REALL News - Vol 05 No 10 - 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: The REALL News
Issue: Volume 5 Issue 10
Date: 1997
Publisher: The Rational Examination Association of Lincoln Land (REALL)
Focus: Skepticism, rational thinking, and the scientific method applied to paranormal and fringe-science claims.

Cartoon Metaphysics: A Review of Scott Adams' 'The Dilbert Future'

This section features a review by David Bloomberg of Scott Adams' book, 'The Dilbert Future.' Bloomberg expresses surprise at seeing a review of a Dilbert book in The REALL News, initially questioning the presence of what he perceives as nonsense in a book by a cartoonist. He notes that while the book is humorous and enjoyable, its final chapter shifts to serious musings that Bloomberg likens to those of random New Age individuals. Adams' arguments are characterized by the logical fallacy that if he cannot understand something, it must be untrue or not understandable by others. He makes significant leaps of illogic to create new forces in the universe.

Adams attempts to preempt criticism by stating that much of what he presents might be scientifically inaccurate or illogical, but argues that it's about encouraging readers to imagine alternative realities. Bloomberg highlights Adams' claims about cause and effect, quantum physics (termed 'quantum quackery'), and affirmations. The core of Bloomberg's critique focuses on an anecdotal account Adams uses to support his belief in psychic powers. Adams, who calls himself a 'natural skeptic,' claims to have experienced experiments where people consistently beat the laws of averages in ESP tests, questioning why he, as a cartoonist, knows about these tests when he hasn't met a scientist who does.

Adams states he would need firsthand experience to believe such claims, setting up his own anecdote. He describes meeting a woman who claimed psychic powers. Having heard that psychics are more accurate under hypnosis, he hypnotized her. The woman, using tarot cards, was consistently one card behind in her predictions. She explained this by saying she couldn't distinguish between the near past and near future. Bloomberg meticulously dissects this anecdote, pointing out several flaws:

1. Marked Cards: The psychic brought her own cards, which could have been marked.
2. Controlled Setting: Adams believed he controlled the setting while alone with the woman, providing her an opportunity for trickery.
3. Hypnosis Effectiveness: The claim that she appeared easily hypnotized doesn't validate her powers.
4. 'One-Ahead' Trick: The described effect is a classic mentalist trick where the performer is 'one ahead' of the audience's perception.
5. Memory Issues: Human memory in such situations is notoriously unreliable, and people often misremember specifics.

Bloomberg further scrutinizes the psychic's claim of finding a 'bad rash' under Adams' armpit, which he calls a 'break' in his aura. He questions Adams' recollection, noting that even if Adams didn't think he tipped her off, he might have inadvertently done so. He also mentions that 'cold readings' can be highly accurate without psychic ability, citing examples of people being certain they gave nothing away.

Finally, the psychic correctly identified Adams' fear of water and a bridge, which Adams attributes to a cold reading. Bloomberg concludes that Adams was likely fooled and advises him to stick to what he does best: making people laugh, as cartoons do not require the rigorous research that science does.

David Bloomberg, Chairman of REALL, states he enjoys Dilbert comic strips but regrets reading the book's final chapter. He believes famous people's personal opinions and beliefs should not be revealed if their work is admired.

CSICOP Partnership With Local Groups Proposed

This section, also by David Bloomberg, reports on a meeting held by the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) with representatives from local skeptic groups. The meeting aimed to explore the future of local group partnerships.

Centers for Inquiry (CFIs): A major proposal is the establishment of CFIs across the country, modeled after the Center for Inquiry in Buffalo, New York. These CFIs would be joint homes for CSICOP and the Council for Secular Humanism (CSH), potentially including other groups like those addressing health fraud. CFIs would serve as bases for cooperation, providing resources such as office space, meeting venues, and phone hotlines, thereby supporting local groups and reducing individual burdens. While a CFI is unlikely in Central Illinois soon, REALL could cooperate with CFIs in nearby cities like Chicago or St. Louis. These centers could also facilitate speakers being sent to different locations.

