Skeptic - 2001 - Vol 14 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 14, Number 4
Date: Undetermined, but likely early 2000s based on content.
Publisher: The Skeptic (UK)
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic, with Kate Holden and Chris French taking over as editors, focuses on critical examination of various phenomena, from alleged sightings of "Alien Big Cats" to the nature of scientific inquiry and the debunking of paranormal claims.

Editorial

Kate Holden and Chris French introduce themselves as the new editors, stating their aim is to encourage critical thinking and provide alternative explanations for paranormal phenomena. They acknowledge the significant contributions of previous editors, particularly Wendy M. Grossman, and express their intention to build upon the magazine's existing foundation rather than radically changing it. They invite feedback from readers and potential contributors.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several distinct topics:

• The mobile effect: The Society for Psychical Research's theory that the introduction of mobile phones has led to a drop in ghost reports is discussed. The article humorously suggests alternative explanations, including fashion in beliefs and the "Skeptic effect" itself.
• Urban legends: The issue examines urban legends emerging from the September 11th attacks, such as the "Klingerman virus" hoax and false claims about NASA satellite photos. It also debunks a CNN report featuring footage of dancing Palestinians that was misattributed.
• Hair today: The article reports on Oxford scientists investigating hair found in Bhutan, believed to be from a Yeti. It notes that previous such cases have been matched to known animals, and questions the effectiveness of a "Yeti-hunter" who only found hair.
• In search of miracles: The process of canonizing Mother Teresa is discussed, focusing on the examination of alleged miracles. The article notes the deluge of letters claiming miraculous healings and the church's process for verifying such claims.

Queen Astrid of Belgium: A Paranormal Picture Gallery

This section, featuring a photograph, discusses a séance in Copenhagen where Queen Astrid of Belgium reportedly reappeared three years after her death. The article questions the details of her appearance, including the robes she was wearing and the state of her body, and speculates on the possibility of her death being less accidental than reported.

How Big is an Alien Big Cat?

David Hambling explores the phenomenon of "Alien Big Cats" (ABCs) in Britain. He notes the numerous reports of large, unidentifiable cats and the insistence of groups like the British Big Cat Society that they are real. However, Hambling presents evidence from cases where alleged ABCs were captured or killed, revealing them to be misidentified domestic animals, hybrids, or even animals wearing collars. Examples include a Caracal mistaken for a lion, a Retriever-Rottweiler cross called Rocky, and a European lynx named Lara. The article also discusses the "Kellas Cat," a hybrid of wildcat and domestic cat, and the unreliability of human perception in judging size and distance, especially when encountering the unusual. The conclusion is that there is no solid evidence for large cats living wild in Britain, and many sightings are triggered by unusual causes or misinterpretations.

Skeptic at large...

Wendy M. Grossman reflects on a "bad week for science," citing a £250,000 BSE study abandonment due to mistaken identity of cow brains, and the proposal of a national panel to combat scientific fraud. She highlights instances of scientific misconduct, including falsified drug trials and fabricated test results. Grossman contrasts science as a process of discovery with religion as a set of answers, emphasizing that science is uncomfortable because new findings can overturn established knowledge. She discusses the public's confusion about scientific terms like "theory" and "fact," which aids the spread of pseudoscience. Grossman concludes that despite the damage to public trust, science, as a process, is greater than the sum of its scientists, and that peer review, while imperfect, helps to identify errors and fraud.

