Skeptic - 1999 - Vol 12 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 12, Number 2
Date: 1999

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various topics related to skepticism, scientific methodology, and paranormal claims. It features prominent articles on morphic resonance and double-blind experiments, the alien abduction phenomenon, and the nature of revisionist history.

Skeptic in Chains: Urban Myths and Deadly Curses

Wendy M Grossman, the editor, discusses the prevalence of urban myths and the psychological tendency to cling to beliefs, even when challenged by evidence. She recounts personal experiences, including an appearance on the TV show 'This Morning' where she handled a box containing a skeleton claimed to be cursed. Grossman highlights how people often react with anger when their cherished beliefs are questioned, even if those beliefs are not deeply held. She uses the example of astrology, where scientific testing has invalidated its claims, yet many still adhere to it, finding the truth unpleasant.

Hits and Misses

Simon Brophy's column covers several brief items:

• Mum's gone to Iceland: This section touches on supermarket policies regarding genetically modified (GM) ingredients, citing a response from Somerfield that suggested customers avoiding GM foods would 'starve'.
• Fangs for the memory: It reports on a wave of 'dental alchemy' where people claim to have received new gold fillings through prayer, often linked to the website 'Ship of Fools'. The article notes that similar claims have occurred historically, citing examples like Dick Dewert, who claimed a prayer-given gold tooth was later revealed to be a ten-year-old filling.
• Like a cake left out in the rain...: This segment discusses a website advertising 'EMF Shielding Devices,' including garments made from aluminium foil and caps designed to block electromagnetic waves, questioning their efficacy and the nature of such products.
• Swallow your own smoke!: This piece critiques a New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) paper on passive smoking and heart disease. It contrasts the paper's conclusion with a blistering editorial in the same journal that attacked the meta-analysis technique used, questioning whether the risk from environmental tobacco smoke is actually known.

Around in Circles

Wendy Grossman reports on the resurgence of interest in crop circles, noting that Laurance Rockefeller plans to fund a large survey of these phenomena in the UK. The article questions Rockefeller's interest, given that crop circles have largely been explained as hoaxes.

Tea

Brooke Bond is promoting 'tasseography' (fortune-telling from tea leaves) with its PG Tips tea. The article describes the process and humorously recounts the fortunes derived from tea leaves, including 'fish' (luck, travel).

Blind Belief: Rupert Sheldrake discusses the role of double-blind experiments for skeptical enquiry in the physical and biological sciences

Rupert Sheldrake argues that beliefs, desires, and expectations can subconsciously influence how scientists observe and interpret phenomena. He explains the principles of single-blind and double-blind experiments, commonly used in psychology and medicine to mitigate experimenter bias and subject expectancy effects. Sheldrake traces the historical use of blind assessment, initially as a tool for fraud detection against unconventional medicine, and its later adoption by mainstream science.

He presents findings from two surveys: one examining experimental papers in leading scientific journals and another surveying science departments at British universities. The surveys reveal that blind experiments are virtually non-existent in the physical sciences, rare in biology, and more common in psychology and medicine. Parapsychology shows the highest proportion of blind experiments.

Sheldrake challenges the assumption that scientists in 'hard' sciences are immune to experimenter bias. He proposes empirical investigations to test whether blind and open experimental conditions yield significantly different results, suggesting that skeptics could play a role in this inquiry. He concludes that while blind methodologies have improved rigor in medicine and psychology, the hard sciences have largely escaped skeptical scrutiny, and there is no good reason for this immunity.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of statistics compiled by Wendy Grossman and Rachel Carthy, covering a wide range of topics:

• The proportion of cases of alleged possession deemed genuine by Bishop Corrado Balducci (5-6 per 1000).
• The number of words in the OED devoted to the Devil (approx. 13,000).
• The sale price of Conan Doyle's 'Cottingley Fairies' cameras (£13,000).
• The percentage of articles in medical journals meeting scientific standards (5%).
• Costs associated with Feng Shui consultations and healing services.
• Claims about the efficacy of a 'Wonderwash Laundry Ball' using magnets.
• Projections for the demand and price of space tourism (2025).
• The expected price of a pea-sized moon rock ($200).
• Visitor numbers to the 'Stonehenge on Sea' ritual site (5,000).
• The number of points on the human body recognized by acupuncturists (1500).
• The time taken to sequence the genome of *Mycoplasma genitalium* (three months) and the number of apparently superfluous genes (150).
• Conflicting figures for annual deaths from food poisoning in the USA (ranging from 522.7 to 10,000).
• The percentage of Americans who believe Jerry Falwell is crazy after his comments on the Teletubbies (83%).
• The estimated size of Heaven according to Billy Graham (1500 cubic miles).
• The number of different scenarios produced by psychics asked to divine how JonBenet Ramsey was murdered (5).
• The number of saints canonised by Pope John Paul II (283) and the number required for sainthood (1).
• The sentence received by Edward Bodkin for practicing medicine without a license (4 years).
• The number of Elvis Presleys living in Scotland (19).

