Skeptic - 1992 - Vol 6 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 6, Number 3
Date: May/June 1992
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.85

Contents

This issue of The Skeptic features a range of articles examining pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and skeptical investigations. The cover story, "Premanand: Scourge of the Godmen" by Lewis Jones, profiles an individual dedicated to exposing the deceptive practices of Indian 'godmen'. Other articles include "Women and the New Age" by Lucy Fisher, "Do-It-Yourself UFOs" by Dave Mitchell, "Chapman Cohen: Freethinker" by Ean Wood, "Nazi Pseudoscience", and "Ice in the Sky" by Loren Petrich. Regular columns such as "Hits and Misses" by Steve Donnelly, "Psychic Diary" by Toby Howard, "Skeptic at Large" by Wendy Grossman, and "Reviews" are also included.

Premanand: Scourge of the Godmen

Lewis Jones details the work of Premanand, an Indian man who demonstrates and then debunks the 'miracles' performed by self-proclaimed 'godmen'. Premanand's mission began after he was disillusioned by the hypocrisy of many spiritual leaders who preached health and immortality while suffering from serious illnesses themselves. He has spent years acquiring knowledge to expose these deceptions, sometimes requiring significant personal expenditure, such as giving away land to get close to influential figures like Satya Sai Baba. Premanand believes that religion is often used as a means to exploit people and has taken legal action against Sai Baba. He has given thousands of lectures and aims to establish a research centre to promote scientific temper. The article also touches on the dangers faced by Premanand from the followers of the godmen.

Do-It-Yourself UFOs

Dave Mitchell recounts a humorous personal experiment involving the creation of a 'UFO' using a rubbish bag filled with natural gas. Initially intending to build a Bunsen burner, Mitchell repurposed a gas pipe fitting. After observing a weather balloon, he calculated that a bag filled with natural gas should float. His experiment involved filling a bag with gas and releasing it, which successfully achieved lift-off. The article describes the reactions of his cat and father, and the subsequent public attention when the gas bag was mistaken for a UFO. Mitchell also mentions a potential provocation of an RAF Rescue helicopter. He concludes by questioning whether similar 'hoaxes' might be mistaken for genuine UFO sightings.

Proving the Paranormal

Sean O'Brien presents a series of scientific questions compiled by physicist Victor Stenger, intended to challenge individuals who claim contact with advanced beings or paranormal phenomena. These questions cover fundamental physics, cosmology, and particle physics, including the mass of Higgs bosons, the number of fundamental forces, the nature of dark matter, and the number of dimensions in the universe. The article invites paranormalists to provide answers to these questions as a means of testing their claims.

Hits and Misses

Steve Donnelly's column covers several topics. He expresses disappointment in the poor performance of the Natural Law Party (NLP) in a recent general election, noting their unusual political platform. He also discusses the claims of 'Da Vid', a New Age presidential candidate, and his plans for Alcatraz Island. A brief report highlights a Chinese newspaper's claim of capturing the Loch Ness Monster, which was sourced from the tabloid Sunday Sport.

Other Articles and Columns

"Women and the New Age" by Lucy Fisher likely explores the intersection of feminism and New Age beliefs. "Chapman Cohen: Freethinker" by Ean Wood focuses on the life and ideas of a freethinker. "Nazi Pseudoscience" delves into the use of pseudoscientific ideas by the Nazi regime. "Ice in the Sky" by Loren Petrich is a contributed piece. Toby Howard's "Psychic Diary" offers a personal account of psychic phenomena, while Wendy Grossman's "Skeptic at Large" provides commentary on current events from a skeptical perspective. The "Reviews" section offers critical assessments of books and other media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic magazine consistently promotes critical thinking and scientific inquiry. Recurring themes include the debunking of pseudoscience, paranormal claims, and religious or spiritual exploitation. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to seek evidence-based explanations. The magazine relies on reader contributions and aims to foster a community of critical thinkers.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated May/June 1992, features a variety of articles exploring psychic phenomena, New Age beliefs, feminism, and the history of freethought. The magazine maintains a critical and skeptical stance towards unsubstantiated claims and pseudoscientific ideas.

Ask Olga

This section introduces Olga Destinée, described as a 'renowned New Age prophetess and part-time Earth Mother,' who takes over the 'psychic postbag' in the absence of Professor Mesmo. Olga offers 'Vibrational Problem Analysis' to readers' psychic questions. The first letter is from Nigella Blackhat, who is desperate about her boyfriend's changing attitude towards their coven. He has insulted their rituals, refuses to participate in Beltane celebrations, and seems more interested in 'Nature' magazines and 'Horizon' than coven activities. He has also been seen with another woman. Nigella has tried spells, including cutting her toenails at midnight, but with limited success. She laments sleeping alone in her coffin.

