Skeptic - 2003 - Vol 16 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 16, Number 4
Date: Winter 2003

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, published quarterly, focuses on critical examination of various phenomena and beliefs, with a strong emphasis on scientific skepticism. The cover prominently features the question "Organised Religious Faith ... Why?", suggesting a critical look at religion. Other highlighted topics include "The Need For Open-Minded Skepticism" and "Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis", along with "News, Book Reviews, Comment, Humour".

Editorial

The editorial, written by Julia Nunn and Chris French, welcomes readers to issue 16.4. It introduces the main articles, including Rupert Sheldrake's radical views on staring and ESP, contrasting them with David Marks' perspective. It also mentions Martin Parkinson's renewed investigation into Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Douglas George's forthright views on organized religion. The editorial notes the recent 11th European Skeptics Congress held in London and announces Paul Taylor as the new Book Reviews editor, thanking Toby Howard for his service. It concludes by encouraging reader engagement with the regular columns, letters, cartoons, and reviews.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This section features an illustration titled "La passeggiata notturna di un sonnambulo suonator di trombone sul tetto della sua casa a Hettstadt in Germania" (The nocturnal promenade of a sleepwalking trombonist on the roof of his house in Hettstadt, Germany). The accompanying text describes the case of Joseph Furst in 1932, a municipal band member who sleepwalked on his roof. It also references similar behavior in 17th-century convent hysteria and an 1857 outbreak in Morzine, suggesting a psychological explanation remains a mystery. Hilary Evans is identified as co-proprietor of the Mary Evans Picture Library.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several brief topics:

• Mars is frowning upon us: Discusses astrological claims about Mars' proximity to Earth and contrasts them with astronomical facts. Ian Ridpath is quoted stating there is "no intelligent life on Mars." DJ Walker-Morgan humorously links planetary alignments to "cheesy radio shows."
• Astrology needs to be true: Reports on a study published in the Journal of Consciousness Studies by Geoffrey Dean and Ivan Kelly, which found no similarities among babies born in early March 1958, refuting astrological predictions about personality based on birth charts.
• Not the minority report: Highlights Carnegie-Mellon University's development of crime prediction software that can predict crime occurrences with 80% accuracy in specific urban areas, based on 10 years of data. The article notes the potential impact of such predictions on police and public behavior.

Real women see psychics

This article discusses the results of a survey published in Real Magazine, indicating that 52% of British women had seen psychics, with a quarter reporting life changes. It lists common superstitions among the 3,000 female respondents, including touching wood (68%), breaking a mirror (64%), crossing fingers (64%), walking under a ladder (61%), seeing one magpie (53%), putting shoes on the table (46%), throwing salt over the left shoulder (41%), the number 13 (31%), killing spiders (15%), crossing knife and fork on a plate (11%), and the color green (8%). The article questions the nature of superstitious beliefs and whether they hold meaning if unobserved.

How to be too skeptical without really trying

This piece recounts a TV researcher's inquiry about witchcraft, leading to a discussion about child sacrifices. The author expresses skepticism about claims of child sacrifices in developed countries, differentiating it from Muti practices in Africa, which can involve animal or human sacrifice for medicinal purposes. The article acknowledges a potential oversight in not pressing the researcher for more details and clarifies that the magazine opposes child killing regardless of the excuse.

Where do the clippings go?

This short section explains that the magazine's clippings, previously sent to Mike Hutchinson, will now be sent to stock the library of the new Center for Inquiry in Germany. It thanks contributors and reminds them to use the magazine's current address.

Skeptic at large

Wendy M Grossman explores the question of "what function believing something serves" versus whether it is true. She discusses a conference where speakers shared stories of receiving guidance from deceased relatives, questioning the reality of such experiences and the sanity of those who believe them. Grossman also touches upon Geoffrey Dean's study refuting astrological claims and Elizabeth Loftus's research on implanting false beliefs. She concludes by stating her preference for knowing whether things are true and making decisions based on hard evidence, while acknowledging the value of exploring the consequences of beliefs.

The Need For Open-Minded Scepticism

This article features Rupert Sheldrake's reply to David Marks regarding research on staring and return-anticipating dogs. Sheldrake criticizes Marks' book "The Psychology of the Psychic" as biased and misleading. He presents his own experiments on the sense of being stared at, which he claims show consistent positive and highly significant results, replicated widely. He argues that these results are consistent with a genuine sense of being stared at and refute Marks' "implicit learning hypothesis" by pointing out flaws in Marks' and Colwell's experiments, such as the lack of feedback in some trials and the confounding variable of different starers. Sheldrake also discusses his research on return-anticipating dogs, again criticizing Marks' account as misleading.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena. The magazine critically examines claims related to religion, pseudoscience, and paranormal experiences, encouraging readers to question beliefs and seek empirical evidence. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness tempered with rigorous scrutiny, as exemplified by the discussions on the need for open-minded skepticism and the critique of methodologies that appear to pre-judge conclusions. The magazine aims to inform and engage its readership in rational inquiry.

