Phactum - 2009 05 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: May/June 2009
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a range of topics from upcoming events and book reviews to discussions on pseudoscience, health scams, and societal issues. The cover features a quote from James Madison on the abridgement of freedom.

Upcoming Events and Activities

PhACT is hosting its annual Fund-Raising Banquet on Saturday, May 30, 2009, at Edibles Restaurant in Horsham, PA. The speaker will be Faye Flam, discussing her book "The Score - How the Quest for Sex has Shaped the Modern Man." The event costs $30, and reservations are required. This marks PhACT's last intellectual activity for the 2008/2009 year.

Other upcoming events include an annual PhACT Picnic on Sunday, July 19, 2008, at Mondauk Commons Park in Upper Dublin. This event is free for members and their guests.

On Saturday, September 19, 2009, the PhACT lecture series will resume at the Community College of Philadelphia with Dr. Alan Mann, Professor of Paleontology at Princeton University, discussing "The Origins of our Humanness."

The newsletter also lists events from other organizations, such as the Delaware Valley Mensa General Membership Meeting and the University of Pennsylvania's Twelfth Annual Spirituality Research Symposium.

Science on Tap and Socrates Cafe

"Science on Tap," a monthly science cafe held at National Mechanics, features informal presentations by scientists followed by conversation. The June 8th event will feature Janet Monge discussing "The Unknown Skeleton – Forensic Anthropology and the Unsolvable Case." Upcoming speakers include Dr. Ted Daeschler and TBA for August.

Socrates Cafe, moderated by PhACT member Sam Frederick, meets every Monday at the Springfield Township Library for public discussion.

Book Reviews and Features

"The Score - How the Quest for Sex has Shaped the Modern Man" by Faye Flam: This book is described as a smart, witty, and fresh look at the male side of male-female relationships. Flam explores the evolutionary history of the human male, from the emergence of the first organisms to modern sexual strategies. The review highlights the book's exploration of the tension between monogamy and promiscuity.

"Entangled Minds, Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality" by Dean Radin: This book is presented as a significantly enhanced extension of Radin's previous work, "The Conscious Universe." It has two key themes: the explanation of scientific data on Psi phenomena and a listing of theories of Psi. The book is considered accessible to a general readership and includes subtle humor.

"Where Are We, What Are We, Why Are We?" by Christopher Madden: This book explores the reasons why people seek meaning in life, examining the nature of the universe, perception, life's origins, and attitudes towards consciousness. The author's view is that reality is weird "all the way through."

"Speak Out!!!" and "Letters" Sections

The "Speak Out!!!" section invites PhACT members and readers to submit letters and articles, encouraging diverse opinions on matters of interest to Critical Thinkers, while avoiding religion bashing and partisan politics.

The "Letters" section features correspondence from readers. Paul Schlueter III comments on a High School Science Fair article about eyewitness testimony, citing studies by C. Andrew Morgan and Elizabeth Loftus on the fallibility of memory. He suggests the work would be valuable to the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and the Pennsylvania Prison Society.

Another letter from an unnamed "PhACTor" challenges opponents to write reviews of a book, possibly "Best Evidence" by Michael Schmicker.

Dave Leiter writes about Dean Radin's book "Entangled Minds," noting its accessibility and two key themes. He also expresses disagreement with an article by Ed Gracely on "What Makes a Skeptic --..." and offers his own published analyses.

Don Baldino shares a link to a Google Video about the Nova program "Judgement Day: Intelligent Design on Trial."

Doreva Belfiore discusses "Foot Detox Therapy" scams and provides a link to a debunking article by Stephen Lower.

Health and Pseudoscience

"Russia holds first Top Shaman elections": This news item reports on Russia's first "Top Shaman" elections, with 188 candidates participating.

"Lunacy in Texas?": This section discusses how the Texas Board of Education is pressuring textbook publishers to insert "junk science" into educational materials, influenced by the Discovery Institute's goal to promote intelligent design.

"London suffering rise in rare 'Victorian' diseases": A report from The Daily Mail indicates a significant increase in rare infectious diseases in London.

Vaccination and Disease Rates: An article highlights rising rates of mumps, whooping cough, and scarlet fever in the UK, potentially linked to parents refusing the MMR jab due to debunked claims about autism. It also notes a steady rise in typhoid cases.