Olga Destinée replies, attributing the boyfriend's skepticism to 'dabbling in trivia and reading rags like New Scientist.' She advises involving him more in rituals, giving him a 'golden dagger and the live chicken,' and suggests rehearsing ceremonies in different locations. She also mentions that most devil worshippers don't go nude during fire-leaping rituals but use body stockings. Olga offers Nigella another article titled 'Ten love potions that you can rustle up in the kitchen to help you keep hold of that man,' sponsored by Kingwood Cheffette and Blenders Inc.

Women and the New Age

Lucy Fisher critically examines the relationship between New Age ideas and feminism. She notes that while centuries of oppression led women to be dismissed as irrational, many now embrace this 'irrationality' as an ancient female power. Fisher questions whether this is a substitute for political power or a compensation for feelings of inferiority. She warns that dismissing the scientific method can have dangerous consequences, citing potential liver failure from comfrey tea overdose. Fisher discusses how some feminists reject 'masculine rationality,' preferring terms like 'phallologocentric' or 'decentred subjects.' She contrasts academic feminist discourse with the views of women in the street, noting that the argument remains unresolved.

Fisher argues that the women's movement has become less pragmatic, focusing on goddess worship and Bach flower remedies instead of issues like abortion and day care. She quotes Freya Aswynn, who describes occultism as having celestial and earth-based branches, with feminists typically aligning with the latter. Fisher notes that while women were historically barred from education, leading to superstitions like herbal medicine, they now have easier access to power and liberty, yet many still turn to magic. She expresses concern that this 'silliness' can acquire sinister power, leading to exploitation.

Fisher critiques the concept of the 'goddess,' questioning whether it's superstition, religion, or an enabling metaphor. She notes that while Freya Aswynn personalizes deities, she herself worships Odin. Fisher observes that many people are interested in the earth, animal liberation, or healing, seeing a spiritual dimension in these areas. The article lists numerous New Age and self-help books available, many of which are sold in a women-owned bookshop.

Fisher discusses Cherry Gilchrist's book 'The Circle of Nine,' which describes feminine archetypes. While acknowledging it might be an attempt to counteract historical suppression of women's self-esteem, she finds it relies on stereotypes rather than archetypes and lacks critical analysis. She questions the purpose of knowing female archetypes, referencing Joseph Campbell and the idea of creating myths to alter behavior, which she deems 'dirigiste' and akin to propaganda. Fisher criticizes the lack of evidence and support for assertions about female archetypes and notes the book's similarity to women's magazines.

She contrasts astrology, where characters are chosen for you, with Gilchrist's archetypes, from which one can choose. The 'Queen of the Night' archetype, with attributes of anger, wit, and fierceness, is highlighted as less 'paralysingly nice.' Fisher notes that Gilchrist equates handicrafts with astrology and suggests women have a private, imprecise language that alienates them from scientific discourse. She points out the danger of Gilchrist's implication that one doesn't need to think straight or perform tests, advocating for intuition and imagination over rationality.

Fisher argues that women's reluctance to express beliefs in mixed company stems from a lack of courage, not a lack of intellect. She suggests that 'cleverness' is seen as a weapon for getting one's way, not for its own sake. The article criticizes the idea that logic is a male domain, stating it is neutral and accessible to everyone. Fisher concludes that the danger lies in the sleep of reason producing monsters, leading to gullibility and an inability to understand or control the world. She emphasizes the need for logic to establish truth, quoting Jesus: 'The truth shall set you free.'

Chapman Cohen: Freethinker

Ean Wood profiles Chapman Cohen, a significant figure in the freethought movement and editor of The Freethinker for nearly forty years. Wood emphasizes Cohen's role as a crusading skeptic, a prolific writer, and a witty, well-read individual. Cohen took over The Freethinker after G. W. Foote's death in 1915 and produced a vast amount of material defending freedom of thought against established religion. He defined Freethought as a denial of authority in all matters of opinion.

During World War I, Cohen faced challenges with paper shortages and government propaganda, yet managed to produce the paper weekly, often writing entire issues himself. His stance was to advocate for coexistence with Germany after the war, which was unpopular with the authorities. The article recounts an incident where military officials demanded his subscription list, which he refused, and another where agents offered financial support, which he countered by stating the paper cost twopence a copy.

Born in 1868 to a Jewish family, Cohen absorbed the Theory of Evolution without issue. He was largely self-taught and an omnivorous reader, influenced by philosophers like Spinoza, Herbert Spencer, John Stuart Mill, and George Henry Lewes. Cohen believed that truth was many-sided and that philosophy began in doubt. He examined propositions carefully, as exemplified by his praise for James Fitzjames Stephen's 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.'