Title: The SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume 16 Number 4
Date: September 2005
Publisher: CSICOP, Inc. (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic magazine features a range of articles examining pseudoscientific claims and skeptical perspectives on various phenomena.

Article: Jaytee's Anticipatory Behaviour

The issue begins with a detailed defense of research into the anticipatory behavior of dogs, specifically focusing on a dog named Jaytee owned by Pam Smart. The author, likely Rupert Sheldrake given the references, refutes criticisms from figures like David Marks and Richard Wiseman. The research involved 100 videotaped trials where Jaytee's behavior was recorded during Pam's absences. Jaytee anticipated Pam's return on 82% of occasions, even with short absences, and at least 10 minutes in advance when she used unfamiliar vehicles. Further experiments showed Jaytee waited significantly more when Pam was returning from longer distances. The author dismisses the learning hypothesis, stating Jaytee's behavior was consistent across short, medium, and long absences. Control trials where Pam did not return were also noted, where Jaytee did not exhibit anticipatory behavior. The article criticizes Wiseman et al. for allegedly discarding their own data to fit a preconceived conclusion that Jaytee failed their tests, inventing arbitrary criteria and ignoring significant findings.

Article: Power, Arcana, and Hypnobabble

Martin Parkinson reflects on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), describing it as a disturbing experience that led to existential nausea. He views NLP as a collection of borrowed ideas, particularly Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and an 'overrated version of hypnosis.' Parkinson argues that while simple verbal instructions can be potent in therapy, NLP exaggerates their potential, leading to a 'wishing can make it so' mentality. He criticizes the NLP assertion that 'all communication is hypnosis,' calling it a fantasy of wizardry. The article discusses the book 'Frogs into Princes' by Bandler & Grinder, highlighting its unpleasant tone and questionable claims, such as installing false memories and creating entire personal histories for individuals, even programming dream generators. Parkinson questions the arrogance implicit in such claims and the way NLP practitioners might position themselves as an elite group.

Article: Organised Religious Faith ... Why?

Douglas George tackles the structures and assumptions of organized religion. He begins by stating that religious organizations own 8% of the Earth's habitable land and are the oldest multinational companies. He uses the Catholic Church as an example of a hierarchical structure with departments akin to a business. George questions the primary purpose of organized religion, suggesting it is to gain followers and control, rather than genuinely help the poor and needy. He argues that religions often prefer followers to be uneducated and unquestioning. He criticizes the idea that religious beliefs are divinely inspired, proposing instead that they are a natural consequence of social evolution, where leaders establish authority and create narratives to maintain power. George expresses skepticism towards religious claims, particularly those involving divine intervention, and advocates for a 'happy cynic' or 'positive skeptic' approach, emphasizing reason and evidence. He questions the concept of eternal life in heaven, finding it potentially boring and lacking in detail from religious leaders. He also ponders the lack of inquiry into the future or the vastness of the universe by religious prophets.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of diverse statistics, ranging from financial data and scientific research funding to quirky facts about internet spam, mobile phone throwing championships, and the cost of a cat translator device. The statistics are sourced from various publications and websites, highlighting a wide array of data points that can be interpreted through a skeptical lens.

Skeptics in the Pub

A notice announces the 'Skeptics in the Pub' events, which are held monthly for those interested in or skeptical about the paranormal. These events feature invited speakers followed by informal discussions. Contact information for Nick Pullar and the Skeptic website are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of claims that fall outside conventional scientific understanding. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical approach, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and the refutation of pseudoscience. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and a rationalist worldview, challenging claims of psychic abilities, exaggerated therapeutic techniques like NLP, and the unquestioned acceptance of religious dogma. The articles encourage readers to question assumptions, critically evaluate evidence, and maintain an open yet discerning mind.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 16, Number 4
Date: 2003
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various aspects of skepticism, rationality, and the challenges posed by pseudoscience and irrational beliefs.

Rhyme and Reason by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly, a physics professor, reflects on the irony of his own behavior, noting that his children, whom he encouraged to be rational, now question his own 'irrational' tea-making rituals. He admits to engaging in behavior not based on rational principles, such as warming the teapot before adding water, and questions whether a slight temperature difference affects the brew. This personal reflection leads him to observe his own intolerance of superstitious behavior in others, even fellow scientists. He recounts an incident in Latvia where his Russian colleague, Anatoly, refused a gift of disposable razors, believing sharp blades bring bad luck, and would only accept them if paid for. Donnelly suggests that skeptics should quietly reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors before criticizing others, questioning the justification for railing against others' irrationalities if we cannot eliminate our own small ones.

