Skeptic - 2000 - Vol 13 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Date: January 2000 (estimated from issue numbering and content)
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Price: £2.50

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, Volume 13, Number 1, presents a collection of articles that critically examine various claims related to the paranormal, pseudoscience, and historical controversies. The cover prominently features the question "Satanic Cat Abuse?", hinting at an investigation into a potentially sensational or misunderstood topic. The issue also lists other articles including "The last witchcraft trial", "Asking awkward questions", "Multiple personality disorder", and "Careers in pseudoscience", alongside regular features like "Plus News", "Book Reviews", "Comment", and "Humour".

Paranormal Picture Gallery

Page 2 features an article by Hilary Evans titled "Paranormal Picture Gallery". The piece discusses "the Devils of Loudun" and outbreaks of "Convent Hysteria" that occurred between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries. It describes how women in nunneries, often placed there due to lack of suitable marriage prospects, experienced outbreaks where they claimed to be possessed by demons, leading to disruptive behaviour.

Contents

Page 3 provides the full table of contents for Volume 13, Number 1. The magazine is published quarterly from PO Box 475, Manchester M60 2TH, United Kingdom. Key articles include:

• "Skeptic in Chains" by Wendy Grossman (Page 4)
• "Hits and Misses" (Page 5)
• "The Last Witchcraft Trial?" by Adam Buick (Page 7)
• "Awkward Questions" by Harold Hillman (Page 10)
• "Skeptical Stats" (Page 12)
• "The London Cat Flap" by Paul Chambers (Page 13)
• "Dissociative Identity Disorder" by Anna Stone (Page 14)
• "Have You Considered a Career in Pseudoscience?" by David Fisher (Page 17)
• "Statistical Folly and Prayer" by Dene Bebbington (Page 19)
• "Rhyme and Reason" by Steve Donnelly (Page 21)
• "Philosopher's Corner" by Julian Baggini (Page 22)
• "Reviews" (Page 23)
• "Letters" (Page 27)

The editorial team includes Editor Wendy M Grossman, Associate Editors Steve Donnelly and Toby Howard, and various administration and support staff. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the editors. The copy date for the next issue is June 1, 2000.

Skeptic in Chains

Wendy M Grossman's article "Skeptic in Chains" on page 4 discusses the turn of the millennium and the reliability of psychic predictions. She references a survey by Gene Emery tracking psychics' predictions for the 1990s, noting that psychics generally failed to predict significant events accurately, such as the fates of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, or the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Grossman also touches upon the media's reliance on sensationalist predictions and how the internet has become a platform for such claims. She humorously offers a pseudoscientific prediction for the internet stock bubble to burst.

Hits and Misses

This section, compiled by Wendy Grossman, covers several brief items:

• The Mars Effect: Mentions a claim that Americans might be Martians, based on research suggesting microbes from Mars could have landed on Earth.
• Freedom of Speech: Discusses the legal case of British writer David Irving suing American writer Deborah Lipstadt over her book on Holocaust denial. It highlights the complexities of libel laws and the right to free speech versus the right to comment on others' work.
• They shoulda seen it comin': Reports on a New York City program that recruited welfare recipients to work for Psychic Network, which was later ended.
• Strieber snaps: Refers to Whitley Strieber being criticized on a radio show for his alarmist claims about climate change, as detailed in his book "The Coming Global Superstorm".
• Alternative 2000: Notes that the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee was preparing a report on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
• Gross error: Describes "gross-out Alien" toys sold in the UK that were mistaken for a foetus by paramedics, highlighting the tendency to misinterpret mundane objects as evidence of the paranormal.
• Health fraud: Discusses a case where a woman had her uterus and ovaries removed after a surgeon claimed it was necessary, and the implications for patient information and the rise of alternative medicine.
• Failed foresight: Recounts the case of Wendell Williamson, who successfully sued his psychiatrist for $500,000 because the psychiatrist allegedly failed to foresee his violent rampage.

The Last Witchcraft Trial?

