Phactum - 2011 02 - February

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: February 2011
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Focus: This issue of Phactum, a newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, covers a range of topics including destructive cults, pseudoscience, historical events, and societal issues, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and skepticism.

PhACT Meeting: Destructive Cults

The lead article announces the February 2011 PhACT meeting, which will feature David Clark, an expert on cults and a thought reform consultant. The meeting, to be held at the Community College of Philadelphia, will explore the definition of cults, their operational methods, how they influence individuals, and strategies for helping people leave them. David Clark's extensive experience in the field, including his involvement with the Leo J. Ryan Education Foundation and reFOCUS, is highlighted. His past presentations and contributions to various publications and historical events are also noted, including his work on Opus Dei and his participation in international conferences.

Book Review: "Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk"

Professor Massimo Pigliucci, Chair of Philosophy at the City University of New York-Lehman College, is featured for his presentation on his book "Nonsense on Stilts." The book aims to delineate the boundaries between science and pseudoscience. Pigliucci's presentation, attended by students from Philadelphia Community College, involved a scientific and philosophical approach, categorizing various disciplines like Intelligent Design, Vaccine causes Autism, Astrology, Psychology, Sociology, Scientific History, SETI, Evolutionary Psychology, Molecular Biology, Standard Model, Evolutionary Biology, Global Warming, and String Theory based on their theoretical soundness and data support. He emphasized that "nonsense kills or hurts" and cited examples like the use of unproven remedies for HIV/AIDS in Gambia. Pigliucci also stressed the responsibility of intellectuals to expose governmental lies and hidden intentions, quoting Noam Chomsky. The review further discusses Pigliucci's examination of the "demarcation problem" and the complex relationship between science and non-science, including deduction, induction, and mythology. The book itself is described as a "taxonomy of bunk" that explores the intersection of science and culture, urging readers to maintain a line between expertise and assumption.

"War of the Worlds" Broadcast and its Aftermath

Don Nigroni contributes an article titled "Counterattack from the Green Gables," revisiting the infamous 1938 Mercury Theatre on the Air broadcast of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." The broadcast, known for its realistic simulated news bulletins, reportedly caused widespread panic. The article recounts an anecdote from Henry Sears, who was at the Green Gables tavern in Cranbury, New Jersey, during the broadcast. He described how some patrons, believing the broadcast to be real, rushed out with shotguns to confront the supposed Martians. The article also notes that the Green Gables tavern was later found to be derelict. The author, along with family members, visited the site in Cranbury.

Homeopathy and Pseudoscience Critiques

Several sections critically examine homeopathic remedies and other forms of pseudoscience. Dr. Robert L. Park's "Homeopathic Cold Remedy" piece discusses Zicam, questioning its homeopathic classification and highlighting its active ingredient, zinc, which he argues should be detectable by conventional means. He contrasts it with other homeopathic remedies that use extreme dilutions, rendering them meaningless. The article criticizes the marketing of such products to the public. Another section, "Massive Homeopathic Overdose Leaves Hundreds of Scientists 0.00000000000000001% Dead," is a satirical piece mocking homeopathic claims. The "HOMOEOPATHIC CURE FOR THIRST" advertisement promotes a sodium chloride dilution for thirst, attributed to Professor Augustus Treacle, further illustrating the publication's skeptical stance on homeopathy.

Gambling and Societal Issues

The issue includes "Gambling Notes" that reference a CBS "60 Minutes" segment on slot machines and a survey on gambling habits in Pennsylvania. It also highlights a Montreal study linking pathological gamblers to personality disorders and potential implications for suicide prevention. A legal claim involving a Parkinson's drug and gambling addiction is also mentioned.

Facilitated Communication Case

A detailed account is given of the case involving Julian and Thal Wendrow, who were arrested on charges of raping their autistic daughter. The charges were dropped due to lack of evidence, and the couple was awarded $1.8 million in a lawsuit against the police department. The article points out that prosecutors allegedly did not investigate the facilitated communication method before charging the Wendrows, raising concerns about the reliability of evidence obtained through this method.

