The Skeptic

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 17, Number 1
Date: Spring 2004

This issue of The Skeptic, a publication focused on critical thinking and skepticism towards paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, features a range of articles exploring consciousness, memory, and the scientific investigation of unusual phenomena. The cover art depicts a symbolic representation of death and consciousness, setting a contemplative tone for the issue.

Editorial

Julia Nunn and Chris French open the issue by welcoming readers and lamenting the media's tendency to misrepresent scientists. They highlight Susan Blackmore's article on Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), noting that she was "hoodwinked" despite her expertise, and express hope that her article will clarify her intended arguments about consciousness and the challenges of linking different levels of explanation in physics. They also introduce Chris French's article on the mosaic of memory, which discusses how we can falsely construct memories without realizing it, a phenomenon that can occur in everyday situations, not just in high-profile cases of alleged recovered memories. The editorial also mentions Peter May's article questioning the remarkable healing of Dr. Mary Self, a psychiatrist who attributed her recovery from a tumor to a miracle. Finally, they announce coverage of the 11th European Skeptics Congress and the usual columns, reviews, and letters.

Articles and Features

Death and the Microtubules

Susan Blackmore critically examines the Penrose-Hameroff theory, which posits that consciousness arises from quantum coherence in microtubules within brain cells. Blackmore recounts her experience being interviewed for a TV program, "The Day I Died," where the theory was presented as scientific fact, despite its flaws. She argues that the theory is "completely unworkable and mysterious" and is dressed up in the "trappings of real science." The theory, originating from Sir Roger Penrose and elaborated by Stuart Hameroff, suggests that quantum effects in microtubules can explain the unitary sense of self, free will, and the experience of NDEs. However, Blackmore, citing critiques from philosophers Rick Grush and Patricia Churchland, points out that the theory fails to explain subjective experience, that microtubules are not isolated from the environment as required, and that it replaces the mystery of consciousness with the mystery of quantum coherence. She concludes that the theory is "merest possibility piled upon merest possibility" and that the real science of NDEs is more exciting than this speculative hypothesis.

The Mosaic of Memory

Chris French discusses the unreliability of human memory, moving beyond the common understanding of forgetting to the more disturbing concept of falsely constructing memories. He notes that early high-profile cases involving alleged recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse, often attributed to therapists planting false memories, have largely been discredited. French emphasizes that false memories can arise in mundane, everyday circumstances, affecting our recollections of interactions with spouses and friends. He argues that understanding this phenomenon is crucial because it is easier to dismiss the idea of false memories if they are confined to rare situations, but harder to do so if they occur in quotidian contexts. He also humorously recounts being asked to keep a talk "at least 95% fact free."

The Remarkable Healing of Dr. Mary Self

Peter May investigates the case of Dr. Mary Self, a psychiatrist who experienced a series of tumors and miraculously survived the last one, which she attributed to a miracle. May found inconsistencies in the medical findings and attempted to clarify them through proper channels. When thwarted, a TV program proceeded with the story, which May suggests failed to clearly present the crucial medical facts, leaving viewers to question the narrative.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This section features an engraving by Montegut from "L'Intransigeant" (26.11.1891) titled "Unsuitable Behaviour." It depicts a businessman, Monsieur G, who, while traveling to Paris, suddenly forgets himself, strips off his clothes at a train station, and runs naked down the tracks. The caption suggests this behavior might symbolize a desire to quit one's current lifestyle, possibly an evasion of a dreaded business meeting.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several brief items:

• Drowning in exabytes: The US leads in information storage, producing about 40% of the world's new stored information in 2002, with magnetic media accounting for 92% of this. The amount of stored information has doubled between 1999 and 2003, leading to the conclusion that Earth may drown in information rather than people. Paper use as a storage medium also increased.
• Trust no one: This piece debunks common conspiracy theories, such as the CIA killing JFK or aliens living among us, attributing their persistence to a desire for certainty in uncertain times. It notes that Michael Meacher publicly espoused the theory that the US government knew about 9/11 in advance and chose to do nothing. It also provides resources for debunking urban legends: www.truthorfiction.com and www.snopes.com.
• With her head tucked underneath her arm: Richard Wiseman's study at the University of Hertfordshire is mentioned, where participants explored Hampton Court Palace and reported hauntings correlated with environmental cues like sudden changes in lighting and air currents, suggesting that people's brains respond to these cues.
• High on Delphi: The Oracle of Delphi's visions are attributed to breathing in petrochemical-rich gases like ethane and ethylene in the oracle chamber, which induce a narcotic state, euphoria, and trances. This theory suggests learning more from observer descriptions than dismissing them.
• Breast implants: the return: An advisory panel voted to lift the ban on silicone implants, despite earlier claims of illness. Marcia Angell, formerly of the New England Journal of Medicine, argued against the claims, contending there was no evidence of harm. The piece notes that studies have not shown implants cause the claimed damage and blames the issue on the adversarial nature of courtroom battles.
• Lightning strikes twice: The film "The Passion of Christ" is highlighted because actor Jim Caviezel and assistant director Jan Michelini were struck by lightning during a shoot in Italy. Michelini was hit twice.
• Let there be light: The Richmond Informer debunked a purported UFO sighting in Richmond Park, showing that the photographs were a hoax created using Photoshop, as the object remained in the same place in all images.