Adam Buick's article on page 7 examines the 1944 prosecution of Helen Duncan, a Scottish medium convicted under the Witchcraft Act of 1735. The article details how spiritualists like Duncan and Frances Brown exploited the grief of relatives during wartime by offering séances in Portsmouth. A naval officer's complaint led to police investigation, and Duncan was charged with fraud, not witchcraft. The article clarifies that the 1735 Act was intended to repeal harsher witchcraft laws and was primarily used against fraudulent mediums. Buick argues that Duncan's conviction was for fraud, not spiritualism, and that the prosecution successfully proved deliberate trickery. He notes that while the sentence might be debated, there was no miscarriage of justice as fraud was proven. The article also touches upon the Fraudulent Mediums Act of 1951, which replaced the 1735 Act and specifically addressed fraudulent mediumship.

Awkward Questions

Harold Hillman's article on page 10 discusses the importance of asking awkward questions to uncover truth and expose hypocrisy. He outlines tactics used by politicians, clerics, and academics to avoid answering such questions, including absence, misdirection, ridicule, and misquoting sources. Hillman notes that while democratic societies have mechanisms to encourage honest answers, establishments often resist change due to inbuilt resistance to exposing their flaws. He mentions the proposed Freedom of Information Act as a positive step towards greater transparency.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around skepticism towards paranormal claims, the exposure of fraud in spiritualism and pseudoscience, and the critical examination of questionable practices and beliefs. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and highlights instances where extraordinary claims lack substantiation. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking and debunking pseudoscientific and fraudulent activities, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of the Helen Duncan case and the critique of psychic predictions.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 13, Number 1, dated March 1953, features a cover story titled "The London Cat Flap" by Paul Chambers, exploring the phenomenon of animal mutilations and debunking sensationalist theories. The magazine also includes an investigative essay by Anna Stone on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), a piece by David Fisher on pursuing careers in pseudoscience, and a report by Dene Bebbington critiquing a study on the statistical significance of prayer.

The London Cat Flap

Paul Chambers investigates the series of cat mutilations that occurred in London during September 1998. While initial reports linked the incidents to Satanic rituals or teenage gangs, the RSPCA's Operation Obelisk concluded that most pets died of natural causes, such as being hit by cars or attacked by foxes. However, this conclusion was met with skepticism, and independent investigations continued, with theories ranging from Satanic cults to extraterrestrial involvement. The article also touches upon similar incidents in the USA and the possibility of stray animals being used for organ harvesting.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Anna Stone's prize-winning essay examines whether Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a legitimate psychiatric disorder. She contrasts the sociocognitive model (SCM), which views DID as a social construct, with the post-traumatic model (PTM), which attributes it to childhood trauma. The essay discusses diagnostic criteria, the role of media and therapists, and the rapid increase in DID diagnoses since the 1980s. Stone highlights the debate over whether DID is a genuine disorder or a product of suggestion and cultural influence, particularly concerning the potential for iatrogenesis (therapist-induced symptoms).

Have You Considered a Career in Pseudoscience?

David Fisher explores the potential for scientists to pursue careers in pseudoscientific fields. He notes that ideas like perpetual motion and free energy are sometimes receiving governmental and media support. Fisher suggests that for physicists facing poor job prospects, a move towards the 'Dark Side' might offer better pay and media attention, citing examples of individuals who have gained prominence through unconventional theories. The article points to journals and conferences that cater to these fringe ideas, while also cautioning about the risk of being indicted for fraud, as in the case of Stanley Meyer.

Statistical Folly and Prayer

Dene Bebbington reports on a 1982/83 study by Randolph Byrd that claimed to show the efficacy of intercessory prayer in improving the medical condition of patients in a coronary care unit. Bebbington critically analyzes the study's design, highlighting several methodological flaws. These include an impure control group, unclear criteria for outcome measurement, and potential biases in the entry status of patients. Bebbington concludes that the study's design is unsound, rendering its conclusions about the effects of prayer unreliable and demonstrating the futility of using statistical techniques to measure phenomena that are not empirically established.

Competition Results

The issue includes the results of a Millennial competition, where readers were challenged to identify an object in a photograph. L J Clarke of Uxbridge correctly identified the object as an aluminum foil pie plate, winning the competition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around critical examination of claims that lack empirical evidence, particularly in areas such as paranormal phenomena, psychological disorders, and pseudoscientific theories. The magazine's stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk sensationalism and expose methodological flaws in studies that purport to support extraordinary claims. The editorial approach emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and a critical evaluation of both popular beliefs and academic research.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 13, Number 1, published in January 2000, features a cover story titled "Rhyme and Reason" by Steve Donnelly, who is identified as a Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Salford. The magazine focuses on critical thinking, skepticism, and the examination of pseudoscientific claims and paranormal phenomena.