"The Wedge Document of Intelligent Design": This section encourages readers to read the "Wedge Document" to understand the Discovery Institute's agenda, noting the presence of typographical errors in the document.

"Indigo Children": This section references an article about Indigo Children by Yevgeniya Krasina and another by Joe Nickell.

"The Rapture of Space"?: Astronaut Edgar Mitchell's declaration that life exists in outer space and governments are concealing the truth is discussed.

Kurt Donsbach Arrested: Dr. Stephen Barrett reports on the arrest of Kurt Donsbach, who faces felony charges for dubious health-related activities, including treating patients without a license and misbranding drugs. The article details a case where a patient suffered severe bone-density loss from his treatments.

Hospital Santa Monica: The article mentions Dr. Donsbach's operation of Hospital Santa Monica in Mexico and Poland, referencing previous legal troubles and a victim named Coretta Scott King.

Quackwatch and Dr. Barrett: Readers are encouraged to support the work of Quackwatch and Dr. Barrett.

Other Topics

"Various Ruminations" by Ray Haupt: This section includes various short pieces, such as the Siberian shaman story and a comment on the US Senate. It also features a quote from H.L. Mencken on dealing with superstition.

"Expansion of the Universe": A YouTube video link is provided for a discussion by the Texas School Board on universe expansion.

National Rehabilitation Councilors Appreciation Day: A brief mention of House proceedings on C-SPAN regarding this day and National Library Week.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and a rational approach to information. It actively debunks pseudoscience, health scams, and what it considers to be flawed or unscientific claims, such as those related to Intelligent Design. The publication encourages reader participation and diverse viewpoints, while maintaining a clear stance against what it perceives as irrationality and misinformation. The editorial stance is one of rigorous inquiry and a commitment to evidence-based reasoning.

Title: Phactum
Issue: May/June 2009
Volume: 12
Publisher: PhACT
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum delves into a diverse array of topics, ranging from the historical foundations of major institutions and philosophical inquiries to scientific debates and local folklore. The magazine features articles on the history of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the philosophy of Objectivism as espoused by Ayn Rand, the complex relationship between science and religion, and an exploration of a mysterious local legend known as the Blue Hole.

History of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

The issue begins with a historical overview of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), tracing its origins back to the New York Cancer Hospital founded in 1884. It highlights key developments, including the establishment of the Sloan-Kettering Institute (SKI) in the 1940s by Alfred P. Sloan and Charles F. Kettering, and the eventual unification of SKI and Memorial Hospital in 1960 to form the present-day MSKCC. The article emphasizes MSKCC's role as a leading institution in cancer care, research, and the development of new therapies.

About Alfred P. Sloan and Charles F. Kettering

This section provides biographical details on Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., and Charles F. Kettering, the figures behind the Sloan-Kettering Institute. Sloan's career is detailed, from his early work in the automotive industry, including his pivotal role in revitalizing the Hyatt Rolling Bearing Company and his subsequent leadership at General Motors, to his significant philanthropic contributions, particularly to MSKCC and MIT. Kettering's background is also presented, focusing on his inventive spirit as an engineer, his work with National Cash Register, the founding of Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (Delco), and his extensive patent holdings and contributions to General Motors research.

Thinking Socratically: Critical Thinking About Everyday Issues

This section reports on an April meeting featuring speakers Sharon Schwarze and Harvey Lape from Cabrini College. They discussed critical thinking as a philosophical process rather than a fixed destination, defining it as an open rational dialogue. The speakers identified attitudes that hinder critical thinking, such as 'truthiness' and the belief that values are distinct from facts. They encouraged the audience to be critical thinkers, not critical people. A review of the book "Thinking Socratically: Critical Thinking About Everyday Issues" by Schwarze and Lape is also included, highlighting its approach to teaching critical thinking through real-life scenarios and the Socratic method.

Socrates on Gossip

This piece recounts the famous Socratic anecdote of the "Triple Filter Test," illustrating the importance of truth, goodness, and usefulness before speaking. Socrates' method of questioning and his emphasis on reasoned dialogue are presented as a model for critical thinking.

