Phactum - 2010 10 - October

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: October 2010
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Date: October 2010

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a diverse range of topics including psychology, child rearing, science denialism, human development, astronomy, and gambling.

PhACT Meeting Announcement

The issue announces a PhACT meeting scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 2010, at 2:00 PM. Dr. David Cattell, Chairman of the Physics Department at Community College of Philadelphia, will host Dr. Catherine Fiorello, Professor of Psychology at Temple University. The meeting will take place at Community College of Philadelphia in Lecture Room C2-28 of the Center for Business and Industry, located at the corner of 18th and Callowhill Streets. The event is free and open to the public.

Cover Story: Myths of Psychology and Child Rearing

The main cover story, "Myths of Psychology and Child Rearing," poses a series of questions about common beliefs in child-rearing, such as whether boosting self-esteem leads to a better life, if cutting out sugar cures hyperactivity, or if teaching about sex makes children promiscuous. Dr. Catherine Fiorello, Assistant Professor and Director of the School Psychology Program at Temple University, is featured as an expert on the topic.

Book Review: School Neuropsychology: A Practitioner's Handbook

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to reviewing the book "School Neuropsychology: A Practitioner's Handbook" by James B. Hale and Catherine A. Fiorello. Published in June 2004, the book is described as a resource that presents the latest information on brain-behavior relationships and how school practitioners can apply neuropsychological principles. It bridges the gap between theory, assessment, and intervention, addressing complex topics in an accessible way. The review highlights its challenge to previous conceptions of brain functions and its presentation of the cognitive hypothesis-testing model. The book includes case studies and examples, and is in a large-size format with reproducible worksheets.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters are included:

• Marie L. Socha discusses the history of research linking smoking and lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of cohort studies and citing the British Physician's study.
• Paul Schlueter III responds to a previous "Various Ruminations" piece about Stephen's Ark, arguing that "space" as an alternative for humanity is a valid proposition, but suggests focusing on near-space solutions like space stations as emergency retreats rather than immediate large-scale colonization.
• Another letter from Paul Schlueter III corrects a typographical error in a previous "Developments in Paleontology" piece, clarifying that "4.4Kya" should have been "44Kya."
• Howard J. Wilk expresses frustration with what he perceives as "anti-gambling propaganda" in Phactum, stating that relevant articles should focus on gamblers' understanding of odds rather than general diatribes.
• Daniel Glass writes to clarify the statistical concept of the P value, explaining that it represents the probability of obtaining results at least as strong as those observed, assuming the phenomenon being tested has no actual effect, rather than a percentage of subjects showing an effect.

Various Ruminations

This section, collected by Ray Haupt, includes:

• Extrasolar Planet Update: Reporting on the rapid progress in exoplanet discovery, with NASA's Kepler spacecraft identifying over 700 new candidates, bringing the total to over 1,100. The article notes that before Kepler, there were about 460 known exoplanets.
• Canberra Skeptics: An announcement that the skeptics in Canberra, Australia, have linked to the PhACT website. This section also provides a brief lesson on Australian geography and demographics.

Articles

• Denying Science by Said Elmenyawy: This article discusses John Grant's presentation on his upcoming book "Denying Science: Conspiracy Theories." It highlights that science denialism is often willful and driven by ignorance, greed, or a desire to protect existing lifestyles. The article touches on public skepticism regarding climate change, germ theory, and even dinosaur existence, noting that some people believe dinosaurs and humans coexisted.

• De-simplifying Juvenility by Paul Schlueter III: This lengthy article argues that the legal system's arbitrary definition of adulthood at 18 oversimplifies the complex stages of human psychological development. Schlueter proposes recognizing distinct stages like infancy, toddlerhood, childhood (up to age 10), pubescence (ages 11-15), and adolescence (ages 16-20). He suggests that pubescents should be held responsible in a manner accommodating errors, with a focus on professional interventions and counseling, while adolescents should earn privileges like driving and financial independence through demonstration of responsibility and testing.

