Skeptic - 1996 - Vol 10 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 10, Number 1
Date: 1996
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Price: £2.00

This issue of The Skeptic, dated 1996, focuses on the complex theme of 'The mystery of the self,' delving into the nature of consciousness, the brain, and personal identity. The magazine also features articles on paranormal phenomena, scientific skepticism, and critical analysis of various claims.

Editorial

The editorial expresses gratitude for reader support, acknowledging that The Skeptic is entering its 10th year of publication. It highlights the increasing amount of 'nonsense' that the magazine aims to expose and understand. The editorial notes the challenging times for independent magazines and appeals to readers for help in increasing the subscriber base, suggesting that the magazine itself is its best promotional tool. It also anticipates a rise in 'New Age nonsense' as the millennium approaches and emphasizes the need for a skeptical voice.

Contents Overview

The issue features a range of articles, including:

• Hits and Misses by Steve Donnelly
• The Brain and its Self by Huntley Ingalls
• Measuring the Mind by Dene Bebbington
• Skeptical Predictions for 1996 by Marjorie Mackintosh
• Hunting for Spirits by Richard Wiseman
• Fairy Tales for Grown-ups by Chris Willis
• Fraud in Physical Science by Tony Klein
• Psychic Diary by Toby Howard
• Skeptic at Large by Wendy Grossman
• Reviews
• Letters

Key Articles and Features

Paranormal Picture Gallery (Hilary Evans)

This section, by Hilary Evans, co-proprietor of the Mary Evans Picture Library, presents intriguing illustrations and their potential explanations. One feature discusses 'Food from heaven?', examining the paradoxical miracle of Alberto di Sarzana in 1429, who was saved from starvation in the desert by an apparition of Jesus providing food. The article questions the nature of this miraculous sustenance.

Another piece, 'What happened to the goat?', revisits a previous query about an illustration of a goat emerging from the sea. The magazine reports receiving numerous reader explanations, some paranormal, and announces W Draper of Leeds as the winner of a £20 book token. The 'real explanation' is provided: during the sinking of the American whaler Bowhead in 1938, mounting air pressure from the sinking ship ejected one of the ship's mascot goats out of the water.

Hits and Misses (Steve Donnelly)

Steve Donnelly's column discusses the impact of popular culture on paranormal beliefs, citing the TV program 'The X-Files' and its influence on individuals like Tony Stubley, a police constable who established a Bureau of Local Investigation into Paranormal Phenomena. The article notes that the program has lent 'credence' to paranormal investigations. It also touches upon concerns raised by Christian writer Andrew Boyd regarding the potential negative effects of such programs on young people, linking them to 'dangerous obsessions' and potential depression or suicidal tendencies.

Donnelly also reports on 'Unidentified Submerged Object' sightings, referencing an Independent article about over 6000 reports of underwater craft intruding on Swedish waters between 1981 and 1994. While many were identified, some were classified as 'alien underwater craft,' leading to speculation about underwater UFO phenomena.

The 'Pate(nts)' section humorously touches on baldness cures, referencing a German patent for a herbal hair growth lotion, and the 'E Tea' section recounts how a scientist searching for extraterrestrial intelligence discovered the signals were coming from a microwave oven.

The Brain and its Self (Huntley Ingalls)

This extensive article explores the enduring mystery of human consciousness. It notes a renaissance of interest in the subject within the scientific community, contrasting with past neglect. The article discusses the challenges in studying consciousness, the limitations of purely objective methods, and the role of new techniques like PET and MRI. It highlights the search for neural correlates of consciousness, with evidence suggesting the upper brain stem might be involved. The article details how different brain areas process specific aspects of vision and other functions, and the strange behavioral malfunctions that can result from brain injury, such as prosopagnosia (inability to recognize faces), hemineglect (loss of control over one side of the body), and achromatopsia (inability to see colors).

Ingalls discusses the 'binding problem' – how the brain integrates separate functions into a unified field of perception. The article examines the vague usage of the term 'consciousness' and proposes a definition based on the 'self.' It traces the formation of ego boundaries from infancy, noting how children initially perceive their thoughts as external. The article draws parallels between the reformation of the ego in schizophrenia and the development of ego in young children and autistic children, emphasizing that schizophrenics have lost an ego rather than never had one.

