Skeptic - 1993 - Vol 7 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 7, Number 3
Date: May/June 1993
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £1.85

This issue of The Skeptic, a bimonthly publication focused on critical examination of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, features a prominent article on the controversial topic of 'Cold Fusion'. It also includes a 'Paranormal Picture Gallery' on the 'Convulsionaries of Paris', discussions on near-death experiences, meditation, and a critical look at the guru Rajneesh.

Cold Fusion Heats Up

Chris Tinsley's article, "Cold Fusion Heats Up," revisits the cold fusion controversy, noting that while deliberate scientific fraud is rare, sloppy work and misinterpretation are more common. The 1989 'Great Cold Fusion fiasco' is used as an example. Tinsley acknowledges that while replication has been difficult, criticisms of 'failures to replicate' by institutions like MIT, Caltech, and Harwell have also emerged. The article highlights the challenge of achieving the necessary palladium-deuteron ratio and the crucial role of metallurgy. It points to successful replications by Takahashi at Osaka University and Storms at Los Alamos. Tinsley notes that initial skepticism has been challenged by experiments showing significant heat release, nuclear products like tritium and helium, and evidence of nuclear changes in the metal substrate. He contrasts this with 'hot fusion' which requires extreme temperatures and pressures and produces dangerous neutrons. The article discusses the 'light water effect' and the ongoing attempts to understand and replicate it, citing work by Dr. Reiko Notoya. Tinsley concludes that while the world's energy problems may not be over, the results from cold fusion research suggest that our understanding of nuclear physics in the solid state is incomplete. He urges careful intellectual discipline, caution against accepting results that disprove others without scrutiny, and sympathy for researchers with unconventional ideas.

Paranormal Picture Gallery: The Convulsionaries of Paris

Hilary Evans presents "The Convulsionaries of Paris," detailing the extraordinary events at the tomb of a Paris priest in the late 1720s. The phenomenon involved individuals, particularly young females, seeking 'relief' through extreme physical suffering. Evans recounts the case of Gabrielle, a 12 or 13-year-old girl who endured being pressed by a shovel on her throat and being pounded with a 20kg rock, experiencing a 'pleasant and soothing sensation.' The article emphasizes that many participants actively craved these torments, challenging conventional understanding of human tolerance. The events were witnessed and documented by experienced observers, including doctors and lawyers, who found the reality exceeded popular reports, making it difficult to dismiss the convulsionaries as mere impostors.

Hits and Misses

Steve Donnelly's "Hits and Misses" column covers several brief, often quirky, stories:

• Wind of change: A ghost haunting Atlantic 252 radio station in Dublin is described as having regular habits and a digestive disorder causing flatulence at a specific time each morning.
• Near power-down experience: Dr. Stephen Thaler's experiment with a neural network computer, where severing connections led to 'whimsical' output and time dilation, is presented as potentially revealing insights into the spiritual side of man, drawing parallels to near-death experiences.
• All together now: This section satirizes the sensationalist reporting of the Weekly World News, detailing a fabricated story about the Chinese planning to jump simultaneously to alter the Earth's orbit and being foiled by Americans.
• Head down: A report from China describes Guan Feng, a 65-year-old man who claims to have dramatically improved his health by standing on his head for extended periods.

Evening primrose

This short piece questions the efficacy of evening primrose oil for premenstrual tension (PMT). A 10-month study by Swedish gynaecologists and psychiatrists found that paraffin oil (used as a placebo) was equally effective in reducing PMT symptoms, despite the multi-million pound industry surrounding evening primrose oil.

Heavenly acts

An anecdote from The Sun reports the Pope's statement that there will be no sex in heaven, with saved individuals spending eternity resting, watching, loving God, and living like angels. The article notes that the Pope made no specific comments about drugs and rock-and-roll.