• September 2010 Meeting Report by Becky Strickland: This report summarizes Paul Barnett's (writing as John Grant) presentation on science denialism. Barnett argued that denial is often willful and can be harmful, citing examples of inconsistent beliefs and the tendency to rely on ingrained beliefs over scientific evidence. He emphasized the need for science to be questioned, scrutinized, and tested.

• The Chesley Awards: A Retrospective: This piece reviews a book celebrating the Chesley Awards, which honor the best of the Art of the Fantastic. The book, winner of the Hugo Award 2004, features over 300 illustrations and comments from winning artists. It highlights the awards' international respect and their decision-making process by members of ASFA.

Gambling Notes

This section provides links and brief summaries related to gambling:

• A MegaMillions lottery simulator website is mentioned as a tool to illustrate the low odds for gamblers.
• Statistics on casino revenue are provided, noting the significant gross revenue from commercial and Indian casinos.
• A link to an article about Philadelphia becoming the largest U.S. city with a casino is included.
• A website called Ultrinsic.com is discussed, which offers money to students who wager on achieving a 4.0 GPA, drawing criticism from Pennsylvania State University.

Soundbites

This section compiles short, interesting notes:

• A note from New Scientist about the difficulty of designing double-blind placebo-controlled trials, citing a study where participants guessed their treatment.
• A report on a Hawaiian appeals court absolving funding bodies of responsibility for events related to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.
• A quote from Christopher Hitchens in Vanity Fair regarding his diagnosis of throat cancer and his views on prayer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism, particularly regarding pseudoscience, misinformation, and unverified claims. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based reasoning and scientific literacy, as evidenced by the articles on science denialism and the debunking of popular myths. There is also an interest in cultural commentary, as seen in the discussion of Lady Gaga and the review of the Chesley Awards. The publication encourages reader participation through letters and articles, while also maintaining a focus on rational discourse and avoiding overly partisan politics.

Phactum, October 2010, Volume 18, presents a diverse range of articles exploring legal, philosophical, scientific, and historical topics. The issue delves into significant societal debates, including adolescent legal responsibility, assisted suicide, and the nature of free will, alongside coverage of UFO phenomena and historical events.

Legal Responsibility and Adolescent Development

The issue begins with a discussion on extending military service to 16-year-olds with restricted duties and enhanced education, and proposes incremental suffrage for voting, starting with municipal matters at 16, state matters at 18, and federal matters at 21. It argues for shifting primary legal responsibility to adolescents, with parental accountability limited to cases of dependency. The author advocates for holding adolescents legally accountable for their actions, with incarceration reserved for multiple serious infractions and a preference for rehabilitative programming. The trend of treating minors as adults for criminal prosecution is criticized, asserting that juveniles should be treated as such. Civil liabilities for adolescents are suggested to be limited to prevent undue burden, while encouraging financial responsibility for actual damages. The article also touches upon sexual matters, proposing a more nuanced approach to age-of-consent laws and relationships involving age differences, particularly for those under 25 whose brains are still developing.

Assisted Suicide: Merits and Faults

Paul Schlueter III contributes a detailed article examining the merits and faults of assisted suicide. The piece discusses Dr. Jack Kevorkian's role in bringing the subject to public attention and notes that only Oregon, Washington, and Montana currently permit physician-assisted suicide. The author questions the state's intrusion into private matters and defends the right to choose, citing libertarian principles. The article contrasts assisted suicide with 'Suicide by Cop' and explores the practical considerations of ending one's life, including the need for expert advice on methods, certainty of death, and pain management. It references the fictional concept of 'Soylent Green' as an idealized scenario for assisted dying and touches upon the ethical implications of 'informed consent.' The complexities of balancing individual desires with the wishes of relatives and societal expectations are explored, drawing parallels with abortion law. The author concludes by urging PhACT members to discuss the association's stance on this issue.