Faith Healing and Civil Authorities

An article discusses a case where a Philadelphia couple was sentenced to ten years probation for allowing their two-year-old son to die of bacterial pneumonia, choosing prayer and faith healing over medical care. The couple were members of the First Century Gospel Church, which teaches healing through prayer. The probation sentence requires the children to receive proper medical services. This case is presented as an example of "Nonsense on Stilts" with deadly results.

Other Content

The issue also features a section on "George Washington Slept Here," discussing tour guides in Philadelphia who may be embellishing historical narratives. There is also a mention of John Goslin's website related to "War of the Worlds" and classic old-time radio broadcasts. The "Phactum Table Of Contents" lists various articles, including "Letters to the Editor," "Various Ruminations," and specific opinion pieces.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are the critical examination of pseudoscience, the promotion of scientific literacy, and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly one of advocating for rational thought, evidence-based reasoning, and a healthy distrust of dogma, whether it comes from cults, alternative medicine, or flawed societal narratives. The publication actively encourages reader participation and debate, as evidenced by the "Letters to the Editor" section and the invitation for submissions of poetry and opinion.

Phactum, February 2011 issue, features a diverse range of articles touching on historical events, philosophical concepts, and contemporary issues. The cover story, "IS IT HYPOCRISY TO ARGUE CONTRARY TO YOUR OWN POSITION?" by Paul Schlueter III, delves into the necessity of considering opposing viewpoints for rational inquiry and ethical open-mindedness.

Broadcasting the Barricades

This article by Don Nigroni revisits the infamous Halloween Eve broadcast of "The War of the Worlds" by the Mercury Theatre on the Air in 1938. It details how the realistic adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel, complete with simulated news bulletins, led to widespread panic among listeners who believed an alien invasion was actually occurring. The article notes that disclaimers were issued, but the immersive nature of the broadcast, coupled with the public's anxiety during the Great Depression and the looming threat of world war, contributed to the mass hysteria. Nigroni also draws a parallel to a 1926 radio skit by Ronald Knox in Britain, which also used simulated news bulletins to create a scare, though on a lesser scale.

Monsignor Ronald Knox's Decalogue of Crime Novel Genre Rules from 1929

A separate section presents Monsignor Ronald Arbuthnott Knox's ten rules for crime novel genre, established in 1929. These rules emphasize logical deduction, the exclusion of supernatural elements, and the importance of fair play for the reader in presenting clues and character motivations.

Is It Hypocrisy to Argue Contrary to Your Own Position?

Paul Schlueter III's article explores the concept of hypocrisy, defining it as the practice of professing beliefs one does not hold. He argues that for genuine inquiry, it is often a necessity to adopt a "technical hypocrisy" or play the "Devil's Advocate" to thoroughly consider opposing viewpoints. This involves refraining from dismissing claims out-of-hand and instead giving them a fair hearing, even if they seem outlandish. Schlueter suggests that this open-mindedness is crucial for avoiding personal intellectual error and for achieving a well-reasoned conclusion. He also touches on how a claimant's presentation can indicate their level of self-critical thinking.

Suicide, a la Al-Qaeda

Another article by Paul Schlueter III examines the phenomenon of suicide bombing, particularly in the context of Al-Qaeda. The piece references Lawrence Wright's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11," which details the rise of Al-Qaeda. Schlueter highlights that Islam expressly forbids suicide, citing Koranic verses and hadith. However, he discusses how figures like Zawahiri have attempted to justify suicide bombings as martyrdom, arguing that in the context of conflict, those who give their lives are not committing suicide but are acting as heroic martyrs. The article also critiques the anti-Muslim bigotry that sometimes arises from misinformation about Islam's stance on terrorism.

The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 Review

This section provides a review of Lawrence Wright's book, "The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11." The reviewer praises the book as an absorbing and lyrical account of the events leading up to 9/11, highlighting its detailed depiction of the terrorists' motivations and the failures of intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI. The review notes that Wright connects historical context, tribal conceptions of honor, and the desire to recreate past glory as key drivers for the "terrorist." It also mentions intriguing anecdotes from the book, such as Jamal al-Fadl becoming Al-Qaeda's first traitor and winning the New Jersey Lottery.