Cohen's work primarily focused on challenging superstition and 'magical thinking' enforced by the church and public opinion. Wood contrasts this with modern skepticism, which often targets the beliefs of a 'powerless lunatic fringe.' Cohen argued that spiritualistic experiences are not substantially different from historical religious phenomena and that investigating new marvels for fraud only stimulates believers. He believed that the evolution of supernatural belief traced from polytheism to monotheism and ultimately to an impersonal one.

Cohen's key contribution was in comparative religion, tracing the evolution of supernatural belief. He emphasized understanding *why* people feel the need to believe, rather than discussing the truth of illusions. He famously stated that if an angel offered him perfect truth in one hand and the search for truth in the other, he would choose the search. He believed that disbelief carries duties and responsibilities, and freedom of expression is a social act essential for citizens. Cohen also posited that truth is registered by agreement but discovered through disagreement, finding complete agreement in a community to be 'horrible.'

Ice in the sky

Loren Petrich recounts the story of Hans Hörbiger, an Austrian mining engineer and amateur astronomer, and his 'Cosmic Ice Theory.' Hörbiger's theory, detailed in the book 'Glazial-Kosmogonie,' proposed that the universe is composed of ice blocks. He believed gravity stops at three times the distance to Neptune and that the Milky Way is a ring of ice. The Solar System evolved with planets spiraling inward, and Earth acquired its current moon after capturing several previous ones. The theory suggested that the Moon's capture caused cataclysmic events, including an ice age and flood legends like Noah's.

Hörbiger responded to criticism by dismissing mathematical calculations as misleading and claiming that astronomical pictures were faked. His theory gained a following, particularly in Germany, where it was adapted as the 'Welteislehre' ('Cosmic Ice Theory') and became associated with Nazi ideology. Supporters claimed it was the natural heritage of Nordic Man and that an Austrian like Hitler was needed to cleanse the world of 'Jewish science.' While Hitler himself was not enthusiastic, the propaganda ministry did not outright reject it. After World War II, the movement declined but later revived, with some supporters dropping the icy lunar surface aspect but maintaining the captured moon theory.

Psychic Diary

Toby Howard humorously introduces 'Mirror Talk,' a New Age technique claimed to reveal subconscious thoughts spoken backwards. He describes it as a revolutionary form of communication. The article explains that while normal speech is sent forward, true feelings and thoughts are communicated in reverse. Howard expresses skepticism about the claims, noting the high cost of the Mirror Talk machine. He also touches upon the phenomenon of 'backwards masking' in rock music, where hidden Satanic messages are supposedly embedded. Howard concludes by humorously inventing 'Tosh Talk,' a sonic analysis system based on quantum mechanics and cold fusion, which he claims can reveal a person's true feelings by analyzing their aura.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those associated with the New Age movement, pseudoscience, and superstition. The articles challenge the embrace of irrationality, the acceptance of unproven theories, and the commercialization of spirituality. The magazine advocates for logic, evidence, and rational inquiry as essential tools for understanding the world and avoiding deception. There is a clear stance against the uncritical acceptance of New Age ideas, particularly when they intersect with or are perceived to undermine established scientific or rational frameworks. The articles on feminism and New Age beliefs, Chapman Cohen's freethought advocacy, and the debunking of Hörbiger's Cosmic Ice Theory all underscore this core editorial principle of promoting reason and evidence-based understanding.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 6, Number 2
Date: May/June 1992

This issue of The Skeptic magazine delves into various aspects of skepticism, pseudoscience, and the paranormal, featuring a mix of articles, reviews, letters, and event reports.

Skeptic at Large: Godbusters and Godmakers

Wendy M Grossman's cover story, "Skeptic at Large," introduces two contrasting figures: Basava Premanand, leader of the Indian Skeptics, who tests claims of miracles with factual explanations, and Reverend Ivan Stang, a collector of the bizarre who uses humor and satire to critique American religion and promote the "Church of the SubGenius." Premanand is presented as a true skeptic who grounds his work in facts, while Stang's approach is more about making fun of the absurdities he observes.

Reviews

Channelling the being

Jon Klimo's book, "Psychics, Prophets and Mystics: Receiving Information from Paranormal Sources," is reviewed. The book is described as a comprehensive, though lengthy, guide to channelling, accepting it as fact and exploring its history and various claims. The review notes that while it includes skeptical comments, its primary focus is on describing the phenomenon. A quote from Charles Tart in the foreword suggests that "the best lies always contain a very high proportion of truth," which the reviewer finds problematic for those who believe in the paranormal.

Revealing writing

Margaret Gullan-Whur's "Discover Graphology" is reviewed as a practical guide to handwriting analysis. The review clarifies that graphology, the analysis of character through handwriting, should not be confused with graphoanalysis. The book aims to guide novice readers through the process, offering examples and analysis. It's noted that graphology is not yet an accepted academic topic, and the review suggests that the author steers clear of more contentious areas.