Philosopher's Corner by Julian Baggini

Julian Baggini, the editor, expresses his own 'bore' of constantly questioning things, even when it comes to fiction. He discusses Philip Pullman's use of the I Ching in his novels, acknowledging Pullman's explanation that it can function like a Rorschach test to free creative thought. However, Baggini remains bothered by any perceived endorsement of mystical practices. He argues that even seemingly minor instances of irrationality, when presented favorably, can sustain illusions for those desperate to believe. He cautions against being overly critical, suggesting it can be a sign of intolerance or overconfidence, and that energy should be conserved for more significant battles. He also notes that documentaries debunking pseudoscience can paradoxically keep myths alive by building up the 'mystery'.

ASKE News from Michael Heap

Michael Heap, Chairman of ASKE (Association for Skeptical Enquiry), writes about his contribution to the 11th European Skeptics Congress in London, hosted by ASKE and sponsored by ECSO, CSICOP, and The Skeptic. He thanks various individuals and organizations for their support, including Mike Hutchinson, Chris French, Julia Santomauro, Barry Karr, Paul Kurtz, Ray Hyman, Barry Beyerstein, Tony Youens, Edzard Ernst, Robert Morris, Leslie Walker, Dorothy Rowe, Valerie Heap, Amardeo Sarma, and Martin Mahner. He mentions that ASKE is considering making Congress papers available online. He also discusses ASKE's role in media liaison, providing journalists with contacts for skeptical perspectives, and notes the challenges of appearing on certain TV programs. He also mentions a potential workshop on cold reading and the upcoming issue of 'The Skeptical Intelligencer' on 'sightings of unusual creatures'.

Reviews

This section features several book reviews:

• The Search for Free Energy: The Scientist, the Madman, the Thief and their Lightbulb by Keith Tutt, reviewed by Frank Chambers. The reviewer notes the book covers various individuals searching for free energy, with Tesla being a significant contributor. He mentions the book discusses cold fusion and the suppression of its findings. The review is generally positive, with minor criticisms.
• A Devil's Chaplain (Selected essays) by Richard Dawkins, reviewed by Frank Chambers. This collection of essays by Dawkins is praised for promoting scientific and skeptical outlooks, covering topics beyond evolution to include education, belief, and religion. The reviewer highlights Dawkins' bluntness and his critique of the alleged convergence between religion and science.
• The Hidden Connections: A Science for Sustainable Living by Fritjof Capra, reviewed by Paul Taylor. Capra's book attempts to outline a grand theory of life using complexity theory. The reviewer finds the book's explanations non-technical but dense, using new terminology. The book's arguments in the second part are seen as not fully following from the science in the first, and the author's vision receives little critical attention.
• Everything You Know is Wrong: the Disinformation Guide to Secrets and Lies edited by Russ Kick, reviewed by Lewis Jones. The reviewer notes the lack of an index and expresses concern about the editor's uncritical acceptance of certain viewpoints, particularly regarding alternative medicine and Peter R. Breggin. The review suggests that much of the information presented is questionable.
• Love and Eugenics in the Late Nineteenth Century by Angelique Richardson, reviewed by Lewis Jones. This book examines the eugenics debate in Victorian Britain and its connection to women's roles and marriage. The reviewer notes the uncomfortable resonances with modern debates on genetic screening and 'designer babies'.

Letters

• Defusing diffusion by Mark Newbrook, Wirral: The writer comments on an exchange in The Skeptic regarding diffusionist 'fantastic archaeology'. He acknowledges the strong points made against diffusionism but notes that some ideas, like the migration of the kumara to New Zealand and the Kennewick Man case, warrant serious attention. However, he finds the evidence for diffusionism in historical linguistics and epigraphics much weaker.
• How should we judge scientists? by Anna Järvinen: The writer questions how scientists, particularly great ones like Skinner, Piaget, and Freud, should be judged. She notes that while psychologists often consider psychoanalysis a pseudoscience, these figures were voted as the greatest psychologists. She suggests that pioneering new methods of data gathering is a key commonality.
• Another kind of scepticism? by Joshua Fox, London: The writer advocates for skepticism as a means to seek truth, defining it as a search driven by honest inquiry rather than existentialism. He argues that life's meaning, the universe's design, and the existence of evil can only be coherently explained within the context of an infinite, personal, all-knowing, transcendent being, identified as God.
• Jonathan Poe, Benton, Kentucky: This letter continues the theme of skepticism, arguing that the existence of good and evil necessitates a moral lawgiver, which can only be an infinite, all-knowing, transcendent being. He concludes by referencing biblical scripture as a guide to a personal relationship with God.

Back Issues

This section lists available back issues of The Skeptic magazine, detailing the contents of each issue from Volume 6 to Volume 16, along with subscription and back issue pricing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific rationality, and a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims. The magazine actively debunks pseudoscience, irrational beliefs, and pseudoscientific methodologies across various fields, including psychology, parapsychology, alternative medicine, and historical interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based reasoning and a critical examination of claims that lack empirical support. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific methodology and rational inquiry, while acknowledging the complexities and nuances of human belief and behavior. The magazine also provides a platform for discussion and debate within the skeptical community, as evidenced by the letters section and the reporting on skeptical organizations and events.