.
2. Cichlids in Lake Victoria: A report from *Science News* (October 25, 2008) by Patrick Barry details a study revealing speciation among cichlids in Africa's Lake Victoria. A single species has diverged into shallow and deep-water varieties. The deep-water species, adapted to red light, have eye pigment adaptations for seeing redder colors and prefer redder fish for mating. The shallower species, in an environment with blue light, have pigments adapted to seeing blue and prefer bluer fish. Genetic testing indicates accumulated genetic changes not shared by the other species. This is highlighted as a rare instance where scientists have observed evolution in the act of creating a new species due to changes in sense organs. Norihiro Okada of the Tokyo Institute of Technology is quoted, noting that these adaptations and mating preferences represent the beginning phases of speciation. The article acknowledges that some may not consider this definitive "proof" of evolution, but it offers another example of an incremental step in the evolutionary process.

The author, Paul Schlueter III, concludes this section with a personal statement: "I am most definitely the product of Evolution. Why, just a few generations ago, even my own ancestors believed in a world created in a mere seven days, at the hand of an unseen God!" His supporters have created a website, www.jaylbird.org.

Gambling Away the Golden Year$: Senior$ Gambling

This article, by Gary Lange, Ph.D. and Darel Sorenson, Ed. D., focuses on the increasing prevalence of gambling among seniors and the associated problems. Seniors are targeted for gambling due to potential loneliness, boredom, loss of loved ones, and retirement, which can lead them to seek gambling as an escape.

• Types of Gamblers:
• Escape gamblers gravitate towards slot machines, bingo, raffles, and lotteries.
• Action gamblers prefer cards, horse racing, and sports betting.

• Problem Gambling:
• Social gamblers risk money but don't invest significant time or money.
• Problem gamblers spend considerable time and money, experiencing negative emotional and financial consequences.
• Pathological gamblers have a loss of control, irrational thinking, depression, and denial, continuing the behavior despite adverse consequences. This can lead to financial problems, illegal activities, loss of support, and suicidal thoughts. Pathological Gambling is classified as an Impulse Control Disorder.

• Prevalence and Impact:
• Currently, 4-6% of youth and adults in the U.S. are considered problem and pathological gamblers, with numbers growing.
• Problem gamblers affect eight to ten other people in their lives.
• Casino visits are the most common form of legal gambling, but illegal forms also exist.

• Vulnerability of Seniors:
• Seniors may be vulnerable due to limited budgets, loneliness, isolation, and the desire for social interaction.
• Gambling losses can lead to irregular eating, medication issues, insomnia, embarrassment, guilt, sedentary lifestyles, and lowered self-esteem.
• Despite myths about aging, seniors generally remain healthy, intelligent, and capable of sound judgment.

• Treatment and Support:
• Treatment requires understanding addiction and behavioral patterns.
• Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and GamAnon (for families) are helpful support groups.
• Therapists need to assess gambling activity, monitor for safety (resentment, suicidal thoughts), and help clients develop coping mechanisms.
• The article emphasizes that gambling can be fun but can also become a devastating problem that prevents seniors from maintaining relationships and happiness.

• Authors' Credentials:
• Gary Lange, Ph.D., is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in gambling addiction.
• Darel Sorenson, Ed. D., is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in aging and mental health programs.

Benjamin Rush on Gaming:
A quote from Dr. Benjamin Rush (1745-1813) describes gambling as a destructive disorder leading to poverty, imprisonment, and ignominious death.

Electric Shocks in Paralytic Cases

This section presents a letter from "To John Pringle, Sir Dec. 21. 1757" attributed to Benjamin Franklin.

• Context: The letter discusses observations relating to the effects of electricity in paralytic cases, prompted by news of cures in Italy and Germany.
• Method: Franklin describes treating paralytics by placing them on an electric stool and drawing sparks from affected limbs. He also used two large glass jars (6 gallons each) to deliver a united shock through the affected limbs, repeating the stroke three times daily.
• Observations: Immediate greater sensible warmth was observed in the treated limbs. Patients reported a pricking sensation and sometimes small red spots. The limbs became more capable of voluntary motion and seemed to gain strength. One man who could not lift his hand from his knee on the first day could raise it significantly higher by the fifth day.
• Limitations: Franklin notes that he never saw any permanent amendment after the fifth day. Patients often relapsed shortly after returning home. He speculates that the temporary advantage might have arisen from the exercise of traveling to his house, or from the spirits given by the hope of success, rather than from the electricity itself.
• Comparison: He mentions an account from Scotland where 200 shocks from a phial were given daily, resulting in a perfect cure. Franklin believes his shocks from large jars were much stronger than those from a phial.
• Conclusion: He suggests that permanent advantage might have been obtained if electric shocks were accompanied by proper medicine and regimen under a skillful physician. He also questions whether many small shocks might be more effective than a few large ones.

An illustration depicts "Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity From the Sky - Portrait by Benjamin West, circa 1805."

Bushnell's "Turtle", first American submarine

This article details the invention and operation of the "Turtle," the first American submarine.

• Inventor: David Bushnell, invented in Connecticut in 1775.
• Purpose: Designed as a naval weapon to attach explosive charges to ships in a harbor.
• Description: Resembled a large clam, measuring 7.5 ft long, 6 ft tall, and about 3 ft wide. It consisted of two wooden shells covered with tar.
• Operation: Submerged by allowing water into the hull and ascended by pumping water out. It was propelled vertically and horizontally by hand-cranked propellers, marking the first recorded use of the screw propeller for ships.
• Crew: Manned and operated by only one person.
• Weaponry: Designed to drill into a ship's hull and plant a keg of powder to be detonated later.
• Testing: Conducted by the inventor's brother, Ezra Bushnell, in the Connecticut River.
• Illumination: Benjamin Franklin was consulted for lighting. He suggested using bioluminescent foxfire for the compass and depth meter, though the light was likely dimmer than expected.
• Attack on HMS Eagle: On September 7th, 1776, the Turtle, piloted by Army volunteer Sergeant Ezra Lee, attacked the HMS Eagle. The submarine failed to bore through the hull, and Lee eventually abandoned the attempt.

About PhACT Membership and Subscriptions

This section provides information on how to support PhACT and subscribe to Phactum. Beginning January 1, 2009, annual dues will be $15/year, including an email subscription to Phactum and invitations to Members Only events. A printed Phactum delivered by US Mail will cost $25/year. Donations are also welcome.

PhACT encourages participation as attendees, presenters, and contributors to Phactum. Readers are invited to submit opinions, historical stories connected to Philadelphia, and recipes.

Ahead of the crowd?

A short poem by Tom Napier titled "Ahead of the crowd?" reflects on the mission of the JSE (likely a scientific journal) to publish papers that might be scorned by the mainstream science coterie, and the hope that extreme concepts might become mainstream, though this wishful dream is described as blighted with no "new science" ignited and the JSE being "never cited."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking and civil discussion, as stated in the "About PhACT" section. It aims to present information of interest to critical thinkers without engaging in religion bashing or partisan politics, but considers "the rest of the Universe" fair game. The editorial stance appears to be open to diverse viewpoints, even those that might disagree with the editor, as evidenced by the invitation to submit opposing views and the editor's self-description as rarely biting.

The issue touches upon themes of scientific inquiry and evidence (evolution), societal issues (gambling addiction), and historical preservation (Franklin's experiments, the Turtle submarine), all viewed through the lens of critical analysis.