Skeptic - 2002 - Vol 15 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 15 Number 2
Date: Summer 2002

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various topics with a critical and skeptical lens, focusing on pseudoscience, alternative medicine, and the demarcation between science and non-science. The cover story, "Ear Candles – The Brain Softening Effect: An Instructive Tale," by Norman Pridmore, is a detailed exposé of the practice of ear candling, questioning its efficacy and highlighting its dangers.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Kate Holden and Chris French, welcomes readers to issue 15.2 and outlines the contents, which include explorations of ear-candling, spirit photography, the distinction between science and non-science, and whether astrologers need to believe in astrology. They also appeal for volunteers to help with the marketing of The Skeptic, emphasizing the need for creative input to increase subscription levels and potentially make the magazine available in bookshops.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This section features a commentary by Hilary Evans on a 1972 magazine cover about UFOs. Evans discusses the suggestion that Earth's atmosphere might be inhabited by aerial life-forms, which could explain anomalies like 'blobs' falling from the sky and 'angel hair.' While acknowledging that 'angel hair' has been analyzed as biological, the origin of such phenomena drifting from the skies remains a mystery. Infra-red photography is noted for revealing anomalous objects, and luminous spheres in Norwegian valleys resist classification as ball lightning. However, Evans contrasts these with the more sensationalized depiction of intelligent, aggressive creatures on the magazine cover.

Ear Candles – The Brain Softening Effect: An Instructive Tale

Norman Pridmore meticulously debunks ear candling, a practice he describes as "Thermo-Auricular Therapy." He outlines the procedure, which involves inserting a hollow wax-soaked tube into the ear and lighting the other end, with practitioners claiming it draws out earwax and impurities through a vacuum effect. Pridmore states that no evidence supports these claims. Research indicates that the waxy deposits occur regardless of whether the candle is in the ear, and that a vacuum strong enough to draw wax would likely distort or rupture the eardrum. He cites documented cases of injury, including burns and impaction. Pridmore recounts his personal crusade against the practice, starting with a mention in a local newspaper that described ear candling with hyperbolic praise. His attempts to get his critical letter published in the newspaper were initially met with resistance, but eventually, his letter appeared, and he was able to provide information to concerned individuals. He also investigated the legality of such therapies in prisons, finding that ear candling is not among the approved complementary therapies.

Skeptic at large...

Wendy M. Grossman reflects on Isaac Asimov's posthumously published memoir, "It's Been a Good Life." She discusses Asimov's prolific writing career, his background as a research chemist, and his contributions to science fiction and non-fiction. Grossman notes that Asimov's science fiction has somewhat fallen out of favor as the genre increasingly emphasizes character development over scientific concepts. She also touches upon Asimov's co-founding of CSICOP (now CSI) alongside Martin Gardner, a fact that made the organization trustworthy to her. Grossman expresses disappointment that Asimov and his wife kept his cause of death (AIDS) a secret, wishing he had publicly disclosed it to help reduce the stigma associated with the illness, similar to Arthur Ashe.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several short items:

• Forget apples: It discusses a Sunday Times claim that newer apple varieties are as bad as cola or candy due to their higher sugar content, while overlooking their nutritional benefits. The piece criticizes the agricultural industry for developing sweeter produce, potentially negating the positive health advice to eat more fruit.
• Bankrupt consciousness: This item reports on the Hare Krishna movement's impending bankruptcy protection filing in the US due to child abuse lawsuits. It mentions that about 12 of the organization's 50 US temples are affected. A previous $400 million suit in Texas was dismissed, but a refiled suit is proceeding.
• New trends in alt-med: This segment highlights "hot" alternative medicine trends, including biophysics, colourpuncture, and gas discharge visualisation, describing them as high-tech "energy-based health systems." It questions the scientific basis of aligning energy fields and vibrational rates.
• Crackers: This piece explains the science behind cracking knuckles, stating that it involves creating a small gas bubble in the synovial fluid of the joints, and that this action does not cause arthritis, contrary to common belief.
• Decomposing: This short note references John Diamond and Ruth Picardie's critical views on alternative medicine during their illnesses, and Brian Appleyard's defense of alternative therapies, particularly his dismissal of statistics in favor of individual responses and his contention that the body responds if the mind is engaged.

Vampire days

This section recounts the case of a German couple convicted of murder who claimed to be vampires acting on the devil's orders. Psychiatrists diagnosed them with "severe narcissistic personality disturbances." The judge dismissed the case as a murder, not a satanic ritual, and the couple's lawyer suggested demonic possession was a cover. The piece expresses sympathy for the couple, whose appearance might lead to them being unfairly stigmatized, drawing a parallel to the negative attention teens in black coats received after the Littleton, Colorado shootings.

Educational

This section contains humorous course announcements from "Harpden Polytechnic" for extra-terrestrials, including topics like "Table Manners," "The Do's and Don'ts of First Dating," and "The Reason and Necessity for Queuing." The fees are payable in pounds sterling.