"Worts and all . . ." by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly's column addresses the challenge of navigating the vast amount of information available in the modern world, particularly concerning health. He emphasizes the importance of being an "intelligently skeptical" reader and knowing which sources to trust. As a physicist, he feels competent in areas like astrology and homeopathy but acknowledges that medical matters are more challenging for the layman. Donnelly describes his method of searching the internet for remedies, attempting to filter out commercial sites with vested interests and prioritizing impartial academic, medical, or government websites that report on clinical trials. He contrasts the hyperbolic claims of a commercial website promoting St. John's Wort with the more cautious findings of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The commercial site claimed St. John's Wort worked as well as Prozac, aided weight loss, increased energy, and treated numerous ailments. In contrast, the NIMH reported that studies found it might be useful for mild to moderate depression with fewer side effects than standard antidepressants, but warned of potentially harmful interactions with other drugs like oral contraceptives and medications for heart disease.

Donnelly uses St. John's Wort as an example of the vital importance of carefully filtering information from all sources. He notes that even the NHS offers dubious treatments like homeopathy, and that medical practitioners, while focused on healing, may not always prioritize establishing universal scientific truths. He advises seeking information from sites with less vested interest and looking for peer-reviewed clinical trials. He questions whether the average person, lacking the critical habits of Skeptic readers, applies this skeptical approach to online information.

"Philosopher's Corner" by Julian Baggini

Julian Baggini, the editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, discusses the concept of "fudge fairies" to illustrate a philosophical point about belief and evidence. He responds to critics who pointed out flaws in his arguments regarding karma and the afterlife, suggesting that if one claims justification for belief based on evidence that is only hypothetically available in another mode of being, it opens the door to all sorts of nonsense. Baggini argues that if evidence is either non-existent or hypothetically available, then beliefs like karma and the afterlife are on par with believing in invisible fudge fairies. He contends that if evidence does exist for karma or the afterlife, it is scarce, and that religious experiences, while cited as reasons for belief, may be influenced by cultural factors rather than transcendental ones. He concludes that the argument for belief in karma or the afterlife often relies on evidence that is either absent or weak.

Reviews

"NO SECRETS: Magic in Theory" by Peter Lamont and Richard Wiseman

Reviewed by Frank Chambers, this book is described as a study of magicians' methods, written by former professional magicians. It aims to help readers understand how magicians deceive audiences and how to detect fraudulent "pseudo-psychics." The authors draw on their experience and interviews with other magicians, explaining various techniques like misdirection and reconstruction of spectator analysis. The book categorizes magic tricks and discusses the difference between a magician and a pseudo-psychic. It also includes an extensive bibliography of conjuring psychology and theory.

"The Nurture Assumption: Why Children Turn Out The Way They Do" by Judith Rich Harris

Reviewed by Judy Harris, this book challenges the "nurture assumption" in child development, arguing that peer groups, rather than parents, are the primary influence on children's personalities and culture. Steven Pinker, in the foreword, calls it a "scholarly, revolutionary" work. Harris's "group socialization" theory suggests that children would develop similarly even if their home lives were unchanged but their peer interactions were altered. The reviewer, Lewis Jones, finds the book's arguments compelling and a "turning point in the history of psychology."

"The Encyclopaedia of Alien Encounters" by Alan Baker

Reviewed by John Gillies, this book is an "enjoyable – if inevitably superficial – tour through the byways of UFOlogy." While it covers a wide range of topics, the selection of entries is deemed odd, with notable omissions. The author's decision to avoid words like "allegedly" or "supposed" is noted, leading to a potentially uncritical tone, though it does discuss blatant frauds like Adamski. The book lacks an index but includes photos and suggestions for further reading, many of which are described as "credulous."

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Extraterrestrial Intelligence" by Michael Kurland

Reviewed by Charles Goodwin, this book is a wide-ranging survey of topics related to extraterrestrial intelligence, from ancient astronauts to alien abductions. Kurland claims an open mind but draws the line at logical inconsistencies. The reviewer notes inaccuracies and suggests that the author's research may be superficial, particularly regarding the alien autopsy film. Goodwin concludes that the book might be a starting point for those with little knowledge but is unlikely to satisfy skeptics.