In a trance

This section addresses the negative press surrounding hypnotism, citing the case of Colin Pike, a hypnotherapist charged with sexual assault. It also mentions the lack of statutory regulation for hypnotherapists. A separate incident in Italy involves hypnotist Filadelfio Munafo, who was shot and robbed after believing he had hypnotized his assailants.

Immaculate confection

This piece critiques a marketing innovation by Richard Manderson of Canberra, Australia, who created a chocolate figure of Jesus called the 'immaculate confection' that bleeds red jam, intended to put the Christian message back into Easter.

Starry-eyed

This article discusses religious fundamentalism, focusing on an incident in Israel where ultra-orthodox rabbis declared a planetarium off-limits because its dating of the Earth's creation (billions of years) conflicts with the traditional Jewish belief of 5753 years ago.

Ask Olga

Olga Destinée, an 'astral agony aunt,' answers psychic questions. In this issue, she addresses a letter from Miriam Hill about her husband Ron, who claims to have been abducted by aliens and had his IQ altered. Olga recounts a story of a humble greengrocer who was abducted and described encounters with various beings, including three-breasted women and a Michael Caine look-alike, on a spaceship. Olga offers to regress Ron to uncover his experiences, warning that such revelations can be like opening Pandora's box.

Rajneesh: The Failed Guru

Brian Morris's article, "Rajneesh: The Failed Guru," examines the rise and fall of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Morris describes Rajneesh as a guru who advocated sex as a way of salvation and 'letting go' of the ego, while paradoxically demanding total submission. Morris found Rajneesh's book, 'The Psychology of the Esoteric,' to be a mixture of pop psychology and religion, with influences from theosophy and Gurdjieff. He criticizes Rajneesh's philosophical originality and his paradoxical statements, such as advising against seeking gurus while demanding followers surrender to him. Morris views Rajneesh as a 'religious con-man' who quoted figures spuriously and fabricated information. The article details Rajneesh's background, his rise to prominence in Bombay, his adoption of the title 'Bhagwan' (meaning 'god'), and his lifestyle of luxury, including a fleet of Rolls Royces. Rajneesh emphasized 'spiritual sexuality' and 'dynamic meditation' as paths to enlightenment. Morris concludes that Rajneesh was an intellectual fraud, despite his charisma and the large following he attracted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and unconventional religious movements. The magazine prioritizes evidence-based reasoning and scientific methodology, often debunking sensationalist stories or highlighting the lack of empirical support for extraordinary claims. Articles like the one on cold fusion demonstrate a willingness to engage with complex scientific debates but maintain a critical perspective, questioning methodology and interpretation. The critique of Rajneesh and the examination of the 'convulsionaries' exemplify the magazine's approach to analyzing religious and psychological phenomena through a rational lens. The "Hits and Misses" column serves as a vehicle for highlighting and often satirizing dubious or unsubstantiated news items. The overall editorial stance is one of promoting critical thinking and intellectual rigor in the face of claims that defy conventional scientific understanding.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated May/June 1993, features a range of articles exploring controversial figures, psychological phenomena, and ancient mysteries, all viewed through a lens of critical inquiry.

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh: The 'Sex Guru' and his Commune

The issue delves into the life and controversial legacy of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as Osho. It details his early life and the establishment of his ashram in Poona, India, which was characterized by a 'free-for-all-sex' environment and a blend of Western therapies with Eastern meditative practices. The ashram aimed for spiritual transformation through 'dynamic meditation'.

Following scrutiny and alleged tax evasion in India, Rajneesh and his followers relocated to the United States in 1981, purchasing the Big Muddy Ranch in Oregon for $5.75 million and establishing Rajneeshpuram. This commune was envisioned as a sophisticated, new-age, futuristic community, complete with amenities like a shopping mall, restaurants, and a university. It attracted professionals, many with university degrees.

However, the commune's activities became increasingly entangled with corruption, conspiracy, and legal troubles. Ma Anand Sheela, Rajneesh's secretary, played a significant role in the commune's administration. Tensions with local Oregon residents escalated, and allegations of criminal activities, including an attempted poisoning, surfaced. The commune dramatically collapsed in 1985 amidst acrimony and paranoia. Sheela fled to West Germany, and Rajneesh was arrested in the US on immigration charges. He was fined and given a suspended sentence before eventually returning to India, where he died in January 1990 at the age of 58.