The Physics of Free Will

A preprint abstract by A. Granville Fonda, titled 'The Physics of Free Will,' proposes that humans are sensitive, intelligent, considerate, and adaptive automatons. The author reviews historical attempts to explain self and free will, suggesting a modern control system concept. The 'self' is described as a bundle of memories and constructions, with mental functions reconfigurable in real-time. This dynamic self is constantly rebuilding and reconstructing itself, leading to a continuous stream of new selves. While acknowledging that this process is physiologically a determined sequence, from the internal, psychological perspective, it is experienced as free will. The abstract posits that free will is compatible with determinism, as articulated by philosophers like Spinoza and Schopenhauer, suggesting that we are determined to be free.

Bill Dock, an American Hero

An article by Don Nigroni recounts the story of Bill Dock, a 76-year-old man who became a symbol of defiance during the 1938 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast. The Mercury Theatre's realistic dramatization led many to believe Martians had landed in Grover's Mill, New Jersey. Bill Dock was photographed with a shotgun, and subsequent media coverage portrayed him as ready to fight Martians. Nigroni suggests that Dock was actually trying to fend off curiosity-seekers and protect his property, rather than aliens. The article also draws a parallel between Dock and historical figures like Jonathan Harrington and Paul Revere, highlighting his perceived heroism.

UFO Sightings and Other Events

The magazine includes a section on UFO sightings, noting Pennsylvania as an epicenter for UFO waves, with numerous reports filed with MUFON. The article mentions an upcoming MUFON conference featuring speakers on paranormal topics, abductions, and UFO investigations. It also references a DC comic story where the Crimson Avenger is saved by Bill Dock, who mistakes criminals disguised as Martians for actual invaders. A separate piece discusses the 'East Asian Stink Bug' invasion in Pennsylvania in the 1990s, quoting an entomologist who describes the insect as a 'vanguard' with significant agricultural impact. The calendar section lists numerous upcoming events in the Philadelphia area, including lectures on psychology, cosmology, the Roman city of Zeugma, assisted suicide, climate change, and historical topics related to the American Revolution and early American figures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of individual autonomy and rights, particularly concerning legal responsibility, end-of-life decisions, and personal freedom. There is a consistent emphasis on critical thinking and questioning established norms, whether in legal frameworks, societal expectations, or scientific understanding. The magazine appears to advocate for a more nuanced and individualized approach to complex issues, challenging rigid, binary classifications. The editorial stance leans towards a libertarian perspective on personal choices, while acknowledging the need for societal structures and protections, especially for those still developing maturity. The inclusion of diverse events in the calendar suggests an interest in fostering community engagement with scientific, skeptical, and intellectual pursuits.

Phactum, October 2010 issue, serves as a comprehensive calendar of science-related events, lectures, courses, and exhibitions primarily in Philadelphia. It is distributed by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT) and highlights various institutions and their public outreach programs.

Science on Tap & Science Cafés

The issue prominently features 'Science on Tap,' a monthly science café held at National Mechanics in Old City, Philadelphia. This event offers informal presentations by scientists followed by public discussion, aiming to foster enthusiasm for science. The October 11, 2010, session featured James Fleming, a professor of science, technology, and society, discussing 'A Toast to Fixing the Sky,' examining historical solutions to aerial problems like global warming. The event is presented by the Chemical Heritage Foundation.

Additionally, the 'Penn Science Café' is detailed, a lecture series hosted by the University of Pennsylvania that brings scientific discussions to a public venue, the MarBar at the Marathon Grill. The schedule includes talks on 'Nature's Nanotechnology' by Yale Goldman, 'Gravitational Lensing' by Bhuvnesh Jain, 'Mathematics: Created or Discovered?' by Robert Ghrist, 'The World Water Crisis' by Stan Laskowski, 'The Obvious, the Occult, and the Counterintuitive World of Animal Sheltering' by Michael Moyer, 'Stealing the Past: Collectors and Museums of the 21st Century' by Richard Leventhal, 'Culturally Relevant Interventions in the African American Community' by Howard Stevenson, and 'Neuroeconomics: Decision Making and the Brain' by Joe Kable.

The broader 'science café movement' is explained as an initiative that began in Leeds, England, in 1998 to foster public understanding of science through informal debates in public spaces like pubs.