It explores how the sense of self can be distorted by factors like prolonged concentration, hallucinogenic drugs (mescaline, LSD), and brain stimulation. The article defines the self as an integration of concepts, including the person, the inner self, and the witness. The 'inner self' is described as the continuity of awareness, while the 'ego' is the present self-centre of awareness. The 'witness' is the immediately present process of conscious experience.

The article also touches upon questions of reincarnation, possession, and out-of-body experiences, suggesting that evidence for reincarnation is dubious and there is no known way to transfer the 'inner self.' Out-of-body experiences are posited as psychological responses to unusual sensory disruptions that destabilize the normal body image.

Deep Mysteries

This section addresses cases of multiple personality, questioning the extent to which an alternate personality constitutes a new self. It suggests that sensational cases may involve acting or misinterpretation of moods rather than genuine dissociation. The article posits that the brain can only support one centred self-process at a time. It discusses how dreams and out-of-body experiences involve a looser association of the body and self, and that the self in dreams is a substrate of the waking self. The article concludes that the self is a product of complex brain functions, existing as a unity, and that skeptics welcome genuine mysteries rather than pseudo-mysteries.

Further Reading

A list of recommended books and articles is provided, including works by S. Blackmore, F. Crick, R. Gregory, H. Ingalls, H. Klaver, W. Penfield, J. Piaget, O. Sacks, M. Sechehaye, and the magazine 'Skeptical Inquirer'.

Measuring the Mind (Dene Bebbington)

Dene Bebbington's article critically examines psychometric methods, particularly IQ tests, questioning their validity as measures of innate intelligence. The author, a former Mensa member, argues that IQ tests are specious and that intelligence has many aspects not captured by these tests. The article discusses the concept of 'G' (general intelligence) as proposed by Charles Spearman, suggesting a circular argument where IQ tests measure G, and G is defined by IQ tests. It critiques the historical use of IQ tests, particularly Alfred Binet's original purpose of identifying learning difficulties, and how hereditarians later used it to promote the idea of innate, unchangeable intelligence, citing Cyril Burt's controversial work.

The article delves into heritability, noting the commonly accepted figure of 0.8 for IQ, implying that 80% of variation is genetic. However, it highlights that many studies are conducted by psychologists and social scientists, with limited involvement from geneticists. The author quotes R.C. Lewontin, who argues that to truly answer questions about boosting IQ and scholastic achievement, one must attempt to boost them, rather than solely asking about genetic influence, as 'to be genetic is not to be unchangeable.' Bebbington suggests that psychologists and social scientists can be seduced by statistics, mistaking numerical assignments for probing complex realities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of claims, particularly those related to the paranormal, psychological phenomena, and scientific assertions. The magazine consistently advocates for a skeptical approach, encouraging readers to question assumptions, demand evidence, and avoid being swayed by pseudo-mysteries. The editorial stance is one of rational inquiry, aiming to expose, lampoon, and ultimately understand phenomena that often lack empirical support. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of a skeptical voice in an era increasingly influenced by New Age beliefs and unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 10 Number 1, dated January 1996, focuses on skepticism towards paranormal claims and scientific fraud. The cover features "Skeptical Predictions for 1996" by Marjorie Mackintosh, alongside an illustration of a fortune teller.

Articles

Skeptical Predictions for 1996

Marjorie Mackintosh offers a humorous and skeptical look at predictions for the upcoming year. Her predictions include tabloid psychics foretelling trouble for Princess Diana, dowsers failing to find water due to contamination, New Agers commenting on Tony Blair's aura, astrologers claiming proof of their accuracy through matching horoscopes, poltergeist activity being exploited for lottery wins, Michael Howard's reluctance to engage with aliens, oil rigs being towed to the Bermuda Triangle, Hugh Grant seeking clairvoyance, aliens abducting Jacques Chirac, psychics focusing on lottery numbers, the discovery of a new Zodiacal sign (Octopod), and Father Christmas adopting yogic flying. The article highlights the often predictable and self-serving nature of such predictions.

Hunting for Spirits: Seeking ghosts in a 'haunted' pub

Richard Wiseman recounts an investigation into a supposedly haunted pub in Neath, Wales, where security footage appeared to show a fire door opening by itself and ghost-like legs appearing. Wiseman, along with other investigators including Tony Cornell and Lynn Picknett, examined the incident. They found that the fire door, though old, was difficult to open unless dislodged. The 'ghostly legs' were later revealed to be an artifact of sunlight reflection through the pub's doors, which, when viewed at normal speed, resembled legs but were actually strips of light. The investigation concluded that the phenomenon was not supernatural but a natural occurrence.