Susan Blackmore on Near-Death Experiences and OBEs

Dr. Susan Blackmore, a parapsychologist and lecturer, discusses her research into Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs). Blackmore posits that these phenomena are best explained as hallucinations, stemming from physiological and psychological factors rather than evidence of a spirit world. She notes that while many parapsychologists support the idea of a spirit world, she finds the evidence for it unconvincing. Blackmore suggests that the variety of experiences within NDEs and OBEs can be understood by considering how the brain functions under stress or begins to shut down.

She highlights that OBEs are relatively common, occurring in 10-15% of the population, often when relaxed or tired. NDEs, while less common, share common elements like feelings of peace and tunnel experiences. Blackmore emphasizes that her view is not simply dismissive but seeks to understand the 'why' and 'how' of these experiences, linking them to the brain's 'mental construction' and the transient nature of the self, a concept also found in Buddhist philosophy.

Psychic Diary: In Praise of Stone Circles

Toby Howard recounts his visit to the Castlerigg stone circle near Keswick, seeking to experience 'Earth energy'. Despite his earnest attempt, he felt no paranormal sensations, only the mundane presence of other tourists. Howard acknowledges the numerous anecdotal accounts associated with stone circles, such as mysterious lights and psychic energy, but finds them unconvincing. He references the Bords' 'Atlas of Magical Britain' and other researchers who suggest astronomical alignments or astronomical calculations as possible functions for these ancient sites.

Howard also touches upon the idea of building new stone circles, citing John Harrison's DIY guide, which promotes charging circles with positive energies. While acknowledging the potential for misuse or misinterpretation, Howard expresses admiration for the sentiment behind such endeavors. Ultimately, he concludes that the mere survival of these ancient structures, built by humans thousands of years ago, is remarkable enough, without needing to invoke 'Gaia energy' or other paranormal explanations.

Meditation: Skepticism or Cynicism?

Adrian West responds to an article by Arthur Chappell, 'The Myths of Meditation', arguing that Chappell's view is overly cynical and misrepresents the benefits of meditation. West contends that while skepticism is valuable, cynicism can lead to dismissing potentially beneficial practices too easily. He asserts that meditation, particularly Buddhist meditation, offers a way to gain control over one's mental focus and emotional states, leading to positive personal transformation.

West acknowledges that meditation can be misused, similar to techniques used in brainwashing or advertising, and that it requires personal integrity to avoid delusion. He emphasizes that the goal is not to stifle thought but to develop a calm, focused intellect and actively cultivate positive states of mind. He quotes the Dalai Lama on the importance of discerning genuine teachers from manipulative ones, advocating for a balanced approach that combines common sense with the practice of meditation.

Other Features

The issue also includes a 'Sprite' comic strip related to parapsychology experiments and a 'Hot Stuff!' section previewing upcoming articles on topics such as crop circles, cold fusion, the Karmapa controversy, 'Red Mercury', the Moa, and cannibalism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the critical examination of phenomena often associated with the paranormal, New Age beliefs, and spiritual movements. The Skeptic magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, seeking rational, scientific, or psychological explanations for events and beliefs that are often presented as supernatural or mystical. The articles encourage readers to question extraordinary claims, to look for evidence, and to distinguish between healthy skepticism and outright cynicism or blind faith. The magazine aims to provide a platform for reasoned debate and to challenge unsubstantiated assertions, particularly concerning topics like UFOs, psychic phenomena, and alternative spiritualities.

This issue of The Skeptic, dated May/June 1993, features a cover story titled "Skeptic at Large" by Wendy M. Grossman, subtitled "Trial by television." The magazine focuses on critical analysis of paranormal claims, media representation of skepticism, and reviews of relevant books.