In praise of scientists

John Hamilton's edited book, "They Made Our World: Five centuries of Great Scientists and Inventors," is reviewed. Derived from a BBC World Service series, the book aims to introduce the general reader to scientific history and the lives of key figures. The review praises its aim of highlighting the impact of science and providing human interest but criticizes it for potentially promoting the myth of the lone genius and for some inaccuracies. It's suggested as a second choice for readers seeking a balanced view of scientific contributions.

Floating with Kidd

"Beyond 2001: the Laws of Physics Revolutionised" by Sandy Kidd and Ron Thompson is reviewed. The book details Kidd's claims of inventing an anti-gravity drive. The review notes that while Kidd has sought independent testing and published results, the claims are not convincing and the machine is highly inefficient. The reviewer questions whether Kidd has truly revolutionized physics, suggesting his claims are marginal at best.

In search of the miraculous

T.C. Williams' "The Idea of the Miraculous: the Challenge to Science and Religion" is reviewed. The book attempts to restore the supernatural to a central role in religious thinking by analyzing the concept of the miraculous. Williams proposes distinguishing between 'miraculous' and 'natural' events, suggesting the miraculous is an aspect of the 'paranormal.' The review notes the book's historical description of early paranormal investigations and its philosophical framework, but also points out potential shortcomings in its treatment of skepticism and materialism.

Events

Saucers over Manchester

This section reports on "The Aliens Revealed," a one-day conference in Manchester sponsored by the Independent UFO Network. Speakers discussed UFO sightings, crop circles, and the 'grand extra-terrestrial hypothesis (ETH) cover-up' theory. Topics included 'foo fighters,' electromagnetic effects, cattle mutilations, and the 'angel hair' phenomenon. The conference also covered crop circles, including the Operation Blackbird hoax, and discussed the nature of UFO photographs and the 'Ilkley alien' photograph. Speakers also touched upon SETI and the UFO connection, noting differences between UK and US 'aliens' and the decreasing number of clear UFO photographs. Jacques Vallée's skeptical approach to crashes and abductions, and his interest in 'other dimensions,' were also highlighted.

Letters

In praise of Hubbard

A letter from G. Kingston defends L. Ron Hubbard, arguing that calling him a science fiction writer is a form of denigration. The writer suggests that Hubbard's system has helped millions and advocates for a more generous approach by The Skeptic.

The truth about truth

Steuart Campbell writes about the current philosophy of science, stating that it teaches there are no facts and nothing is actually known, making predictions impossible. He notes Wendy Grossman's prediction of another Prime Minister proved false.

Gospel truth

Daniel O'Hara responds to Steuart Campbell's analysis of the Gospels. O'Hara argues that while Matthew 26.53 shows Jesus hesitating, numerous other texts depict him performing miracles. He states that the balance of probabilities suggests Jesus did not exist, based on the work of Professor George Wells.

Stultified research

H.B. Corbishley criticizes Steuart Campbell's approach to analyzing the Gospels, calling it "stultified research." Corbishley argues that Campbell's focus on the text of a fiction is unproductive and that the historicity of Jesus should be established first. He emphasizes that the advocate of a hypothesis must demonstrate its rational grounds and testability.

Intelligence

Intelligence

Peter Williams responds to Nick Beard's letter, defending IQ tests. Williams argues that IQ tests measure problem-solving and pattern-finding abilities, which are essential for intellectual pursuits and science. He suggests that depreciating IQ tests is a manifestation of anti-intellectual prejudice that shelters irrational beliefs.

More intelligence

Ray Ward addresses the debate around the word 'intelligence.' He finds the attitude that intelligence tests are meaningless irritating and questions whether dissenters deny the existence of differences in problem-solving capacity. Ward asserts that 'intelligence' is a useful word that has stood the test of time and asks what alternative term should be used.

Even more intelligence

Vivien Gibson also comments on the controversy surrounding the word 'intelligence.' She finds the attitude of some people disturbing and asks if they deny differences in the capacity to isolate salient factors in a problem. Gibson states that 'intelligence' is a useful word that has stood the test of time and questions what the dissenters propose to use in its place.

Errata

This section corrects errors from previous issues, including misattributions related to Steuart Campbell's article on the Loch Ness monster and Michael Heap's article on paranormal phenomena, providing the correct text for specific sentences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Skeptic consistently champions critical thinking, scientific methodology, and evidence-based reasoning. It actively questions paranormal claims, religious dogma, and pseudoscientific theories, encouraging readers to apply skepticism to a wide range of subjects. The magazine provides a platform for debate through its letters section, allowing for differing viewpoints on topics like the historicity of Jesus, the validity of IQ tests, and the nature of scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-pseudoscience, aiming to debunk unfounded beliefs and promote a rational understanding of the world.