Shadow of a Doubt - 2006 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of A Doubt
Issue: February 2006
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Shadow of A Doubt' focuses on the concept of skepticism and its importance in critical thinking, featuring a prominent lecture by Professor Marvin Zelkowitz. The publication also details the ongoing activities and initiatives of the National Capital Area Skeptics.

Feature Article: Positively Skeptical: A Way of Knowing

The main feature is an announcement for a public lecture by Professor Marvin Zelkowitz, titled "Positively Skeptical: A Way of Knowing." The lecture, scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2006, from 2 to 4 pm, will be held at the West End Neighborhood Library in Washington, D.C. Professor Zelkowitz, who holds a position in Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park, has been a member of NCAS for 14 years and served as its past president. His professional experience includes 35 years of applying skepticism to validate claims within the academic research community, particularly concerning new technologies.

The lecture aims to explore the concept of skepticism, tracing its origins from ancient Greece over 2000 years ago to its modern resurgence in the mid-20th century. It questions the common portrayal of skeptics as mere cynics and highlights the more significant aspect of skepticism as a self-interested approach to knowledge. The core of skepticism, as presented, lies not in the topic itself (e.g., global warming, alternative medicine, UFOs, reincarnation) but in the act of "believing." The lecture will emphasize the importance of examining evidence and its credibility as the foundation of modern skepticism. It will also discuss the relevance of skepticism in light of current controversies, such as Intelligent Design versus Evolution, and the celebration of Darwin Day.

The talk will cover the historical roots of skepticism from the early Greeks through the Renaissance to the present day. Furthermore, it will introduce current skeptical organizations and explain NCAS's role within this grassroots movement.

NCAS Board Notes

The "Board Notes" section provides updates on the activities and decisions of the National Capital Area Skeptics:

• Meeting Schedule: NCAS Board meetings will now be held immediately after each monthly NCAS public lecture, encouraging member participation.
• January Lecture Attendance: Over 80 people attended the January 2006 lecture on Intelligent Design, featuring Rob Boston.
• Revisable Timeline: A revisable timeline has been adopted to assist Board members in coordinating the numerous tasks involved in planning, publicizing, and presenting NCAS talks.
• Equipment Purchase: The board decided to purchase an Optoma EP716 video projector for use in monthly NCAS talks.
• Intelligent Design Bibliography: An introductory bibliography on Intelligent Design is available online at http://ncas.org/pdf/id-bibliography.pdf, accessible via the Resources section of the NCAS website.
• Phil Klass Tribute: November has been designated for the first annual special program to honor the late Phil Klass, a co-founder and mentor of NCAS, recognizing his contributions to journalism and skepticism.
• Publicity Efforts: Members are encouraged to assist in augmenting publicity efforts by posting NCAS announcements in local libraries and on bulletin boards.
• Contact Information: Members can contact the NCAS Board via email at [email protected] or by phone at 301-587-3827.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

True Life Story of Adventure, Debunking and Geology!
Robert Wilson will discuss his new book, "The Explorer King: Adventure, Science and the Great Diamond Hoax," focusing on Clarence King. This is a free, open-to-the-public event at the Library of Congress on February 8, 2006, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. The event will take place in the West Dining Room, 6th floor, James Madison building, 101 Independence Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C.

Call for Volunteers to Judge Regional Science Fairs!
NCAS is seeking volunteers to judge science fairs in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Several dates and locations are already confirmed:

• March 2-3, 2006: Clarksville Montgomery County, Austin Peay Campus.
• March 11, 2006: Ann Arundel County, South River High School.
• March 18, 2006: Fairfax County, Robinson Secondary School, and Prince William County, Grace Metz School.

Dates for the District of Columbia, Prince George's County, and Frederick County Science Fairs are yet to be determined but are expected to fall within March-April. Interested individuals should contact Walter F. Rowe at [email protected] or 703-494-2916.

NCAS Information

Contact details for the National Capital Area Skeptics are provided:

• Address: P.O. Box 8428, Silver Spring, Maryland 20907
• Telephone: 301-587-3827
• Email: [email protected]
• Skeptical Eye Submission: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.ncas.org/

NCAS is identified as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the promotion of skepticism and critical thinking as essential tools for understanding the world. The National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) actively organizes lectures, provides resources (like bibliographies), and encourages community involvement to foster these principles. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims, as evidenced by their focus on topics like Intelligent Design and their support for science education through judging science fairs. The organization positions itself as a proponent of rational thought and scientific literacy.