Other Articles and Sections

• The shape of bags to come: This piece humorously examines the science behind designing the optimal teabag, discussing the evolution of teabag shapes and the research concluding that size, not shape, is the most important factor for infusion rate.
• Aborting crime: The article revisits the controversial study linking legalized abortion to a drop in crime rates, presenting a re-examination that suggests the correlation is coincidental, with the rise and fall of crack cocaine use being a more significant factor.
• Timely Predictions: A quote from psychic Patricia McLaine highlights the difficulty in determining the exact timing of psychic predictions.
• Reviews and Letters: These sections, typical of magazines, would contain critical assessments of books and reader correspondence.
• Comment and Humour: These sections are mentioned on the cover, indicating the magazine includes opinion pieces and light-hearted content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the importance of critical thinking, the examination of urban legends and hoaxes, and the defense of science as a rigorous process of inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational explanations and evidence-based reasoning, actively seeking to counter sensationalism and pseudoscience in media coverage and public discourse. The magazine aims to educate its readers on how to approach extraordinary claims with a critical and analytical mindset.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 14 Number 4, dated September 2001, features a prominent cover story titled "Born That Way? A Brief Look at the Sexual Orientation Controversy" by Barry F. Seidman. The magazine explores the scientific and societal debate surrounding the origins of homosexuality, questioning whether it is an innate characteristic or a choice.

Science Draws First Blood...

The article by Barry F. Seidman begins by acknowledging the increased commonplace nature of "Mum, I'm gay" confessions, yet notes the continued difficulty and potential for familial estrangement or suicide. It poses the question of whether individuals are "born that way" and suggests that a scientific approach could lead to greater coexistence, free from bigotry.

Historically, homosexuality has been viewed as abnormal or a crime, with psychologists and philosophers exploring negative cause-and-effect scenarios like parental abuse or environmental pressures. However, in recent years, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and genetics have introduced new hypotheses. Roger A. Gorski's 1978 study on rats observed a larger cell cluster in the medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus in males, an area linked to sexual behavior. This is theorized to be influenced by testosterone during a critical prenatal period. Laura Allen, a student of Gorski, found similar structures (INAH 3) in the human brain, which were about three times larger in men than in women and notably smaller or absent in some gay men.

The Closet Door Opens

Neuroscientist Dr. Simon LeVay, founder of the Institute of Gay and Lesbian Education, examined hypothalamus specimens from homosexual and heterosexual men. His findings indicated that the INAH 3 cell group was two to three times larger in men than women, and also larger in straight men than gay men, with some gay men showing its absence. Statistical analysis suggested a low probability of these results being due to chance.

Geneticist Dr. Dean Hammer investigated genetic factors, finding that a man with gay siblings had a 14 percent likelihood of being gay, compared to two percent otherwise. He proposed X-chromosome linkage, where traits influenced by genes on the X chromosome are inherited from the mother and observed in male relatives. Hammer's research using DNA linkage found that twin brothers had a random likelihood of sharing DNA matches in a specific region of the X chromosome (Xq28), suggesting inherited genes from their mother's X chromosome, a pattern not seen in heterosexual brothers.

The Door Slams

Following the media attention on LeVay's and Hammer's work, critics emerged. At a 1997 conference, Dr. Jeffrey Statinover argued that homosexuality is determined environmentally. He suggested that LeVay's findings might be due to the activity of homosexuality itself altering brain structures, rather than vice versa. However, LeVay's research indicated that the cell structures in question develop early in life, making post-puberty lifestyle changes unlikely to affect them.

Statinover also proposed child abuse as a primary cause for homosexuality in men, a hypothesis LeVay found untested and questionable. The organization NARTH (National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality) is presented as a vocal critic of LeVay and Hammer. NARTH's mission is to provide psychological understanding of homosexuality's causes, treatment, and behavioral patterns. They advocate that homosexuality is an abnormal behavior, a "faltering to function according to design," and offer a "cure." NARTH attributes statistics on suicide and drug use among gays to their sexual preference rather than societal reaction, dismissing scientific research that suggests they are born that way.

The Mismeasure of Desire

Law professor Janet Hallen reviews Edward Stein's book, "The Measure of Desire," which critiques the notion that sexual orientation is biological and unchangeable, arguing against it being an unfair basis for moral condemnation. Stein agrees with NARTH that LeVay's work was "problematic" for not considering sexual behavior as a cause for brain changes. He likens homosexuality to taste in music or career choice, suggesting it is a chosen behavior rather than an innate disposition.