Skeptic at large

Wendy M Grossman reflects on the London Skeptical Congress and the growth of skepticism in Ireland, recalling the early days of "The British & Irish Skeptic" magazine. She discusses Dylan Evans's presentation on the placebo effect, noting that much of what is commonly believed about placebos is "medical folklore." Evans argues that the placebo effect is limited to conditions like pain, inflammation, depression, and anxiety, and does not help recovery from serious illnesses like cancer. Grossman agrees, suggesting that placebos may work by comforting fear rather than directly impacting physical conditions.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents statistics related to the information age and the prevalence of pseudoscience, though specific details are not provided in the OCR text.

From Medicine to Miracle

This article by Peter May is detailed in the "Articles and Features" section above.

Rhyme and Reason

This column by Steve Donnelly is not detailed in the OCR text.

Philosopher's Corner

This column by Julian Baggini is not detailed in the OCR text.

ASKE News

This section is not detailed in the OCR text.

Reviews

This section is not detailed in the OCR text.

Letters

This section is not detailed in the OCR text.

Skeptics in the Pub

This section announces a monthly event where an invited speaker discusses a paranormal topic, followed by informal discussion. The event is held at the Old Kings Head pub in Borough, London, and a donation of £2.00 is suggested. Contact Nick Pullar for details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of extraordinary claims, the fallibility of human perception and memory, and the scientific investigation of phenomena often attributed to the paranormal. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and a cautious approach to claims that lack robust scientific support. The magazine actively seeks to debunk pseudoscience and misinformation, particularly in areas like consciousness, NDEs, and the interpretation of medical cases. There is a consistent emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and speculative or unproven theories, as exemplified by the critique of the Penrose-Hameroff theory. The publication also highlights the importance of understanding psychological factors, such as the placebo effect and environmental influences, in shaping human experiences and beliefs.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 17, Number 1
Date: November 2003
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: UK
ISSN: 1351-4743
Price: £3.50

This issue of The Skeptic features a prominent "Skeptical Stats" section on the cover, presenting a collection of intriguing and often surprising statistics across various domains. The magazine delves into the complexities of human memory, critically examines claims of miraculous healing, and explores the field of anomalistic psychology.

The Mosaic of Memory

Chris French, Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmiths College, considers the nature of memory. He argues that memory is not like a video camera, but rather a "dynamic mosaic" that is actively constructed and can change over time. This constructive process is influenced by past experiences, expectations, and current views, leading to potential distortions and the creation of false memories. French uses anecdotes, including a personal experience with his wife and the story of Neil Murray, to illustrate how memories can be inaccurate, even when recalled with conviction. He highlights that we tend to remember the "gist" of events rather than precise details, which can be both a strength and a weakness. The article touches upon the unreliability of eyewitness testimony, drawing parallels to forensic psychology and the potential for miscarriages of justice. It also introduces the concept of "change blindness," where individuals fail to notice significant alterations in their environment, further demonstrating the selective nature of our attention and memory.

French discusses "flashbulb memories," those vivid recollections of major events, using the example of John F. Kennedy's assassination and the September 11th attacks. He recounts a personal experience where his own vivid memory of the JFK event was later corrected by his mother, illustrating the potential for false memories even in deeply ingrained recollections. The article explains that when recalling events, our minds may fill in gaps with information from similar events, daydreams, or fantasies, making it difficult to distinguish between what actually happened and what was imagined. This process is related to "reality monitoring," the ability to differentiate between internal mental events and external reality.

The article also addresses the controversial topic of recovered memories, particularly those related to childhood sexual abuse. It notes the explosion of research in this area, often fueled by cases where adults in therapy develop detailed memories of abuse they previously had no conscious recollection of. French expresses skepticism about the concept of repression and the reliability of memories recovered through techniques like hypnosis, suggesting that these methods can inadvertently create false memories by blending fantasy with pre-existing knowledge.

From Medicine To Miracle

Peter May, a General Practitioner, questions the remarkable healing claims surrounding Dr. Mary Self, a psychiatrist who reportedly experienced a miraculous recovery from a rare tumor. May scrutinizes the case, which was publicized in a book co-authored by Self and journalist Rod Chaytor, and featured on a BBC program. He notes that while alternative medicine is a vast industry, even some medical professionals can be drawn into its claims. May defines a miracle by its characteristics: instantaneous, at a word of command, complete cures of incurable diseases with no other effective treatment available.

He outlines a strategy for investigating such claims by asking proponents to present their "best case" to ensure the most compelling evidence is examined. May details Dr. Self's medical history, including a leg tumor treated with amputation and a later secondary tumor in her lung successfully removed. The controversy arises from a subsequent shadow on her pelvic bone, which doctors initially suspected was a further metastasis. However, this shadow gradually disappeared, leading to claims of a miracle, with an estimated 10,000 people praying for her healing.