Abductions that Never Leave the Ground

This is the concluding part of Hilary Evans' investigation into the reality of the 'alien abduction experience'.

Evans discusses the case of John Mack, a Harvard professor of psychiatry, and Donna Bassett, a writer who fabricated an elaborate story of alien abduction, including encounters with Kennedy and Khruschev. Despite the improbable nature of her story, Mack reportedly received it unquestioningly. Evans notes that scientists have historically been deceived by hoaxes.

The article then examines the case of Christi Dennis, who confessed to Leo Sprinkle, a psychology professor specializing in UFO abductees, that her 'alien abduction' experiences were fictional, stemming from a spiritual crisis. Sprinkle, however, perceived similar behavioral characteristics in Dennis as in 'genuine' abductees he had studied. This leads to the observation that some investigators, like Sprinkle and Raymond Fowler, have discovered they themselves are abductees.

Evans also mentions clinical psychiatrists like Edith Fiore who link patients' troubles to alien encounters. She critiques the approach of such therapists, citing Philip Klass's book 'UFOs: a Dangerous Game' as a warning against the potential harm of such practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes critical thinking and rigorous scientific methodology. The issue emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence, the potential for bias in observation and interpretation, and the need for skepticism towards claims lacking robust support. The articles collectively advocate for a rational approach to understanding phenomena, whether they be urban myths, paranormal claims, or scientific research methodologies. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against unsubstantiated beliefs.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 12, Number 2
Date: Undetermined, but likely around 2000 based on references.
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
Price: £2.50

This issue of The Skeptic features a diverse range of articles examining phenomena often on the fringes of scientific acceptance, from UFO abductions and Holocaust denial to biorhythms and morphic resonance. The magazine adopts a critical and skeptical stance, aiming to dissect claims with logical reasoning and scientific evidence.

From Fantasy to Hallucination

The lead article explores the psychological underpinnings of UFO abduction experiences. It suggests that while some cases involve claims of pregnancy and foetal extraction, many can be understood through the lens of fantasy and hallucination. The article contrasts the more flexible approach to hallucination in Europe and Australia with the often pathological view in America. It presents the case of Anibal Quintero, a Colombian cowman who reported an encounter with an egg-shaped vessel and alien women, leading to a sexual encounter. The author notes that Quintero's wife reported he was in an unusual state before the event, and a violent thunderstorm occurred, suggesting meteorological conditions might have triggered an altered state of consciousness and potential hallucination. The article also touches upon the concept of 'fantasy-prone' individuals, estimated at 5% of the population, who may struggle to distinguish fantasy from reality. It references studies by Basterfield and Bartholomew, and Kenneth Ring, suggesting that people who claim encounters may have a different psychological profile, perhaps being 'encounter-prone'. The author posits that stress, drugs, bereavement, and hypnosis can induce altered states, making individuals more suggestible to hallucinations and fantasy experiences. The case of Pat Roach, an American housewife who reported an abduction experience shortly after moving home, is also presented as a potential example of fantasy precipitated by circumstances. The article concludes by referencing Betty Hill's account of a woman who questioned if she had been abducted after a UFO sighting and a flat tire, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing between reality and imagination.

Rewriting the Past: Holocaust Denial

This section, authored by Dene Bebbington, critically examines the phenomenon of Holocaust denial, referring to its proponents as 'deniers' rather than 'revisionists'. The article begins by acknowledging the fallibility of memory but distinguishes genuine historical revisionism, which uses the historical method, from denial, which relies on rhetoric and ad hoc rationalizations. Bebbington suggests that anti-Semitism and a desire to whitewash Nazi actions are common motives among deniers. He outlines the core arguments of deniers: survivor testimony is unreliable, perpetrator testimony was obtained under duress, Nazi documentation is forged, homicidal gas chambers did not exist, the figure of six million Jewish victims is an exaggeration, and there is no explicit written order from Hitler for genocide. The article refutes these claims by highlighting the substantial body of documentation from the Nazis themselves, the implausibility of widespread forgery, and the fact that the six million figure is an estimate of total Jewish deaths, not solely from gas chambers. It also addresses the Leuchter report, which claimed gas chambers were not used for mass murder, by pointing out Leuchter's lack of expertise and the report's flawed methodology and conclusions. The article also discusses the allegations of fraud surrounding Anne Frank's diary, attributing them to deniers like Robert Faurisson, and notes that forensic analysis has confirmed the diary's authenticity.