PhACT Calendar

The issue includes a comprehensive calendar of events for February 2011, primarily focused on science and skepticism in the Philadelphia area. Events include talks on destructive cults, geology vs. disaster movies, the life of Andrew Johnson, the science of nasal attraction, Osama bin Laden, the history of chemistry, and various other scientific and historical topics. Many events are hosted by the PhACT (Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking) group, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, skepticism, and the examination of controversial or misunderstood topics. The magazine appears to advocate for rational inquiry, the importance of considering multiple perspectives, and the refutation of misinformation and bigotry. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting intellectual rigor and a nuanced understanding of complex issues, whether they be historical events, philosophical debates, or socio-political phenomena.

Phactum, February 2011 issue, is a publication from the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT). This issue primarily serves as a detailed calendar of events, lectures, and discussions scheduled for February, March, and April 2011, with a strong focus on Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. The publication highlights the diverse interests of PhACT, which include history, science, medicine, culture, and critical thinking.

Featured Events and Lectures

The magazine extensively lists upcoming events hosted by various institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, the Free Library of Philadelphia, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and Laurel Hill Cemetery. These events cover a wide array of topics:

• History and Medicine: A lecture by Daniel Trambaiolo explores mercury-based therapeutics for syphilis in 18th- and 19th-century Japan, examining the cultural and economic aspects of these treatments. Another event discusses "Poetics and Politics: The Life of Frances Harper," marking the 100th anniversary of her death, featuring a panel discussion with professors and authors.

• Archaeology and History: The Archeological Institute of America hosts a lecture on "Roman provincial coins: between civic pride and state control" by Michel Amandry. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology presents a lecture series on "Great Adventures along the Silk Road," focusing on Samarkand in the Age of Tamerlane.

• Science and Technology: An event at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, "Unleashing the Power of Open Data to Improve Health," features Todd Park, CTO of HHS. The Academy of Natural Sciences offers an "Urban Forestry Hike" and a "Fossil Collecting Field Study." The Wagner Free Institute of Science hosts talks on architectural conservation and "Adventures Among Ants" by ecologist Mark W. Moffett.

• Biographies and Literature: A lecture and book signing features Woody Holton discussing his biography of Abigail Adams. Michael Sims discusses "The Penguin Book of Victorian Women in Crime." James Gleick presents "The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood."

• Cultural Events: The Boneyard Bookworms club announces its monthly discussions. An event at Laurel Hill Cemetery explores "Where is Julia?: Pretty Places & Victorian-Era Superstitions" and "The Quick and the Dead: Early Transportation to Philadelphia's Final Destination."

• Social Issues: Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Gaza doctor, is featured in a lecture titled "I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity."

• Military History: The General George G. Meade Society holds an Octavius V. Catto Honor Ceremony and an Annual Grand Army Museum Preservation Dinner. The American Philosophical Society hosts a talk on "Tories: Fighting for the King in America's First Civil War."

• Science and Skepticism: The Northeast Conference on Science & Skepticism (NECSS) is announced for April in Manhattan. The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society holds its monthly meetings.

Philadelphia Science Festival

The issue prominently features the "2011 Philadelphia Science Festival" scheduled for April 15-28, highlighting its various components: the "Science Carnival," "Neighborhood Science" outreach programs, and "Science Conversations" featuring interactions between scientists and the public.

PhACT Information and Support

The magazine includes information about PhACT itself, its mission to serve Philadelphia as a learning institution, and its gratitude to the Community College of Philadelphia for hosting their events. It details membership options, including annual dues and student rates, and encourages donations. A section on "PhACT's High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds" shows the financial status of their support for youth science education. The issue also provides contact information for the editor, Ray Haupt, and lists the members of the PhACT Council for 2010/11.

Policy for Article Use

Phactum outlines its policy for reprinting articles, requiring credit to the author and PhACT, and noting that permission must be obtained for other publications. It also specifies that materials originating from other sources require permission from the original publisher.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of intellectual engagement, scientific inquiry, historical understanding, and critical thinking within the Philadelphia community and beyond. The editorial stance is one of actively facilitating access to knowledge and fostering public discourse through a diverse range of events and educational opportunities. The publication clearly aims to inform its readership about the rich cultural and intellectual landscape available to them, encouraging participation and support for these initiatives.