"Everything Is Under Control" by Robert Anton Wilson, with Miriam Joan Hill

Reviewed by Ray Ward, this book aims to condense conspiracy theories into a single volume. It lists numerous conspiracies, including the JFK assassination and Roswell. However, the reviewer finds the book repetitive due to too many entries on similar topics and notes potential inaccuracies and a lack of in-depth research in some articles, such as the Bermuda Triangle and crop circles. While acknowledging its amusing style and usefulness as a first reference, Ward suggests better ways to spend the money.

"Psychic: True Paranormal Experiences" by Hans Holzer

Reviewed by Kate Holden, this book promises a pragmatic search for evidence of psychic phenomena but is found to be a dramatic failure. Holzer asserts that the psychic dimension is real and obeys specific laws, and that everyone has psychic powers. The book presents anecdotal tales and photographs, which the reviewer finds unconvincing. Holden notes the irony in Holzer's criticism of skeptical writers for selecting bibliographies that support their views, while his own work appears to do the same.

"Quantum Evolution: The New Science of Life" by Johnjoe McFadden

Reviewed by Louise Johnson, this book proposes a new mechanism for adaptive evolution, suggesting that novel replicating molecules or enzymes arise in single steps, challenging traditional Darwinian views. McFadden believes natural selection cannot account for the evolution of novelty and complexity, proposing "quantum evolution" as the mechanism for leaps, including the origin of life. Johnson expresses skepticism, finding the claims about beneficial states and the inverse quantum Zeno effect unconvincing and not a sufficient basis for a leap of faith.

"The Scole Report" by Montague Keen, Arthur Ellison and David Fontana

Reviewed by Richard Wiseman, this volume details investigations into physical mediumship. The Society for Psychical Research investigators observed phenomena in darkness but were unable to introduce effective controls. The reviewer notes that the validity of the controls used in experiments has been questioned by other critics. While the investigators are convinced of genuine paranormal phenomena, Wiseman suggests that skeptics will find the evidence less than watertight, but acknowledges the book offers insight into the difficulties of examining claims of physical mediumship.

Letters

"Fishy engineering" by Simon Birnstingl

Simon Birnstingl writes in response to a previous article on "Terminator gene technology," arguing that it misses the point of how the technology works. He suggests that safety measures should be closely linked to every new gene inserted into crops. He expresses less faith in genetic modification than some colleagues, believing there are better, cheaper, non-GM methods for improving agriculture. Birnstingl emphasizes the precautionary approach due to the potentially huge consequences of mistakes, citing the example of genetically modified Medaka fish becoming extinct within 40 generations.

"Positive and negative" by Montague Keen

Montague Keen comments on a previous article about the Society for Psychical Research conference. He expresses concern that Matt Colborn's inability to attend the first day's sessions might give readers a negative impression of psychical research. Keen highlights an evening symposium where Professor Archie Roy presented research on mediumistic messages, suggesting results were inconsistent with the view that all such messages are due to deception. He also discusses Professor Gary Schwartz's experiment involving mediums and bereaved sitters, noting the statistical improbability of the results being due to chance.

"Have a breather" by Bernard Howard

Bernard Howard suggests that Simon Brophy, in a previous issue, need not travel to France to learn about Breatharianism. He points to Harry Edwards' "A Skeptic's Guide to the New Age," which discusses proponents of Breatharianism and even refers to an 1813 book on Ann Moore, the "Fasting Woman of Tutlebury."

Back Issues

A list of available back issues of The Skeptic is provided, with titles and brief descriptions for volumes 4 through 12. Discounts are offered for purchasing multiple back issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are the critical evaluation of information, particularly in the context of health and the internet, and the examination of pseudoscientific claims and paranormal phenomena. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical approach, encouraging readers to question unsubstantiated claims and to seek evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific literacy and critical thinking, aiming to debunk myths and expose flawed arguments across a wide range of subjects, from alternative medicine and ufology to psychology and conspiracy theories. The reviews and letters sections serve to reinforce this stance by analyzing and critiquing various books and claims that fall outside the realm of established science.