Phactum - 2009 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Phactum, April 2009 issue. This newsletter from the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT) focuses on the theme of 'Thinking Socratically.' The cover features an illustration of Sisyphus with his boulder and the main headline 'Thinking Socratically.' The issue includes information about upcoming PhACT events, articles, letters to the editor, and various news items related to science, skepticism, and critical thinking.

Featured Event: Thinking Socratically

Dr. David Cattell, Chairman of the Physics Department at Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), hosted an event on Saturday, April 18, 2009, at CCP. The event featured Professors Sharon Schwarze and Harvey Lape of Cabrini College, authors of the textbook 'Thinking Socratically: Critical Thinking About Everyday Issues.' The meeting, which was free and open to the public, aimed to discuss critical thinking, rational dialogue, and the basic assumptions of rationality. The book emphasizes open rational dialogue and uses Socrates as a model for critical thinking. The authors are also working on a companion ethical theory called 'Harm Theory.'

PhACT Calendar

The PhACT Calendar lists upcoming events relevant to the organization and its members:

• Saturday, April 18, 2009: Teaching critical thinking with Professors Sharon Schwarze and Harvey Lape at CCP.
• Saturday, May 30, 2009: Annual luncheon meeting/fundraiser at Edibles restaurant in Horsham, PA, featuring Faye Flam discussing her book 'The Score - how the quest for sex has shaped the modern man.'
• Sunday, July 19, 2009: Annual PhACT Picnic.
• Friday, April 11, 2009: Delaware Valley Mensa General Membership Meeting at the Police Administration Building, Philadelphia, featuring a presentation by Sexologist Susan Mayers on 'The Ageless Sex Life: Secrets of Great Sex at Any Age.'
• Tuesday, April 21, 2009: 'Invasive Plants in the Philadelphia Area' lecture by Dr. Alfred E. Schuyler at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.
• Wednesday, May 6, 2009: 'Great Sites Lecture Series: Erasing a City: The Day Life Stopped at Hasanlu Tepe, Iran in 800 BC' lecture by Michael Danti at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.

The PhACT Calendar also invites members and non-members to submit announcements for relevant meetings and events.

Science on Tap, A Science Cafe

This monthly gathering in Philadelphia, held at National Mechanics, features informal presentations by scientists followed by conversation. Upcoming topics include:

• April 13: Brenda Casper on plant ecology and seed dispersal.
• May 11: Scott Gilbert, biologist.
• June: Speaker TBD.
• July 13: Speaker TBD.

Science on Tap is sponsored by a consortium of Philadelphia institutions.

Socrates Cafe

A discussion group moderated by PhACT member Sam Frederick at the Springfield Township Library.

Wagner Free Institute of Science Event

• Thursday, May 7, 2009: 'Please Don't Eat the Monkeys: Biodiversity Conservation on Africa's Bioko Island' lecture by Dr. Gail Hearn, a primatologist from Drexel University.

Articles and Editorials

• "Thinking Socratically: Critical Thinking About Everyday Issues, Second Edition": A review of the textbook by Sharon Schwarze and Harvey Lape, detailing its approach to teaching critical thinking through real-life situations and emphasizing open dialogue.

• "Critical Thinking Applied": A humorous anecdote illustrating deductive reasoning, featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

• "Thank you, CCP": Acknowledgment from PhACT to Community College of Philadelphia and Dr. David Cattell for hosting their events and supporting their mission.

• "Speak up!": An invitation for readers to submit letters, poetry, articles, and other contributions to the editor, with a note against partisan politics and religion bashing.

• Letters to the Editor:
• Al Erpel and Paul Schlueter III: Discuss the premise of objective moral principles, with one letter arguing that morals are patterns in central nervous systems and lack empirical meaning, while also noting the improvement in human life quality with the proliferation of materialism.
• Eric Hamell: Argues that non-empirical cognitive habits and sectarian thinking contribute to conflict, and that promoting critical thinking as a personal practice and fostering communities around this practice is more effective than simply debunking false ideas.
• David T. Moore: Comments on a Mensa General Membership Meeting announcement, questioning if it was related to Vinny Fumo's arrest.
• Thomas J. Watson Misquote: Howard J. Wilk clarifies a misquote attributed to Thomas J. Watson regarding space travel, citing a Time magazine article.
• H. G. Wells Quote: Tom Napier questions a quote attributed to H. G. Wells about the improbability of aeronautics.
• Benjamin Franklin and Lightning Rods: Howard J. Wilk provides a historical anecdote about King George III's displeasure with Benjamin Franklin's lightning rods and Pringle's response.