You Got Rhythm? Terence Hines on a Fad That Faded

Terence Hines reviews the popularity of biorhythm theory, which peaked in the late 1970s. The theory posited that human behavior was influenced by three daily cycles: physical (23-day), emotional (28-day), and intellectual (33-day), with 'critical days' when performance was supposedly impaired. Hines notes that despite the theory's widespread appeal and the publication of books touting it as proof, numerous studies conducted between 1970 and 1997 (over 130 in total) failed to find any significant evidence supporting biorhythms. He mentions that studies examining accident records, suicides, heart attacks, and sports performance consistently showed no correlation with biorhythm cycles. While some studies claimed positive results, Hines states that upon closer evaluation, these were found to suffer from statistical problems and ignorance. He offers to provide copies of his review article to interested readers.

When is a Field Theory not a Field Theory? Matt Colborn on the Strange Story of Morphic Resonance

Matt Colborn critically examines Rupert Sheldrake's theory of morphic resonance. Sheldrake proposes that 'morphic fields' possess a memory for physical form and behavior, influencing successive generations and explaining phenomena like the swarming of ants and flocking of birds. Colborn notes that while Sheldrake's theory addresses problems not easily explained by reductionist biology, critics argue that it introduces non-material elements into science and is not needed, as 'emergent properties' can explain collective behavior. The article discusses the philosophical grounds of Sheldrake's arguments and contrasts them with Brian Goodwin's view, which emphasizes emergent properties and physical processes. Colborn highlights that Sheldrake's fields are non-energetic, making them difficult for many scientists to accept. The article points out that while Sheldrake's theory makes unique predictions, experimental tests have yielded unpromising results. It mentions experiments by Zoltan Dienes and Suitbert Ertel, which, despite Sheldrake's disputes and claims of ambiguous results, generally failed to provide convincing evidence for morphic resonance. The author concludes that while Sheldrake raises important questions about nature, the concept of emergent properties remains a more powerful explanation in biology, though he encourages continued exploration of unusual field effects.

Philosopher's Corner: On the Delicate Balance Between Thinking and Acting

Julian Baggini discusses the philosophical tension between thinking and acting, particularly in relation to skepticism. He addresses the criticism that excessive skepticism can lead to inaction, citing Hamlet's famous soliloquy about the 'pale cast of thought' sickening the 'native hue of resolution'. Baggini argues that Hamlet's approach of seeking confirmation before acting on the ghost's story was actually commendable, contrasting it with the tragic consequences of hasty actions in other Shakespearean plays, such as Othello and Romeo and Juliet. He contends that while acting without thinking can be disastrous, so can excessive caution. Baggini uses the example of laws being enacted hastily in Parliament and the adage 'Marry in haste, repent at leisure' to illustrate the negative outcomes of unreflective action. He criticizes the tendency to dismiss skepticism and philosophy for encouraging a suspension of judgment, quoting Yeats: 'The best lack all conviction, while the worst / Are full of passionate intensity.' The article concludes by emphasizing that there is no virtue in acting unless one acts correctly, and that a thoughtful approach, even if it appears slow, is often more effective than impulsive action.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue of The Skeptic is the critical examination of phenomena that challenge conventional scientific or historical understanding. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, employing logical reasoning, scientific evidence, and psychological analysis to evaluate claims. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and debunking pseudoscience, whether it be UFO abduction narratives, Holocaust denial, pseudoscientific theories like biorhythms and morphic resonance, or the philosophical debate between thinking and acting. The magazine aims to provide readers with well-researched perspectives that encourage a discerning approach to extraordinary claims.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 12, Number 2, published in 1999, features an editorial by Steve Donnelly titled 'Rhyme and Reason,' which explores the inherent tensions between the scientific pursuit of skepticism and the demands of public discourse, particularly in media appearances. Donnelly argues that the scientific method, which relies on evidence and reasoned argument, is often at odds with the need for soundbites and clear-cut narratives that media producers seek.