Classifieds

This section includes various classified advertisements, such as a documentary film crew seeking information on cat-eating plants, anti-gravity bobble hats, a lost cat, a DIY UFO landing area kit, a missing Persian cat, a torch, and a missing kitten.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of claims that lack scientific evidence, particularly in the realm of alternative medicine and paranormal phenomena. The Skeptic magazine consistently adopts a stance of skepticism, promoting rational inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. The editorial team and contributors actively challenge pseudoscience, pseudoscientific therapies like ear candling, and unsubstantiated beliefs, encouraging readers to apply critical thinking to extraordinary claims. The magazine also engages with broader cultural and scientific topics, such as the legacy of science fiction authors and the public perception of health issues. The overall editorial stance is one of promoting scientific literacy and debunking misinformation.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 15, Number 2, published by The Skeptic with an ISSN of 1352-4707, is dated as Issue 15, Number 2, with a cover price of £2. The issue explores the demarcation between science and pseudoscience, the history and exposure of spirit photography, the Raelian movement's origins and beliefs, and the philosophical challenges of identifying nonsense.

Science or Non-science?

Doug Bramwell examines the features that distinguish science from pseudoscience. He discusses the inadequacy of relying on a single criterion like falsifiability, as proposed by Karl Popper, noting that while testability is crucial, hypotheses cannot be tested in isolation. Scientific theories must also predict observable events beyond those they explain. The 'fruitfulness' of a theory, its ability to initiate new research, is also highlighted with the example of Einstein's relativity theory. The 'scope' of a theory, its explanatory power, and 'simplicity' (Occam's Razor) are presented as additional measures of scientific soundness. Bramwell argues that pseudosciences are static and do not progress, often introducing scientific-sounding terms like 'quantum' or 'energy' without empirical basis. He contrasts this with science's reliance on logical deduction from observations and rigorous criticism by peers, noting that pseudoscientists often dismiss criticism as closed-mindedness.

Symptoms of Non-Science

The article outlines common characteristics of non-science, emphasizing that anecdotes are unreliable evidence. It points out how personal interpretations, established beliefs, and desires influence perception. Phenomena like 'coincidence' are often misinterpreted as paranormal confirmation. Misjudgments of probability, particularly in repeated random events, are also common. The author notes that most skeptics understand the burden of proof lies with the claimant, but non-skeptics can be difficult to convince. The argument that unexplained phenomena must be supernatural is also critiqued, as science has historically explained previously mysterious events.

Why Do They Believe?

Bramwell questions why people hold onto beliefs that are resistant to evidence. He references Gregory W. Lester's suggestion that beliefs have survival value by being resistant to short-term sensory assessments, making them slow to change even when faced with contrary evidence. He advises skeptics to be patient with friends who hold such beliefs.

A Case of Spirits

Chris Willis investigates the history of spirit photography, a practice popular from the mid-Victorian era to the 1920s, where photographers produced images claiming to show ghosts. Thousands were reportedly hoaxed, with unscrupulous photographers making money by preying on the grief of bereaved individuals. William H. Mumler of Boston was an early proponent, whose methods were condemned by P.T. Barnum. Mumler narrowly escaped conviction, but others, like Édouard Buguet in Paris, were imprisoned for fraud. Spirit photography saw a revival after World War I, with William Hope being a prominent figure, later exposed by Harry Price. Magicians like Houdini actively worked to expose such frauds. The article details the notorious case of Ada Emma Deane, who produced a photo of soldiers at the Cenotaph that was revealed to be a composite of living footballers and boxers. Despite modern skepticism, spirit photography persists in altered forms, such as aura photography and even claims of contacting the dead via the internet.

Philosopher's Corner

Julian Baggini tackles the distinction between falsehood and nonsense, finding the latter more challenging to assess. He introduces the 'principle of charity,' which requires interpreting opposing views in their strongest possible form to avoid straw man arguments. While true or false statements can be evaluated, nonsense, like 'the yellow anger sung exponentially,' does not lend itself to such judgment. Baggini discusses the 'Derrida problem,' where confusion in understanding complex philosophical texts can lead to dismissing them as nonsense. He argues that while it's tempting to dismiss incoherent pronouncements, the principle of charity suggests suspending judgment until full understanding is achieved, posing a dilemma for skeptics who often rely on identifying incoherence in paranormal claims.

Do Astrologers Have To Believe In Astrology?