The Wagner Free Institute of Science

The Wagner Free Institute of Science offers a range of free adult education courses for Fall 2010. These include 'The Scientist as an Explorer,' 'An Introduction to Insects and Related Arthropods,' 'Forensic Anthropology,' and 'Physics and Chemistry in the Kitchen.' The institute also hosts special events, such as 'Weeknights at the Wagner: The Experiments of Edgar Allen Poe,' an illustrated presentation by Dr. John Tresch, exploring Poe's connection to scientific discoveries of his era. Another event, 'Bloodsuckers: A Spooky Creature Feature,' is a Halloween Family Open House featuring live animals from the Elmwood Park Zoo and a leech feeding demonstration, aimed at children aged 6-12.

The Academy of Natural Sciences

The Academy of Natural Sciences' Center for Environmental Policy announces several upcoming public events. These include 'From Trash to Treasure: Finding Value in Philadelphia's Waste Stream,' a forum on recycling and waste management featuring panelists from the City of Philadelphia, RecycleBank, and Revolution Recovery. Another event is 'An Evening with Author Jay Kirk,' discussing his book 'Kingdom Under Glass: A Tale of Obsession, Adventure, and One Man's Quest to Preserve The World's Great Animals,' focusing on Carl Akeley's revolutionary taxidermy methods. 'Alaska Wild!' celebrates the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and 'An Evening with Wildlife Conservationist Jim Fowler' features the former host of 'Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom' discussing endangered species and habitat preservation.

Laurel Hill Cemetery Events

Laurel Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, hosts several themed events in October 2010. The '2nd Annual Rest in Peace 5K Run' is a charity run through the cemetery grounds. 'Woof, Wag n' Walk' is a guided tour benefiting animal rescue organizations. 'Fall Family Day' offers Halloween-themed activities for families. 'Dining with the Dead' provides a catered dinner and a haunted historical walking tour.

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia offers free lectures and programs. Events include 'The Many Faces of Health Care Reform: Consumers (Older Adults),' 'DISSECTION: Photographs of a Rite of Passage in American Medicine 1880 – 1930,' featuring historic photographs of medical students with cadavers, and the '16th Annual Thomas Langfitt, Jr. Memorial Symposium on Health Care Policy: Accountable Care Organizations.' The Mütter Museum, part of the College, hosts its '3nd Annual Day of the Dead Festival' and the 'Radbill Lecture: Four Centuries of Vaccinology' by renowned vaccinologist Stanley A. Plotkin.

Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF)

CHF presents a series of Brown Bag Lectures, including 'Fixing the Sky: Historical Perspectives on Weather and Climate Control' by James Rodger Fleming, and 'Crafting the Two Cultures: Identifying and Educating Future Scientists and Non-Scientists in America, 1910-1970' by Rebecca B. Miller. They also host 'The Secret Cinema at CHF: Things to Come,' a screening of a vintage educational film mixed with science-fiction features, followed by a discussion. Another lecture, 'Humphry Davy's Last Days: The Chemist as a Philosopher and a "Dreamer of Dreams"' by Vangelis Koutalis, explores Davy's philosophical writings.

American Philosophical Society (APS) Museum

The APS Museum Calendar lists events such as 'Sabotage in the Arctic: Fate of the Submarine Nautilus of 1931' by Dr. Stewart B. Nelson, detailing the rediscovery of the 1931 submarine expedition. 'George Washington's America: A Biography Through His Maps' by Barnet Schecter is another featured lecture.

PhACT and Support

The Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT) is acknowledged for its hospitality at the Community College of Philadelphia. The issue includes information on how to support PhACT through membership and donations, particularly for the 'PhACT's High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds.' It also outlines the policy for article use and provides contact information for the editor and the PhACT Council.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around making science accessible to the public through lectures, cafés, and educational programs. There is a strong emphasis on the history of science and technology, environmental issues, and medical advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific literacy, critical thinking, and public engagement with scientific topics, as evidenced by the wide range of events and the mission of PhACT. The inclusion of events at historical sites like Laurel Hill Cemetery and the focus on historical figures like Edgar Allan Poe and Carl Akeley suggest an appreciation for the intersection of science, history, and culture.