Editorial: Rhyme and Reason

Steve Donnelly, Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Salford, discusses the challenges faced by scientists when engaging with the public on topics that blur the lines between science and the paranormal. He notes that while scientists are trained to scrutinize evidence and identify flaws in reasoning, the media often reduces complex issues to black and white dichotomies. Donnelly uses his experience on TV chat shows to illustrate how skeptics are often expected to simply dismiss claims as 'rubbish' rather than engage in reasoned dialogue. He contrasts the non-judgmental nature of spiritualists with the 'scriptural self-righteousness' of some religious figures and the dogmatic certainty of some secular humanists. Donnelly emphasizes that the critical component of any claim is the quality of the evidence and that the best answers often lie in the 'dark and light greys' rather than absolutes. He concludes with a wry suggestion that perhaps skeptics should adopt 'spin-doctors' to effectively communicate their evidence-based approach.

Reviews

The Darwin Wars: How Stupid Genes Became Selfish Gods by Andrew Brown

Reviewed by Louise Johnson, this book is praised for its fair and thoughtful summary of the public controversy surrounding evolutionary explanations of human behavior. It divides proponents into 'Gouldians' and 'Dawkinsians,' highlighting the political dimensions of the debate. While initially neutral, the reviewer notes Brown's strong indictment of the militant atheism and lack of religious tolerance found in some Dawkinsian writings. The review suggests that popular science often caters to 'religious needs' and that chemistry struggles to compete with fields like physics and biology that appear to answer existential questions.

Between Inner Space and Outer Space by John D. Barrow

Reviewed by Jacqueline Mitton, this book is a collection of 42 articles and book reviews by astronomer and mathematician John Barrow. The reviewer finds Barrow's exploration of mind-bending questions about reality, time, and the 'theory of everything' to be lucid and comprehensible. However, some of the older book reviews are deemed dated, and repetition of Barrow's key ideas is noted. A particularly intriguing conclusion highlighted is that mathematics could be considered the only religion able to prove itself one.

The Meme Machine by Susan Blackmore

Reviewed by Louise Johnson, this book proposes that human evolution was driven by the ability to mimic, leading to the evolution of 'memes' (ideas) that have directed human efforts towards their own dissemination. Blackmore argues that memes are responsible for human intelligence, religion, language, and even the concept of free will. The reviewer quibbles that 'normal' biological adaptation might better explain some features attributed to memetic adaptation, but acknowledges Blackmore's non-dogmatic approach and her suggestions for experiments to resolve cultural theory clashes. The book is seen as a valuable addition to the study of memetics.

How to Defend Yourself Against Alien Abduction by Ann Druffel

Reviewed by Marjorie Mackintosh, this book offers techniques for those who believe they are being abducted by aliens. The reviewer questions whether the relief offered by such techniques would be greater if individuals understood their experiences as a disturbing but entirely human phenomenon, likely related to sleep paralysis.

Paranormal People by Paul Chambers

Reviewed by Kate Holden, this book is a collection of short commentaries on individuals involved in paranormal phenomena. While presented in an entertaining manner, the reviewer notes that the pro-paranormal viewpoints tend to underplay skeptical explanations. The lack of in-depth discussion or conclusion is found to be irritating, and the book is recommended for entertainment rather than critical evaluation.

Life After Death and the World Beyond by Jenny Randles and Peter Hough

Reviewed by John Gillies, this book is described as a collection of anecdotal evidence on near-death experiences (NDEs), TV images from beyond, Marian apparitions, and mediumship. The reviewer notes the book's 'objectivity' is illustrated by its 'fifty-fifty possibility' claim for an afterlife and skepticism about claims of movies being made in Heaven. The review suggests that the book's approach is not investigative beyond occasional assertions.

Unweaving the Rainbow by Richard Dawkins

Reviewed by Mike Walsh, this book is praised for Dawkins' clear and coherent writing style, making complex subjects accessible. The book explores the poetry of science, using analogies and metaphors to facilitate understanding. It covers topics from Newton's unweaving of the rainbow to DNA fingerprinting and the paranormal, where Dawkins introduces the term 'PETWHAC' (Population of Events that Would Have Appeared Coincidental) to explain coincidence. Dawkins criticizes 'bad metaphors' and 'muddled reasoning,' surprisingly targeting Stephen Jay Gould. The reviewer finds the book well-written but struggles to pinpoint a coherent theme, suggesting it functions best as a collection of essays on scientific and pseudoscientific topics.