Fairy Tales for Grown-ups: Were there really fairies at the bottom of the garden?

Chris Willis investigates the famous Cottingley fairy photographs case. In 1917, Elsie Wright and her cousin Frances Griffiths produced photographs claiming to show fairies. These images gained significant attention, particularly from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who believed they were genuine and published them. The article details how Elsie later admitted to faking the photos by cutting out fairy pictures from a book and mounting them on cardboard with hat-pins. It explores why Doyle, despite his intelligence, was so easily fooled, suggesting it was due to his assumptions about class, gender, and his pre-existing belief in spiritualism. The article also touches upon the broader context of 'spirit photography' prevalent at the time.

Fraud in Physical Science: How science is not immune to deception and malpractice

Tony Klein discusses how science, despite its pursuit of truth, is susceptible to deception and malpractice. He uses the cold fusion fiasco of 1989 as a prime example, where many scientists claimed to have achieved the improbable result, driven by the lure of fame and media pressure. Klein also details historical cases like the N-rays, announced by Professor Rene Blondlot in 1903, which were later exposed as a hoax or self-deception by physicist R W Wood. Another case is 'polywater', a supposed anomalous form of water that gained widespread attention but was eventually debunked as being caused by impurities. Klein argues that while science is a self-correcting system, fraudulent claims can persist due to the public's desire for certainty over truth. He suggests that wilful purveying of falsehood should be a criminal offense.

Psychic Diary

Toby Howard reflects on the death of Robert Monroe, a pioneer in out-of-the-body experience (OOBE) research. Howard recounts his own teenage attempts to replicate Monroe's OOBE techniques, described in his book 'Journeys Out of the Body'. Despite following Monroe's precise instructions, Howard failed to achieve an OOBE, leading him to become more skeptical. He describes Monroe's concept of three 'Locales' of astral experience, finding Locale I (our ordinary world) plausible but Locales II (demons) and III (a pseudo-Earth) increasingly implausible, attributing his own lack of success to adolescent hormones and a lack of genuine psychic ability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is skepticism towards paranormal claims and the critical examination of evidence. The magazine consistently adopts an analytical and evidence-based approach, debunking supposed supernatural phenomena and exposing fraudulent or mistaken scientific claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism and scientific rigor, highlighting the dangers of wishful thinking, self-deception, and the media's role in sensationalizing unsubstantiated claims. The issue emphasizes that while science may be prone to error and fraud, its inherent self-correcting mechanisms and the pursuit of truth are ultimately its strengths.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 10 Number 1, published bimonthly, features a cover story by Wendy Grossman titled "Skeptic at Large" which touches on personal anxieties and a controversial bill in the Tennessee legislature regarding the teaching of evolution. The issue includes several book reviews and reader letters, covering topics from the occult and UFOs to reincarnation and the Bermuda Triangle.

Articles

Tennessee Madness

Wendy Grossman opens the issue with a personal reflection on her own anxieties and work-related stress, contrasting it with a news item about a bill in the Tennessee legislature that would require science teachers to present evolution as 'only a theory'. She discusses the potential implications of such legislation and expresses surprise that a country with significant scientific and technological achievements could be the site of such a bill. She humorously attributes the situation to the influence of country music.

Reviews

Giving Away the Secrets

Martin Bridgstock reviews Charles Walker's "The Encyclopedia of Secret Knowledge." He describes it as an encyclopaedic survey of the occult, covering witchcraft, magic, and divination. While acknowledging its attractive presentation and extensive index, Bridgstock criticizes the book's uncritical approach, noting that Walker makes numerous claims without providing sources or evidence. He suggests it's more of a coffee-table book than a serious academic work.

Pie in the Sky

Mike Walsh reviews W. A. Harbinson's "Projekt UFO: The Case for Man-made Flying Saucers." Walsh is critical of the book's premise that flying saucers are secretly produced by Nazi refugees in Antarctica, with involvement from other nations. He points out the lack of interviews and reliance solely on published material, and disputes the author's claims about technology and evidence. Walsh concludes that the book is a 'very silly book' suitable only for those interested in conspiracy theories.