Nick Campion questions the usefulness of the concept of 'belief' when applied to astrology. He notes that the historical task of the skeptic movement has been to counter the rise in paranormal belief, but the assumption that astrology's acceptance is increasing may be flawed. Campion critiques the methodology of studies on astrology belief, which often rely on horoscope readership or visits to astrologers. He points out that direct questions about personal beliefs can yield variable results depending on the asker and the respondent's feelings. He highlights research by Glenn Sparks suggesting low belief in the accuracy of horoscopes, contrasting it with studies eliciting higher belief by asking about personal engagement with astrological concepts. The article suggests that figures for belief in astrology are highly variable and almost meaningless due to methodological weaknesses.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of diverse statistics, including the number of Americans over 100 years old (50,000), the percentage of Britons donating blood (5%), the weight of a crystal ball dropped in Times Square (1070lbs), and the amount of compensation demanded of Hare Krishnas ($400 million). It also includes data on Iridium subscriber projections, bankruptcy filings, honey production, UK banks involved in Enron's schemes, dieting rates among British girls, US workforce in Silicon Valley, Pop-Tarts dropped in Afghanistan, penis extension spam offers, spending on Prozac, Monsanto's research on corn, Amazon.com's profit and debt, Sky News viewer opinions on Valentine's Day, cloned kitten attempts, children's knowledge of cooking, nutritionist advice on egg consumption, costs of psychic readings, and FTC complaints. Sources for these statistics are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of claims that lack empirical evidence or scientific rigor. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical approach, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims, demand evidence, and understand the scientific method. There is a clear editorial stance against pseudoscience, paranormal beliefs, and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for rational inquiry and critical thinking. The issue also touches upon the philosophical underpinnings of belief and skepticism, suggesting patience and understanding when engaging with those who hold different views, while firmly upholding the principles of scientific evidence and logical reasoning.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 15, Number 2
Date: 2002

This issue of The Skeptic delves into the multifaceted nature of belief, particularly in relation to astrology, and features a range of book reviews covering diverse scientific and historical topics.

The Nature of Belief and Astrology

The lead article questions the definition and measurement of belief, especially concerning astrology. It highlights discrepancies in studies attempting to quantify belief in astrology, suggesting methodological flaws and arbitrary judgments. The author notes that the word 'belief' itself has become loaded, often implying falsehood or even mental illness in skeptical discourse. A questionnaire administered to delegates at the 2000 British Astrological Association conference revealed that while 57% of respondents claimed to believe in astrology, a significant portion (43%) opted for 'no', 'don't know', or 'other'. Many astrologers disputed the term 'belief,' arguing that astrology simply 'works' and is an observable part of the natural world, rather than something to be believed in. The article touches upon the Barnum Effect as a potential explanation for why astrologers might perceive astrology as effective.

The author expresses growing skepticism about 'belief' as a useful category for measuring astrology or related phenomena, suggesting that the distinction between 'strong' and 'weak' believers is problematic. The article also addresses the existence of published positive results for astrology, the ongoing debate within astrology regarding the relevance of scientific tests, and the potential for research into skeptics' gullibility to blur lines between skeptics and believers.

Book Reviews

Headcase: A User's Guide To The Brain by John Ratey

Reviewed by Willem Betz, this book is described as an extensive and digestible review of the human brain's workings. It covers various neurological and psychological functions, offering metaphors and advice for understanding and overcoming disorders. The book takes a firm stance against the Freudian school and the recovered memory crowd, and it offers a more discreet perspective on 'emotional intelligence.' While valuable for health professionals, it primarily references other books rather than journal articles for further reading.

Are Fairies So Different? Fairies in Nineteenth-century Art and Literature by Nicola Bown

Reviewed by Chris Willis, this book explores the Victorian fascination with fairies, noting that these were often depicted as more sinister than the twee figures seen today. Bown argues this fascination was an expression of nostalgia for a vanished rural past, impacted by industrialization and Darwinism. The review highlights the book's discussion of Darwinism in relation to art and suggests it be read alongside exhibition catalogues. It concludes by questioning whether modern beliefs in crop circles and alien abductions are fundamentally different from Victorian beliefs in fairies.

Religion or Magic? A Magick Life: A Biography of Aleister Crowley by Martin Booth

Reviewed by Wolf Roder, this biography of Aleister Crowley is described as competent and easy to read, though difficult to understand or sympathize with. It covers Crowley's life from 1875 to 1947, his background as a chess player and poet, his mountaineering achievements, and his development into a figure who pushed experiential boundaries. The review notes Crowley's opposition to Christianity and his borrowing from Theosophy and Spiritualism, defining magic as using one's will to accomplish things without obvious means. The author points out that many of Crowley's concepts, such as imagination and the subconscious, are now topics in psychiatry. Crowley's inspirations from Rosicrucians, Knights Templar, and Cathars are mentioned, along with the names of organizations he founded.

Timeslip: How To Build A Time Machine by Paul Davies

Reviewed by Frank Chambers, this book is critiqued for failing to explain how to build a time machine and for learning that it's not possible with current understanding. The review notes the book's small format and numerous illustrations that add little value. Chambers finds the text informative but not particularly useful for popular science, criticizing some of Davies's remarks for their imprecision and the use of