Skeptic at Large: Trial by Television

Wendy M. Grossman recounts her experience as a "token skeptic" on an Anglia Live television program about ghosts. She describes being in a room with 200 people who yelled at her when she questioned the validity of a telephone poll that showed 86% of callers believed in ghosts. Grossman argues that this poll surveyed a self-selecting sample, as believers are more likely to watch and call in. She criticizes the program for treating paranormal topics as social issues for debate, where all opinions are considered equal, rather than matters requiring evidence. She notes that the researchers had difficulty finding non-believers to participate, which the believers interpreted as further proof of their views. Grossman highlights a misunderstanding of evidence, where "proof in numbers" is mistaken for proof of validity. She suggests that while human nature leads people to seek miraculous explanations for powerful experiences, some confusion also stems from audience discussion shows that equate opinion with evidence. She argues that issues like homeopathy and spiritual healing are poorly served by this format, and that debates about their availability on the NHS or their status compared to religious groups are never tackled.

Reviews

The old New Age

Marjorie Mackintosh reviews Ronald Hutton's "The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy." Mackintosh praises Hutton for including discussions of fringe beliefs and New Age ideas, noting that academic writers often ignore this wealth of information. Hutton, a Reader in British History, provides a survey of ancient British religion, dividing it chronologically. He is commended for his honesty in stating when evidence is lacking. The review highlights Hutton's balanced approach, judging claims against archaeology and literature, and not seeking to 'get' fringe believers. He critically examines modern witchcraft's claim to be a descendant of ancient paganism, finding no evidence of continuity. The review notes that Hutton debunks the myth of a primeval matriarchy, showing it reflects modern preoccupations rather than historical reality. The main criticism is directed at the "terrible" illustrations, which are deemed poorly drawn and lacking impact. Overall, it's considered a good book for those interested in ancient British religions and their relation to New Age ideas, with an emphasis on archaeology over the mystical.

Singing for health

Lucy Fisher reviews Paul Newnham's "The Singing Cure." Fisher notes that the book is not a self-help manual but a serious overview of Voice Movement Therapy, a field founded by the author. The book explores the history, theory, and practice of this therapy, advising readers to contact the International Association for Voice Movement Therapy for a therapist. Fisher explains that the therapy is not strictly scientific but relies on intuitive responses. The core idea is that a confident voice can lead to a more confident self, and that speaking up and out is crucial. The book covers the history of language, music, and drama, and discusses pioneers of psychotherapy. It delves into concepts like Jung's shadow side and Freud's subconscious. Newnham advocates for treating the psyche through the voice, suggesting that opera, while beautiful, often suppresses the human voice's natural emotional expression. The review touches on the idea that art should embrace difficult subjects and that opera singers cannot express the full range of human emotion. The book also explores the connection between the face and the voice, and the idea that vocal trouble is psychological, not pathological. The aim of voice movement therapy is to enable a voice to express the full gamut of human emotions. The review mentions the use of relaxation and visualization techniques, comparing them to modern therapies and practices.

Life after death

Mike Rutter reviews "The Afterlife" by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough. The book examines the perennial question of life after death, surveying beliefs across various cultures and historical periods, from ancient ancestors to modern New Agers. It contrasts these beliefs with the materialistic worldview that death is the end of physical existence. The authors present evidence for and against survival after death, including skeptical arguments and traditional paranormal material. The review notes that the authors suggest mundane explanations for paranormal events, such as human psychology and hoaxing, and that some mediums may be fraudulent or self-deluded. The book is described as attractively produced and invites the reader to form their own conclusions.

Cyril Burt Affair

Donald Rooum discusses the controversy surrounding Cyril Burt's work, focusing on his "A psychological study of typography." Rooum, along with James Hartley, has researched Burt's work and found significant doubts about the validity of his reading tests and recommendations. They claim that only two of Burt's 123 recommendations are supported by data, and one of those sources does not support Burt's claims. Rooum also addresses Burt's work on the heritability of intelligence, noting that while this concept has been demonstrated by other researchers, Burt's offense lies in falsely enhancing his reputation by pretending to have done research he had not. Rooum concludes that Burt's charge is proven beyond reasonable doubt in his typography study, and that a scientist caught cheating forfeits their entire reputation.