The Gay Wild

Biologist Dr. Bruce Bagemihl's book, "Biological Exuberance," aims to dispel the myth that homosexuality does not occur in nature. Bagemihl presents evidence of homosexual activity in various animals, from grizzly bears to salmon, suggesting that while nurture and nature are both relevant, sexual behavior can stem from multiple origins, including social factors and acceptance.

Some Conclusions

The article concludes by questioning what determines "normal" or "okay" behavior. It posits that while most sexual relationships are heterosexual, making homosexuality statistically abnormal, it is not unhealthy or unnatural based on scientific evidence. The debate on whether homosexuality is a choice is complex, with sexual disposition likely not a choice. The article stresses the importance of tolerance and suggests that further research in genetics and neuroscience is needed before definitively concluding the nature versus nurture debate.

Nostradamus Said What?

David Hambling examines claims that Nostradamus predicted the September 11th attacks. He reveals that the widely circulated verses were cobbled together from different sources and creatively interpreted. For instance, a quatrain about the "year 1999, seventh month" and a "great King of Terror" was misattributed and the year was incorrect. Another quatrain about "forty-five degrees" was also inaccurate for New York's latitude. The lines about "two twin brothers torn apart by chaos" and the "third big war" are identified as fabrications or misinterpretations. Hambling notes that with Nostradamus' ambiguous writings, it's easy to find patterns that fit events through creative interpretation. He also points out that a quatrain about "The Great Trade" and "a great Lyons" was previously interpreted as a prediction of the siege of Lyons in 1795.

Post-Modernism and Parapsychology

Ron Roberts discusses the impact of post-modernism on our sense of reality, particularly in the wake of events like the World Trade Center attack. He notes how media and Hollywood have blurred the lines between reality and simulation, leading to a pervasive "post-modern life" characterized by a rejection of absolute truth, progress, and objective standards. This climate, where reality is seen as permeable and subject to multiple interpretations, presents fundamental challenges to disciplines like parapsychology, which already struggles with repeatable findings and exists at the crossroads of rationalism and superstition.

Roberts argues that modern scientific discourse, with its emphasis on random processes and the military-industrial complex, can appear heartless, leading people to seek solace in religious dogma, New Age beliefs, or UFO phenomena. He suggests that while scientific rhetoric may be limited, life is more complex than it allows. The post-modern worldview challenges scientific values and the idea of a singular reality, making it difficult to distinguish between real and simulated experiences. This raises questions about what constitutes everyday reality and whether a world accepting of phenomena like levitation or mind reading makes less sense than one where war is waged for peace.

Rhyme and Reason

Steve Donnelly, in his "Rhyme and Reason" column, addresses religious beliefs and skepticism. He states that he generally avoids discussions of religion in the context of skepticism, believing there is no inherent conflict between belief in deities and a scientific approach, as long as beliefs do not have observable consequences. He posits that a scientific and skeptical worldview can coexist with religious beliefs, citing Sir Nevill Mott's idea of a non-interventionist God. However, Donnelly contrasts this with fundamentalist beliefs, particularly those that fueled the September 11th attacks. He criticizes the certainty of fundamentalists, who derive their understanding from scriptures, contrasting it with the scientific principle of humility and doubt. He recounts the controversial statements made by Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson following 9/11, blaming the ACLU and other groups for America's perceived punishment. Donnelly concludes that while a scientific approach doesn't solve all societal problems, it avoids imposing unquestionable truths. He urges readers to question the pronouncements of scientists, politicians, and spin doctors, while also praying to non-omniscient deities and avoiding the influence of extremists.