Realm of Strange Beings

Christopher C. French reviews Joe Nickell's "Entities: Angels, Spirits, Demons, and Other Alien Beings." French praises Nickell's work as an excellent guided tour of disputed claims about supernatural entities. He notes that Nickell meticulously investigates cases, often finding plausible non-paranormal explanations, such as psychological factors, hoaxes, or hypnagogic hallucinations. French finds Nickell's skeptical accounts convincing, with the exception of his dismissal of the Marian apparition at Knock.

Evolutionary Thoughts

Christopher C. French also reviews Peter Ward's "The End of Evolution: Dinosaurs, Mass Extinction and Biodiversity." The book examines mass extinction events, particularly two major ones that occurred 245 and 65 million years ago, the latter being responsible for the dinosaurs' demise. Ward emphasizes the multicausal nature of these events, including climate change and sea-level shifts, with asteroids or comets playing a role in the second event. The review highlights Ward's discussion of the ongoing 'third event' – the current mass extinction driven by human activity and climate change, drawing parallels to the second event.

Natural Reflections

Sven Ove Hansson reviews two books by Stephen Jay Gould: "Ever Since Darwin" and "The Flamingo's Smile." Hansson explains that both books consist of essays originally published in "Natural History Magazine," all linked by the theory of natural selection. He highlights Gould's clear explanation of Darwin's theory and its philosophical implications, noting that the books explore nature's oddities and conundrums from a Darwinian perspective.

A Flawed Classic

Susan Blackmore reviews Richard Maurice Bucke's "Cosmic Consciousness: A Study in the Evolution of the Human Mind." Blackmore notes that the book, first published in 1901, explores the idea of 'cosmic consciousness' achieved by exceptional men throughout history. While acknowledging Bucke's sexist perspective and the flawed nature of his thesis, Blackmore found the book enjoyable and insightful regarding mystical experiences. She also touches on Bucke's predictions for the future, which included the disappearance of national boundaries and the advent of Socialism.

Another Side to the Triangle

Dave Unsworth reviews Larry Kusche's "The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved." Unsworth praises the book, originally published in 1975 and now reissued, for its painstaking research in debunking the Bermuda Triangle myth. He notes that Kusche covers occurrences chronologically, examining available evidence and often showing that incidents occurred during bad weather or had simple explanations. The review also touches on other 'mysteries' like the Japanese 'Devil's Sea' and Ivan T. Sanderson's 'Vile Vortices' theory.

Life After Life

Mike Walsh reviews Sue Carpenter's "Past Lives: True Stories of Reincarnation." Walsh finds the case histories largely unverifiable and open to more prosaic explanations than reincarnation. He critiques the arguments for belief, particularly the appeal to celebrity and the idea that eternal existence is inherently desirable, contrasting it with Buddhist views of reincarnation as a cycle to be escaped.

Letters

Several readers submitted letters:

• Cyril Howard Richmond expresses alarm at the 'ghoulish apparitions' on pages 4, 20, and 21, questioning if they are fake photographs or genetic mutations, and asks if they are suitable for children. The Editors clarify they are office gargoyles meant to ward off evil spirits.
• A letter about 'The dreaded 666' mentions the fear of this number associated with the A666 road and its perceived influence on football performance, and a rumour about it being a nickname for the Home Secretary.
• Ken Moody requests a copy of Richard Dawkins' anti-astrology article from The Independent on Sunday (December 31, 1995), noting it provoked many pro-astrology letters.
• Dave Rogers seeks skeptics in the Liverpool area.
• Stephen Moreton adds to Mark Lawson's article on plate tectonics, emphasizing its importance for mineral deposits and fossil fuels, suggesting that a lack of these could prevent technological societies from developing.
• David Langford responds to a letter about the obituary of John Brunner, defending the use of the full name John Kilian Houston Brunner, which Brunner himself approved.

Subscription and Back Issues

Information is provided on subscribing to The Skeptic, including postal rates for the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world. Details are also given for ordering back issues from Volume 4 (1990) onwards, with discounts offered for multiple purchases. The magazine is described as a bimonthly newsletter for non-religious individuals, elucidating naturalistic philosophies and combating dogmatism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, critical analysis of popular beliefs (evolution, UFOs, reincarnation, astrology, Bermuda Triangle), and the importance of evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy, as evidenced by the reviews and the magazine's stated aim to combat dogmatism and elucidate naturalistic philosophies.