The Blue Hole

Authored by Don Nigroni, this article explores the legend of the "Blue Hole," a mysterious pool in South Jersey. It references historical accounts, including one from Henry Charlton Beck's "More Forgotten Towns of Southern New Jersey," which describes the pool as a bottomless pit with variable water temperatures and a legend of the Devil lurking within. Nigroni recounts his personal visit to the Blue Hole in the Winslow Wildlife Management Area, describing its cold, clear water and the surrounding environment. The article suggests that the Devil legend may have been a cautionary tale created by local parents to deter children from swimming.

PhACT Participates in High School Science Fair

Eric Krieg reports on his experience as a judge at the Delaware Valley Science Fair. He notes the high quality of work presented by middle school students and emphasizes the importance of understanding the scientific method. Krieg highlights a project by Erin H. and Holly M. that studied how witness conclusions can be biased by crime scene pictures, winning the PhACT special category award. He reflects on the event as a source of hope for the future.

Objectivism: a philosophy for skeptics?

Tom Napier critically examines Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. He acknowledges Rand's attempt to derive morality from reason but critiques her writing style and her proponents. Napier outlines the core tenets of Objectivism, including the emphasis on rational self-interest and individual rights. He discusses his own journey from enthusiasm for Objectivism to recognizing its flaws, particularly its idealistic assumptions about resources and individual achievement. The article also touches upon the evolution of Objectivism into Libertarianism and its potential conflicts with concepts like conservation.

Benjamin Franklin and the Philosopher's Stone

Don Nigroni revisits the historical pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone, noting Sir Isaac Newton's and Lord Keynes's interest in alchemy. The article focuses on the 18th-century alchemist Eirenaeus Philalethes (George Starkey) and his influence on scientists like Robert Boyle and Isaac Newton. It also examines Benjamin Franklin's views on alchemy, referencing his letters to Samuel Danforth, Ezra Stiles, and Joseph Priestley, where he expresses a skeptical yet jocular perspective on the transmutation of metals and the pursuit of immortality.

Joseph Priestley

This section profiles Joseph Priestley, an 18th-century British theologian and natural philosopher. It details his significant scientific contributions, including the discovery of oxygen and the invention of soda water, as well as his staunch defense of phlogiston theory, which eventually led to his isolation. The article recounts his emigration to the United States due to political suspicion surrounding his support for the French Revolution, his role in founding the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, and his continued scientific work in America, albeit hampered by a lack of European scientific news.

Science & Religion

Albert Z. Conner critically analyzes the relationship between science and religion. He challenges the notion that religion universally promotes peace and tolerance, citing historical religious conflicts and the opposition of major religions, particularly Christianity and Islam, to scientific progress. The article details historical instances of religious opposition to scientific discoveries and concepts, and contrasts this with periods of scientific advancement in Islamic civilization, noting a later rejection of Western science by Muslim orthodoxy. Conner concludes that religion remains a divisive and destructive force.

The Wedge Document

This section presents the text of the Discovery Institute's "Wedge Document," prepared in 1998. It outlines the "Wedge strategy" aimed at promoting "intelligent design" creationism. The document articulates the belief that Western civilization is built on the principle of human creation in the image of God and seeks to overthrow materialism, which it argues has led to moral relativism and a denial of objective moral standards. The strategy is divided into three phases: Scientific Research, Writing & Publicity; Publicity & Opinion-making; and Cultural Confrontation & Renewal. It also lists "Wedge Projects" and "Wedge Projects" under these phases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of established institutions and belief systems, the interplay between history, philosophy, and science, and the importance of rational inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, a respect for scientific methodology, and an interest in exploring both historical narratives and contemporary debates from a rationalist perspective. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking and a questioning of dogma, whether religious, philosophical, or pseudoscientific.

Phactum, May/June 2009 issue, is a publication of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). This issue prominently features the "Wedge Strategy," a multi-year plan to promote intelligent design (ID) theory as an alternative to scientific materialism and Darwinism. It also delves into the phenomenon of "Indigo Children," exploring their characteristics and the societal reactions to them.