Philosopher's Corner

Julian Baggini, in his "Philosopher's Corner," introduces three character types based on psychological development: the acceptive reactor, the critical raptor, and the critical constructor. The acceptive reactor is passive and easily influenced. The critical raptor, while believing themselves wise, jealously guards their theories and dismisses opposing views. The critical constructor, however, approaches their own and others' views with skepticism, seeking rational scrutiny and a broad outlook. Baggini suggests that many readers of The Skeptic might see themselves as critical constructors but risk being critical raptors if they don't employ constructive mind-tools. He introduces "empathological transfer" (assuming intelligence in others) and "gatewaying" (developing threshold truths) as essential tools for critical thinking, urging readers to develop their psychological understanding and purchase his new book, "Release the Genius Within."

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of statistics on various topics, including: the number of families hiring babynames.com, lightning strike fatalities, properties advertised as having ghosts, American flags sold after 9/11, relief funds raised after 9/11, pages in Eli Lilly's FDA application for Xigris, bacteria on banknotes, scorpion living records, divorce likelihood based on workplace demographics, child mortality rates, cost of raising a child, stock recommendation trends, peanut butter formula tests, Starbucks openings in the UK, internet pornography use in Britain, dental health in Scottish children, phrenology's faculties of the mind, world population predictions, and the prevalence of genetically modified foods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of truth, reality, and belief, particularly in the context of skepticism. The magazine critically examines scientific claims, societal beliefs, and even pseudoscientific or fringe topics like parapsychology and Nostradamus' prophecies. There's a consistent emphasis on rational inquiry, the importance of evidence-based reasoning, and a cautious approach to claims that lack empirical support. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while also acknowledging the complexity of human experience and the limitations of purely rationalist explanations. The magazine encourages critical thinking and a questioning attitude towards all forms of authority and belief, whether scientific, religious, or political.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 14, Number 4, published in 2001, features a collection of book reviews and a letter to the editor. The magazine focuses on critical examination of claims related to pseudoscience, the paranormal, and unconventional beliefs.

Reviews

Zeno and the Tortoise: How to Think Like a Philosopher by Nicholas Fearn Reviewed by Wolf Roder, this book is described as a fun introduction to philosophical thinking tools. Fearn, a philosophy graduate, presents twenty-five short chapters, each focusing on a basic thinking tool invented or used by a prominent philosopher, from Thales of Miletus to Jacques Derrida. The book is organized chronologically and provides biographical sketches of philosophers, explaining concepts like Socrates' cross-examination, Plato's analogy, and Aristotle's teleology. It also covers less common ideas like Thomas Reid's 'common sense' and Gilbert Ryle's 'emergent properties'. While it includes thinkers like Popper, it omits Kuhn and Lakatos, and doesn't mention Newton, Leibniz, or Bertrand Russell. The review notes that familiar tools like 'reductio ad absurdum' and 'Ockham's razor' are clearly explained.

Little Green Men, Meowing Nuns and Head Hunting Panics: A Study of Mass Psychogenic Illness and Mass Panic by Robert E. Bartholomew Reviewed by Hilary Evans, this book is presented as a study of mass psychogenic illness. Bartholomew's approach is described as experience-based, starting with witness reports and understanding phenomena within a psychosocial context. The review highlights Bartholomew's previous work, 'UFOs & Alien Contact', and states that this new book compiles papers on collective outbreaks. It emphasizes that understanding these phenomena requires looking at human behavior and the cultural milieu, rather than dismissing them as mere fantasy. The book is seen as timely in understanding why bizarre happenings are claimed and why they take specific forms.

Parapsychology: The Science of Unusual Experience edited by R Roberts and D Groome Reviewed by John Gillies, this book features contributions from ten British academics, including well-known skeptics. It covers topics such as probability, coincidence, placebo effects, astrology, alien abductions, ESP, NDEs, and meditation. The review notes that while the book provides a broad interpretation of 'parapsychology' and cannot be comprehensive in its length, the discussions are reasonably detailed and up-to-date. The approach is characterized as 'open-mindedly skeptical', aiming to understand phenomena through psychological processes. The reviewer suggests it would be a good introduction for students or anyone seeking to understand modern scientific analysis of paranormal phenomena.