Uri Geller: Magician or Mystic? by Jonathan Margolis

Reviewed by Martin Bridgstock, this book is described as a straightforward account of Uri Geller's life. The reviewer states that Geller is not a mystic and the key question is whether he possesses genuine supernatural powers or is an illusionist. The reviewer's verdict on the evidence is 'not proven,' suggesting that while it may be 'compelling' for some, it is a record of human weakness and vulnerability to deception. The portrayal of skeptics as 'dunder-headed, frenzied fanatics' is criticized.

Vital Signs: A Complete Guide to the Crop Circle Mystery by Andy Thomas

Reviewed by Robin Allen, this book is described as a typical example of its genre, aiming to prove that black is white and warning of those who would have readers believe differently. The reviewer finds the reasoning 'slipshod' and the imagination 'paucity,' but acknowledges the book's 'splendid photographs.' The review concludes that the book is 'pure tosh, if enthusiastically delivered.'

From Other Worlds: the Truth About Aliens, Abductions, UFOs and the Paranormal by Hilary Evans

Reviewed by Robin Allen, this book is considered better than its presentation suggests, asking pertinent questions about why paranormal phenomena occur. Evans makes points about the 'War of the Worlds' scare and suggests that ancient structures and drawings have mundane explanations. The Roswell incident is described as a 'magnificent example of myth-making.'

The Near-Death Experience: A Reader edited by Lee W Bailey and Jenny Yates

Reviewed by Christopher C French, this is a valuable collection of 24 readings on NDEs. It includes personal accounts and various interpretations, covering common themes like peace, out-of-body experiences, and meeting a being of light, as well as negative experiences. The reviewer notes that serious researchers do not doubt the occurrence of NDEs but debate their interpretation. The collection represents a wide range of arguments and issues, with the editors congratulated for their work.

Event Review: Parapsychology and the Paranormal

This review covers an afternoon event hosted by the Royal Statistical Society. Speakers Dr. Christopher French and Dr. Caroline Watt discussed how limitations of perception and cognitive biases can lead to mistaken beliefs in paranormal phenomena and coincidence. The review also touches upon the work of Richard Wiseman and the challenges of replicating findings in parapsychology, particularly concerning meta-analyses and 'experimenter effects.' The review notes that while the event provided a critical and fair look at the current state of parapsychology, some big questions were only briefly touched upon.

Letters

Skeptic in action

John Hall of Liverpool writes about a successful complaint made to the ITC regarding a Daily Mail advertisement for a horoscope supplement. While the advertisement was not banned, the ITC ruled it unacceptable for further transmission due to the 'no-personalisation' rule concerning the request for birth details. Hall encourages others to write complaints to address what he sees as a growing tide of paranormal lunacy.

What's in a word?

Eric Pettifor, via email, questions the definition of 'skeptic,' suggesting a difference between North American and British usage. He posits that the British definition is closer to agnostic, while the American is closer to a disbeliever. He expresses skepticism towards 'total skepticism' that does not question its own belief system.

On the shelf

Jim Pratt, a Public Services Librarian from Aberdeen, thanks The Skeptic for a complimentary copy and states it has been placed on public display.

Help wanted

Mr Errezzaki El Hassan from Morocco seeks skeptical publications and requests back issues and second-hand books.

Skeptics in the Park

An announcement for the first skeptics' picnic to be held at Regents Park, inviting attendees to bring their own food, drink, and a homemade UFO, with a prize for the UFO that flies the furthest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, the nature of evidence and reasoning, and the challenges of maintaining a skeptical stance in a world often swayed by pseudoscience and anecdotal evidence. The magazine consistently advocates for a scientific approach, emphasizing critical thinking, empirical evidence, and logical analysis. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-pseudoscience, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on well-established scientific principles. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and what is perceived as flawed or misleading interpretations of phenomena. The magazine also highlights the importance of clear communication and the difficulties inherent in translating complex scientific concepts to a general audience, particularly in the context of media representation. The reviews of books and events consistently apply a skeptical lens, evaluating claims based on their evidential support and logical coherence. The letters section further reinforces the magazine's commitment to promoting skeptical inquiry and engaging with readers on issues related to belief, evidence, and critical thinking. The magazine appears to be a platform for reasoned debate and the dissemination of skeptical viewpoints within the UK context, while also engaging with international authors and topics.