The Wedge Strategy

The "Wedge Strategy" is presented as a deliberate effort to "cut off materialism at its source" by offering a positive scientific alternative, intelligent design theory. This strategy is divided into three phases:

• Phase I: Research, Writing and Publication: Focuses on supporting vital scholarship and research at critical points to challenge the materialist edifice. This phase aims to produce solid arguments that can persuade rather than merely indoctrinate.
• Phase II: Publicity and Opinion-making: Seeks to prepare the public for the reception of design theory by publicizing research and convincing influential individuals in media, think tanks, academia, and politics. It also aims to build support among Christians through apologetics seminars.
• Phase III: Cultural Confrontation and Renewal: Involves direct confrontation with materialist science advocates through challenge conferences, pursuing legal assistance against resistance to integrating design theory into school curricula, and addressing the social consequences of materialism and Darwinism.

The overarching goals of this strategy are to defeat scientific materialism and its legacies, and to replace materialistic explanations with a theistic understanding of creation. The five-year goals include establishing intelligent design theory as an accepted alternative in science, influencing spheres beyond natural science, and sparking debates on education, life issues, and personal responsibility. The twenty-year goals aim for intelligent design to become the dominant perspective in science and to see its application in various fields.

Indigo Children as a Social Barometer

This article, by Yevgeniya Krasina, translated from Russian by Gary Goldberg, examines the concept of "Indigo Children." The author notes a media trend of discussing children with purported paranormal abilities, framing them as "unusual" and a cause for concern. Krasina argues that the "10 signs" used to identify indigo children actually describe normal children with self-worth, creativity, and intellect, who are not bound by societal taboos. The author suggests that the fear surrounding these children stems from their perceived unmanageability and their potential to challenge existing systems and ideologies, particularly in a post-Communist Russia where traditional brainwashing has weakened.

The article contrasts these "unmanageable" children with the ideal of a disciplined, obedient child favored by authoritarian regimes. It also touches upon the idea of aliens and the criteria used to identify them, drawing parallels to how "indigo children" are viewed as different and potentially threatening.

Wedge Strategy Progress Summary

The magazine highlights recent achievements in promoting intelligent design:

• Books: Upcoming publications by William Dembski and Paul Nelson from major university presses, and the success of Michael Behe's "Darwin's Black Box," which has been translated into six languages. Other books like "Mere Creation" and "Maker of Heaven and Earth" are also mentioned.
• Academic Articles: CRSC fellows have published in prestigious journals such as "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," "Nature," and "The Scientist."
• Television and Radio Appearances: Fellows have appeared on numerous programs, including "TechnoPolitics," "Hardball," and "Firing Line." A PBS documentary on intelligent design was produced, and William F. Buckley's "Firing Line" featured discussions on the topic.
• Newspaper and Magazine Articles: The movement has gained coverage in "The New York Times," "The Wall Street Journal," and other publications. An op-ed by Jonathan Wells and Steve Meyer criticized the National Academy of Science's book on evolution.
• Events of Relevance: Newsweek published a cover story on "Science finds God." McGraw Hill solicited a book proposal on design in DNA from CRSC fellows. The Society for the Study of Evolution announced a teacher training program to combat design theory. Steve Meyer was asked to testify before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Other Content

• PhACT Luncheon: An announcement for a luncheon and fundraiser on May 30, 2009, featuring speaker Faye Flam discussing her book "The Score - how the quest for sex has shaped the modern man."
• Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking: Acknowledgment of the hospitality provided by the Community College of Philadelphia and an invitation to support PhACT through membership.
• Policy For Article Use: Guidelines for reprinting materials from Phactum, requiring credit to the author and PhACT, and permission for materials from other sources.
• Notable Quote: A quote from Boris Yeltsin emphasizes the importance of encouraging unorthodox thinking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of intelligent design theory as a scientific and philosophical alternative to materialism and Darwinism, and the critique of prevailing scientific and societal norms. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of intelligent design, viewing it as a crucial movement to counter the perceived destructive consequences of materialism on morality, culture, and politics. The magazine advocates for a worldview that is consonant with Christian and theistic convictions, and actively seeks to influence public opinion and academic discourse to achieve these ends. The discussion of "Indigo Children" serves as a lens through which to examine societal reactions to perceived deviations from the norm, and implicitly supports the idea that challenging established paradigms is valuable.