The Shattered Self: The End of Natural Evolution by Pierre Baldi Reviewed by Ray Ward, this book is an overview of contemporary trends in molecular biology and biotechnology, focusing on cloning and its ethical and social implications. Baldi uses 'order-of-magnitude physics' to help readers grasp large numbers and discusses how traditional notions of self are challenged by calculable possibilities. The review mentions Baldi's speculation on manipulating genes for auditory range and the potential phasing out of performing musicians. It also touches on the idea that human intelligence is a recent phenomenon compared to computers.

Confessions of a Rabbi and a Psychic by Shmuley Boteach and Uri Geller Reviewed by Mike Hutton, this book is presented as a series of letters between Rabbi Shmuley Boteach and psychic Uri Geller. The reviewer finds the content lacks authenticity and sounds more like journalism, questioning the need for letters when they supposedly talk often. The book's focus on 'philosophy of life' and autobiographical detail is noted. While Boteach is found to be interesting on the origins of Judaism, the reviewer states that Geller does not reveal the origin or nature of his paranormal powers, and the book fails to explain why spoons are bent.

Skepticism and Humanism: the New Paradigm by Paul Kurtz Reviewed by Ray Ward, this book is a collection of pieces by Paul Kurtz, founder of CSICOP. The first section, "Skeptics of the World Unite!", focuses on skepticism, including a summary of why Gauquelin's "Mars Effect" does not stand up to scrutiny. The other sections cover aspects of humanism. The review highlights Kurtz's eloquent advocacy for humanism and his critique of paranormal claims, using phrases like "stretched-sock" and "unsinkable-rubber-duck" syndromes. The book also discusses the Heaven's Gate mass suicide, alternative medicine, and the psychology of belief.

Buried Alive: The Terrifying History of Our Most Primal Fear by Jan Bondeson Reviewed by Chris Willis, this book is a skeptical account of the myths behind live burials. The reviewer, a claustrophobic, found the book fascinating, detailing Victorian fears and urban myths of live burials, such as a pregnant woman giving birth in her coffin. It also covers Victorians' inventions of alarm mechanisms for coffins and Germany's 'waiting mortuaries'. Bondeson is skeptical about the actual occurrence of such cases, noting that they are mercifully rare, though modern cases of people waking in hospital morgues are mentioned. The book is described as compulsive reading that demolishes many myths.

Letters

A Reply to Montague Keen by Christopher C. French This letter addresses criticisms from Montague Keen regarding Christopher French's approach to the media and the paranormal. French admits to being biased, stating that it's impossible for anyone to be unbiased when judging controversial issues like psi. He argues that skeptics do not have a greater bias than paranormal proponents and that the scientific method is the best way to minimize biases. French criticizes the implication that pro-paranormal authors like Dean Radin are unbiased. He also discusses the need for parapsychology to be treated with respect, acknowledging that experimental designs have become more refined. However, he asserts that this does not automatically mean there is overwhelming evidence for ESP, citing issues with replication, shoddy methodology, and fraud in some studies, while also acknowledging well-designed studies. French states his focus is on developing psychological models for phenomena that appear paranormal but are not, and he intends to resist being drawn into detailed discussions on specific pieces of evidence.

Back Issues

The magazine lists available back issues from Volume 4 (1992) to Volume 14 (2001), with prices for single issues and discounts for multiple purchases. Topics covered in previous issues range from UFO sightings and psychic phenomena to scientific debates and critiques of New Age beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific examination of paranormal claims and pseudoscientific beliefs. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on evidence-based reasoning. The reviews and the letter to the editor highlight the importance of rigorous methodology, replication, and the avoidance of bias in research. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and rational explanation, while acknowledging the complexity of human belief and behavior.