• Various Ruminations (Collected/written by Ray Haupt):
• FTC curbs unsubstantiated claims: Reports on the Federal Trade Commission's action against Roex, Inc. for deceptive advertising of health products.
• Misguided legislator pushing for dietary supplement coverage: Dr. Stephen Barrett reports on Maine State Representative Andrea Boland's bill to force insurance coverage for dietary supplements, noting a potential conflict of interest.
• Quackwatch and Dr. Barrett: A call for contributions to support the work of Quackwatch and Dr. Barrett.
• Borneo Snake Hoax: Clarifies that a widely circulated photo of a 100-foot snake was a hoax, an older modified image from Africa.
• Garden of Eden found!!!: Notes an interesting archaeological story from the Daily Mail about ancient ruins, with skepticism expressed about the Garden of Eden identification.
• "There couldn't be a hidden agenda, could there?": Discusses the legal attack by creationists on The New Scientist and the removal of an article about science books with religious agendas, arguing against banning ideas.
• "The 'I didn't come from a salamander' Department": Reports on the Institute for Creation Research being denied approval for a master's degree in science education by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and a proposed Texas legislation to exempt such institutions from coordinating board rules.
• Gambia gripped by fear as leader scours country in search of witches: Reports on a state-sponsored witch-hunt in Gambia under President Yahya Jammeh.
• A new low in the anti-vaccine campaign: Critiques Jenny McCarthy's promotion of anti-vaccine claims, citing the lack of scientific evidence and the potential resurgence of diseases.
• 'Detox' update: Reports that Duchy Originals has been forced to withdraw efficacy claims for its herbal products after a complaint upheld by the MHRA.
• Making Sense of GM: Discusses the topic of Genetic Modification in food crops, referencing a guide from Sense About Science.
• Electric cars: Expresses skepticism about the widespread implementation of electric cars for private transportation, citing challenges with battery recharging and home charging infrastructure, particularly in urban settings like Philadelphia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum include the promotion of critical thinking, rational dialogue, and skepticism towards pseudoscience and unsubstantiated claims. The newsletter actively encourages reader participation through letters and submissions. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for evidence-based reasoning, scientific literacy, and a critical examination of societal issues, including those related to health, education, and public policy. There is a clear opposition to creationism and anti-vaccine sentiments, and a focus on debunking hoaxes and misinformation.

Title: Phactum
Issue: April 2009
Volume: 11
Publisher: Phactum
Country: USA
Language: English
Price: $5.95

Health and Your Sign

This section discusses medical astrology, citing Stephanie Gailing's book "Planetary Apothecary," which associates different body parts with zodiac signs. It questions the presentation of such information as serious health advice by media outlets.

In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue

This brief note mentions stumbling upon the charter given to Christopher Columbus by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. The document, dated April 3, 1492, predates Columbus's departure on August 3, 1492. The author notes the document was written in English.

Soundbites

• This section compiles short quotes and news items:
• Amanda Gefter, editor of the opinion section of New Scientist, states that "academic freedom" is often a code for "acceptance of creationism."
• Gary Goodyear, Canada's minister for science and technology, declined to answer a question about his stance on evolution, citing his Christian faith.
• An investigation by Brian Deer in The Sunday Times revealed that Andrew Wakefield manipulated data in his research on the MMR vaccine, creating a false link to autism.
• Guy McKhann, MD, from Brain in the News, asserts that numerous studies have concluded there is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, and the benefits of eradicating measles outweigh the risks.
• Satoru Kikuchi, an associate professor of psychology, dismisses the Japanese craze of determining personality by blood type as "simply sham science."

March 2009 Meeting Report

Compiled by Becky Strickland, this report details journalist Lauri Lebo's presentation on her experiences covering the Dover trial. The controversy began with a student's mural of human evolution, leading the school board to adopt a policy requiring intelligent design to be taught alongside evolution. The case involved 11 plaintiffs and was presided over by Judge John E. Jones III. Scientists testified, and the trial was described as "the biology class you wished you had taken." The verdict favored the plaintiffs, ruling against teaching Intelligent Design. Cindy Sneath, one of the plaintiffs, shared her motivation and the symbolic $1 check she received. Lebo's book, "The Devil in Dover: An Insider's Story of Dogma v. Darwin in Small-town America," is mentioned.

