1978 07 00 Playboy - Carl Sagan

Magazine Overview

Title: PLAYBOY
Issue: JULY 1978
Date: July 1978
Price: $2.00
Publisher: PLAYBOY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Playboy, dated July 1978, presents a diverse range of content, from entertainment and lifestyle advice to critical examinations of paranormal phenomena and pseudo-science. The cover features a woman in a trench coat, holding a magnifying glass, with the headline "TV's NANCY DREW UNDRAPED." Other cover stories include a Neiman painting of Elvis Presley with a tear-out poster, Carl Sagan on "PARANORMAL JUNK," an interview with ex-CIA Chief Colby, Martin Mull's "GUARANTEED MAKE-OUT GUIDE," and advice from a sex expert on "FIRST-NIGHT DISASTERS."

Articles and Features

"ASTRAL PROJECTION AND THE HORSE THAT COULD COUNT"

This extensive feature, primarily authored by Carl Sagan, delves into the nature of belief, skepticism, and the scientific method, using historical and contemporary examples of alleged paranormal phenomena. Sagan begins by recounting the story of Alexander of Abunutichus, an ancient Greek con man who used elaborate deceptions, including a prophesied god and a serpent, to gain wealth and influence. He then draws parallels to modern spiritualism, citing the testimony of M. Lamar Keene, a former spiritualist medium who admitted to using tricks to deceive believers.

Sagan references Charles Mackay's "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds" as a historical account of widespread irrational beliefs. He argues that while religion was once the primary source of such beliefs, science has become the new arena for claims that challenge conventional understanding. He critically examines phenomena like astral projection, levitation, UFOs, ancient astronauts, and the Bermuda Triangle, emphasizing the lack of rigorous scientific evidence and the burden of proof resting on those making extraordinary claims.

Sagan proposes a simple experiment to test astral projection, involving a friend placing a book in an inaccessible location. He also discusses the scientific explanations for UFO sightings, such as atmospheric phenomena or unconventional aircraft, and dismisses the claims of ancient astronauts and the Bermuda Triangle mystery due to what he describes as sloppy scholarship and rhetorical questions.

The article highlights the need for skepticism, noting that many who believe in these phenomena are not necessarily afraid of novelty but are often driven by unfulfilled religious needs, projecting human-like qualities onto extraterrestrials. Sagan concludes by advocating for a scientific approach, emphasizing that while the possibility of extraterrestrial life is scientifically respectable, objective investigation is paramount. He suggests that science itself, with its intricate discoveries, offers more wonder and truth than pseudo-scientific doctrines.

"Neiman Paints Elvis Presley! Your Own Tear-Out Poster"

This section announces a special feature: a tear-out poster of Elvis Presley, created by artist Neiman.

"TV's Nancy Drew Un-draped"

This is a feature focusing on the television portrayal of Nancy Drew.

"Carl Sagan on Paranormal Junk"

This refers to Sagan's critical examination of pseudo-scientific claims, as detailed in the main article.

"Ex-CIA Chief Colby Tells Playboy What It's Like to Know Everything"

This indicates an interview or feature with William Colby, former Director of the CIA, discussing his experiences and knowledge.

"Martin Mull's Guaranteed Make-Out Guide"

This is a humorous or instructional piece by Martin Mull on dating or romantic encounters.

"Sex Expert Masters on First-Night Disasters"

This article offers advice from a sex expert on how to handle the challenges of a first sexual encounter.

Other Advertisements and Content:

• Royal Creations, Ltd.: Advertises satin sheets in various colors and sizes.
• DIXIE HI FI: Offers a catalog of audio equipment with a "lowest price" guarantee.
• Medical Breakthrough in Hair Replacement: An advertisement for a hair replacement technique by "YOUR HAIR, INC."
• Dianetics: An advertisement promoting L. Ron Hubbard's book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health."
• Federal Pharmacal, Inc. / World Population Control: Advertisements for condoms and contraceptives, emphasizing discretion and variety.
• Xandria Collection: Advertises sexual aids with a focus on discretion and quality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue, particularly in the prominent article by Carl Sagan, is the promotion of scientific skepticism and critical thinking. Playboy takes a stance that encourages readers to question extraordinary claims that lack empirical evidence, contrasting them with the verifiable and often more wondrous discoveries of science. While the magazine caters to entertainment and lifestyle, it also engages with intellectual topics by presenting well-reasoned arguments against pseudo-science and superstition. The editorial stance appears to be one that values rational inquiry and evidence-based understanding, even while exploring subjects that capture popular imagination.