Studies at fault?

Ray Ward writes in response to Wendy Grossman's article, accusing her of hypocrisy. He claims that Grossman, after criticizing male scientists for seeing what they want in their research, does the same herself. Ward challenges Grossman to provide references for her claim that telling a teacher some students are brighter leads to better grades, stating that the study she likely refers to was severely criticized and refuted, yet remains popular because it aligns with desired beliefs. He also points out that Grossman misspelled Ann Widdecombe's name.

Standard deviation

Antony Flew comments on Wendy Grossman's review of "The Mismeasure of Woman." Flew agrees with Grossman that research shows less variation between sexes than within each sex regarding measurable differences. However, he argues that this does not refute generalizations about sex differences but rather implies that substantial differences in averages should lead to disproportionate representation at the extremes, especially when one sex is superior on average by even a small standard deviation.

Neural network NDEs

Dr. David J. Fisher writes about the connection between neural networks and near-death experiences (NDEs). He refers to his previous point (in The Skeptic, 3.5) that computer-simulated neural networks exhibit behaviors similar to the "tunnel of light" effect in NDEs. More recent work, he notes, shows that when a neural network simulation is "killed," it spontaneously outputs learned information, mirroring the "life flashing before eyes" phenomenon in NDEs. Fisher suggests that Susan Blackmore should focus on these simulations rather than collecting anecdotes.

Letters

A lucky meditator

John Clarke shares his positive experience with a simple Yoga practice he encountered after World War II. He describes a method of sitting comfortably, closing eyes, and letting the mind go blank, which he found worked effectively without mystical experiences or hallucinations after about three weeks of daily practice. He likens this to the principle behind anti-sensory tanks, noting that Yoga meditation is free.

Meditation: a genuine side

Dr. Martin Dace responds to Arthur Chappell's article on meditation. Dace acknowledges Chappell's point that many claims about meditation, especially from bizarre sects, are exaggerated and potentially harmful. However, he argues that figures like the Dalai Lama and Patanjali are not necessarily in the same category as more questionable gurus. Dace suggests there might be a genuine aspect to meditation, citing psychotherapists who teach Yoga Meditation and Visualization as relaxation techniques. He compares the handling of meditation practices to cars, stating that while cars can be involved in accidents, they are not banned; what matters is how well they are handled. He emphasizes that meditative states should be explored rationally and without bias.

Facts please

Mike Rutter writes in response to Tom Banner's letter, requesting specific evidence for claims made. Rutter asks for the name of the girl whose neck-ornament was allegedly bent, the name of the metal-bender, the date and place of the occurrence, and the witnesses willing to testify to the ornament's state before and after the event.

The Cyril Burt affair

This letter, by Donald Rooum, is a continuation of the discussion on Cyril Burt. Rooum criticizes Hearnshaw's biography of Burt, stating it cannot be relied upon. He details how Burt's work on typography was based on questionable reading tests, with few recommendations supported by data. Rooum also addresses Burt's work on heritability, noting that while the concept is valid, Burt's offense was fabricating research to enhance his reputation.

Back Issues

A list of available back issues of The Skeptic magazine is provided, detailing the volume, issue number, and titles of articles within each issue from Volume 1 (1987) to Volume 7 (1993).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of paranormal claims through a scientific and evidence-based lens. The magazine consistently challenges pseudoscientific ideas, media misrepresentations, and uncritical acceptance of anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rational inquiry and debunking unsubstantiated claims, encouraging readers to question and seek verifiable proof. The inclusion of book reviews, letters to the editor, and articles analyzing specific cases or theories underscores this commitment to rigorous investigation and intellectual honesty.