The Devil in Dover: An Insider's Story of Dogma v. Darwin in Small-town America

This is a review of Lauri Lebo's book, which details the Dover area school board's decision to teach intelligent design in ninth-grade biology classrooms. The book covers the legal case, the science, and the people involved in the divisive battle, described as a "war of fundamentalist Christian values versus secularism." The judge, appointed by George Bush, condemned the school board's decision as "breathtaking inanity." Lebo, a local reporter, provides a personal account of the conflict.

Animal Life, Now 55 Million Years Older

By Paul Schlueter III, this article discusses new evidence from chemical analysis suggesting animal life is at least 635 million years old, extending the previous estimate of 580 million years. Researchers, led by Gordon Love, discovered "the molecular remains of an animal steroid" in salt cores from Oman, produced by sponges called Demospongiae. Paleobiologist Kevin Peterson suggests these early sponges may have helped oxygenate the deep oceans. The article also defines the Cryogenian Period (850-630 million years ago) as a time of extensive glaciation.

Bernie Madoff and Ponzi Scams - Governor Rendell and Casino Scams

By Bill Kearney, this article draws parallels between Bernie Madoff's $65 billion Ponzi scam and Governor Ed Rendell's expansion of legalized gambling in Pennsylvania. Madoff's scam, initially a short-term strategy, involved stealing volume from the New York Stock Exchange. The article questions the lack of personal responsibility attributed to Madoff's victims, comparing it to the treatment of compulsive casino gamblers. It notes that 20 states had commercial casinos in 2008, with gross gaming revenues exceeding $36 billion. The article also touches upon Governor Rendell's efforts to promote casino gambling and his association with State Senator Vince Fumo, who was later convicted of fraud.

Politics Philadelphia Style

This section profiles Vince Fumo, a State Senator from Philadelphia, detailing his education, career, and involvement in various committees. It mentions his association with the Philadelphia law firm Dilworth Paxson LLP and his role in the Pennsylvania Savings Bank. Fumo was hospitalized in March 2008 and announced his retirement from public service after being federally indicted. In March 2009, he was convicted on 137 counts of fraud.

The White Stag of Shamong

By Don Nigroni, this article recounts the legend of the White Stag of Shamong, a tale associated with Quaker Bridge in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The legend, first published in Arthur D. Pierce's "Iron in the Pines" (1957), tells of a white stag that appeared to a stagecoach driver in the 19th century, preventing them from plunging into a washed-out river. A variant of the tale claims no hunter would dare shoot a white stag in the Pine Barrens. The article notes that while albino white-tailed deer are rare, they are not supernatural, and mentions Cornelius Weygandt's description of a "strange and wonderful" white-tailed deer. The author also shares his personal experiences visiting Quaker Bridge and searching for Captain Kidd's treasure, without success.

Capt. Kidd and the Headless Pirate

By Don Nigroni, this article explores the legend of Captain Kidd burying treasure near Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, guarded by the ghost of a headless seaman. The tale is traced back to an 1899 syndicated New York Herald article. The article details Captain Kidd's life, his trial, and execution, and lists various places and guardians associated with his buried treasure according to Charles M. Skinner's "Myths & Legends of Our Own Land." It also discusses a purported Kidd artifact found in 1951 that was later revealed to be a hoax. The author recounts his own unsuccessful treasure hunt with his cousin Bruce Clark in Beach Haven.

Saw Palmetto

This article, shamelessly copied from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website, discusses Saw Palmetto. The bottom line is that it can help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) but has no proven effect on prostate cancer. Studies show it works by countering androgens and inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. It improves urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. However, clinical trials have not proven its efficacy for prostate cancer. The article also warns that supplements may not contain the labeled amount and may be contaminated. Side effects include gastrointestinal complaints, and erectile dysfunction is more common with finasteride.

What Makes a Skeptic — Being Rational, or Being Informed?

By Ed Gracely, this article examines the argument that "rational thinking" is the key to debunking psychic claims. It contrasts this with the view that ignorance, rather than irrationality, leads to belief in the paranormal. The author believes ignorance is the bigger problem and lists points that skeptics often affirm, such as the existence of frauds, the role of psychology and natural phenomena in creating apparent paranormal events, and the potential for media to collaborate with deception. The article also touches on Edgar Cayce, the "Sleeping Prophet," and his prophecies, noting that many have not stood the test of time. The author concludes that understanding how easily deceptive practices can seem objective is crucial for critical thinking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the presentation of pseudoscientific or questionable information as fact by media outlets, particularly in areas like medical astrology and the link between vaccines and autism. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking, skepticism, and the importance of evidence-based information, especially concerning scientific and historical topics. The issue also highlights concerns about financial fraud and the expansion of gambling, contrasting it with responsible financial practices. The editorial stance appears to favor rational inquiry and scientific evidence over unsubstantiated claims.