Affiliation with CSICOP: Another significant proposal is for local groups to affiliate with CSICOP. This would allow them to fall under CSICOP's tax-exempt and tax-deductible status, potentially eliminating sales tax for the groups and making donations tax-exempt for donors. This process can be expensive and time-consuming for individual groups. Affiliation would require annual financial reporting to CSICOP but would allow local groups to retain autonomy. The idea was positively received by attendees, with the understanding that the distinction between CSICOP and CSH would be maintained. This initiative stems from past lawsuits that named CSICOP even when it was not involved, leading CSICOP to seek closer ties with the groups it helped establish.

Bloomberg sees no downside for REALL in this affiliation proposal.

Miscellaneous: A debate arose regarding skeptics groups generally avoiding religious or 'non-testable' issues. While REALL focuses on testable claims (e.g., a faith healer's efficacy), it does not address untestable claims like the existence of God. The concern was that sharing space with CSH might blur this line, but the groups agreed to remind CSICOP of their stance while acknowledging the economic benefits of sharing facilities.

Overall, the meeting was deemed productive, with plans for an internet mailing list for representatives to share ideas and concerns, fostering cooperation and rational thinking.

Quackery: How Should It Be Defined?

Authored by Stephen Barrett, M.D., this article addresses the definition and scope of 'quackery.' Barrett explains that 'quackery' derives from 'quacksalver' and dictionaries define a quack as a pretender to medical skill or a charlatan. While the FDA defines health fraud as the promotion of unproven remedies for profit, the common understanding of 'fraud' implies deliberate deception. Barrett notes that quackery's primary characteristic is promotion, not necessarily fraud or greed.

He distinguishes between promoters who deliberately exploit others and those who are unwitting victims sharing misinformation. Customers of multilevel marketing schemes, for example, are often persuaded by friends and family. Pharmacists may profit from supplements without actively championing them. Quackery also involves misleading advertising, such as promoting 'organic' or 'natural' foods as superior or selling dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs with unsubstantiated claims.

Barrett clarifies that quackery is not absolute; practitioners can be scientific in many areas while engaging in minimal unscientific practices. Products can be useful for some purposes but not others (e.g., vitamin B12 shots are lifesaving for pernicious anemia but unnecessary for general energy boosts).

He differentiates quackery from malpractice. Quackery uses methods not scientifically accepted, while malpractice is the failure to meet accepted standards of care, even with standard methods. Examples of malpractice include leaving surgical instruments in patients or operating on the wrong body part.

To avoid semantic issues, Barrett proposes defining quackery broadly as 'anything involving overpromotion in the field of health.' This encompasses questionable ideas, products, and services, reserving the term 'fraud' for deliberate deception. He also notes that unproven methods are not necessarily quackery if they are consistent with scientific concepts and are considered experimental. Legitimate researchers promote such methods through studies, not the marketplace.

From the Editor

Bob Ladendorf, the Newsletter Editor, provides an editorial note. He mentions the fluctuating stock market and wonders about psychics' predictions. He highlights the issue's content: David Bloomberg's report on the CSICOP meeting and his own upcoming report on a Midwest Regional Conference. He introduces the feature article on 'Dilbert' and other cartoon characters, connecting them to skeptic issues.

Masthead Information

This section provides details about the electronic version of the newsletter and subscription information. It also outlines the purpose of REALL as a non-profit educational and scientific organization dedicated to rational thinking and the scientific method. REALL conducts research, convenes meetings, publishes a newsletter, and disseminates information, primarily serving central Illinois. The organization believes the scientific method is the most reliable path to knowledge and commits to objective, critical inquiry into paranormal claims.

The newsletter lists the Board of Directors and Editorial Board members, including Chairman David Bloomberg and Newsletter Editor Bob Ladendorf. Contact information for REALL is provided, including a P.O. Box in Springfield, Illinois.

REALL Contacts and Patrons

Contact details for David Bloomberg (Chairman) and Bob Ladendorf (Editor) are provided, along with their email addresses. The section 'A Nod to Our Patrons' thanks members who donate $50 or more, listing several patron members from various locations, including Springfield, Danville, Morton, Urbana, Valparaiso (Indiana), and Park Forest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the importance of scientific methodology, and the promotion of rational thinking. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those related to psychic phenomena and alternative health practices, while advocating for rigorous scientific inquiry. The issue also highlights the importance of organized skeptical communities and their efforts to combat misinformation and health fraud. The REALL News positions itself as a platform for disseminating information that supports critical thinking and the scientific method, distinguishing itself from unsubstantiated or 'non-testable' claims.