Phactum, April 2009 issue. This magazine, distributed by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), explores themes of skepticism, historical documentation, and community engagement. The issue features a significant historical document, critical analysis of paranormal claims, and information about an upcoming event.

Articles and Content

Privileges and Prerogatives Granted by Their Catholic Majesties to Christopher Columbus : 1492

This section presents a transcription of a royal decree issued by Ferdinand and Elizabeth on April 30, 1492. The document details the extensive privileges and titles granted to Christopher Columbus for his planned voyage to discover and subdue islands and continents in the ocean. He is appointed Admiral, Vice-Roy, and perpetual Governor, with the authority to decide civil and criminal causes, punish offenders, and enjoy all associated perquisites and salaries. The decree commands all subjects, including princes, nobles, judges, and common people, to recognize Columbus and his successors in these roles and to treat them with the respect and deference due to their offices. The text emphasizes the importance of honoring Columbus for exposing himself to danger in service to the Crown. The accompanying illustration depicts Ferdinand and Isabella seeing Christopher Columbus off at the Dock at Palos on August 3, 1492.

Skepticism and the Nature of Evidence

This article delves into the challenges of discerning truth from deception and self-deception, particularly in the context of paranormal claims. It begins by critiquing psychic 'readers' who collaborate with TV programmers to create an illusion of success. The author uses the example of the Fox sisters, who fooled many intelligent people, to illustrate how innocence can mask deception. The article also discusses how psychological factors and statistics can create the appearance of evidence, citing the laetrile controversy and creature sightings (like Bigfoot) as examples where coincidences and misattributions lead to numerous 'eyewitness' accounts of events that did not occur. The difficulty in separating genuine sightings from false positives is highlighted, referencing a previous Phactum article on 'Witnesses to High Weirdness.'

The author argues that understanding deception, self-deception, and natural eyewitness effects is crucial for skeptics to effectively dissect paranormal claims. The piece questions whether skeptics are truly more rational, suggesting that while they may be less prone to pro-paranormal biases, they can still be influenced by their own biases. The article posits that a key role of skeptics is to help people understand these cognitive biases and logical fallacies, such as the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy. It concludes by suggesting that while the name 'Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking' is fitting, the organization's mission is to educate the public about how easily people can be misled.

Natural History Road Show

This section announces the '2nd annual Natural History Road Show' hosted by PhACT and presented by the Wagner Free Institute of Science on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The event is designed for children and families, featuring experts who can identify rocks, minerals, fossils, plants, and insects. The schedule includes a presentation by the Institute's Children's Education staff and hands-on activities. Live animals are prohibited due to the venue's National Landmark status. Contact information and the website for the Wagner Free Institute of Science are provided.

PhACT Information and Events

Details are provided for supporting PhACT through membership and donations. Subscription options include email delivery for $15 annually ($10 for students) or US Mail delivery for $25. Information is also given for submitting letters, essays, and other contributions to Ray Haupt, the Phactum editor. The 'Policy For Article Use' section outlines the terms for reprinting materials from Phactum, requiring credit to the author and PhACT, and permission for other publications.

An announcement for an 'Annual luncheon meeting/fundraiser' on Saturday, May 30, 2009, is included. The event will feature speaker Faye Flam discussing her book 'The Score - how the quest for sex has shaped the modern man.' Reservation information is provided, along with details for attending the PhACT Luncheon/Fund Raiser, including costs for adults and students.

Quote

The issue concludes with a quote from Benjamin Franklin: "All human situations have their inconveniences. We feel those of the present but neither see nor feel those of the future; and hence we often make troublesome changes without amendment, and frequently for the worse."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of evidence, particularly in relation to historical claims and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly that of promoting rational inquiry and debunking unsubstantiated claims through logical analysis and an understanding of human psychology and cognitive biases. The magazine serves as a platform for educating the public on how to critically evaluate information and avoid being misled by deception, self-deception, or flawed reasoning. There is also an emphasis on community engagement through events like the Natural History Road Show and fundraising activities for PhACT.