May raises concerns about the lack of transparency and definitive medical evidence. He points out that the book and television coverage failed to clearly state whether a biopsy confirmed the pelvic shadow as a metastasis. He notes that Mr. Chaytor, in a Daily Mirror article, reported that the biopsy did not confirm a metastasis and that the specialist believed the scans were "weren't completely consistent" with a secondary tumor. May questions why this crucial information was omitted from the book and suggests it might undermine the miracle claim. He concludes that it is unclear what Mary Self was actually healed of, as the medical basis for the claim remains unproven. May also criticizes Dr. Self for not allowing her surgeon to be interviewed, arguing that those who claim to be healed should be prepared to allow their story to be properly investigated.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a numbered list of 25 statistics, covering a wide range of topics:

1. Number of members of Cambridge's Ghost Club: 280.
2. Cost of "The Spirit of Diana" DVD: £11.99.
3. Amount of air a breatharian needs daily: 1,000 pounds.
4. Cost of a failed 1999 Mars mission due to contractor error: $125 million.
5. Average driver mistakes per two miles: 1.
6. Human DNA difference from chimpanzees/bonobos: 1.6%.
7. Predicted year for crop circles to cease: 2012.
8. Year the forged Vinland map was supposedly drawn: 1440.
9. Estimated annual value of wildlife crime: over £5 billion.
10. Average items of endangered species seized daily: 570.
11. Maximum number of colors needed to color a map on a torus: 7.
12. Estimated percentage of population allergic to peanuts: 2%.
13. Number of people died in crowd disasters since 1990: over 2000.
14. Number of graphologists hired by National Art Collections Fund for Mary, Queen of Scots letter: 1.
15. Number of questions in Australian Skeptics' Dr Bob's quiz monthly: 6.
16. Estimated Americans victims of identity theft in last five years: 27.5 million.
17. Number of times a holidaymaker claimed insurance for appendix removal: 9.
18. Halifax Bank of Scotland voice-stress testing trial subjects (Sept 2003): 300-400.
19. Date of World Angel Day (Los Angeles): October 4, 2003.
20. Date of World Angel Day (London): September 28, 2003.
21. Children found dead from poisoned Halloween candy (Oct 2003 NPR survey): 0.
22. Predicted year for men's and women's marathon running times to equalize: 1998.
23. Predicted period for shorter distance running times to equalize: early 21st century.
24. Average major sporting events IMG is involved in daily worldwide: 9.
25. Percentage of US households owning mutual fund shares: 50%.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic magazine consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and extraordinary phenomena. This issue highlights the importance of rigorous scientific investigation, particularly in areas like psychology and medicine, where anecdotal evidence and personal testimony can be misleading. The magazine champions critical thinking and skepticism, encouraging readers to question unsubstantiated claims and to rely on empirical data. Recurring themes include the fallibility of human memory, the psychology of belief, and the debunking of pseudoscientific practices and miracle cures. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rationalism and scientific literacy, challenging phenomena that lack credible evidence, and advocating for a discerning approach to information.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 17, Number 1, published quarterly, features a cover story titled "Rhyme and Reason" by Steve Donnelly. The magazine focuses on critical inquiry and skepticism towards paranormal claims and pseudoscientific theories.

Electromagnetic Protection

Steve Donnelly, a physics professor at the University of Salford, explores the potential negative effects of electromagnetic fields generated by modern electronic devices. He argues that these fields can upset the brain and nervous system, destabilizing the body's electromagnetic field. Donnelly introduces several devices purported to offer protection, including the Bioelectric Shield, which uses quartz crystals and minerals to stabilize the energy field, and the Wheel of Life medallion, which claims to use sacred geometry to create a flow of life force energy. He also discusses the Teslar watch, which operates at frequencies close to the Earth's Schumann Resonance, aiming to collapse harmful EMF fields. Donnelly notes that some of these devices may require invocations or specific rituals for activation.

Philosopher's Corner

Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, reflects on the nature of ego and self-confidence among writers. He contrasts the bold self-assurance of young writers at a book launch with the self-deprecation of the world-famous philosopher Slavoj Žižek. Baggini suggests that men, in particular, tend to oscillate between thinking themselves great or collapsing into self-pity. He argues that while high hopes are common at the beginning of a career, experience often leads to a more sober assessment. Baggini believes that true improvement comes from acknowledging failings and using them as learning opportunities, rather than as a source of self-loathing. He concludes that while he hopes his own books are worth reading, he doesn't necessarily consider them great, but strives for improvement.

ASKE News

Michael Heap, Chairman of ASKE (The Association for Skeptical Enquiry), reports on the 11th European Skeptics Congress. He notes the positive feedback from attendees regarding the program but expresses disappointment with the lower-than-expected attendance from continental European members. Heap also observes that the congress received little significant media coverage, though ASKE's profile may have been raised through increased inquiries from journalists. He discusses the future of ASKE, calling for a 'New Enlightenment' and more 'Centres of Inquiry' in Europe, drawing parallels with more organized skeptical organizations in other countries. Heap suggests that ASKE's future may be on a smaller scale but hopes to expand membership and activities, potentially organizing their own conference.

European Council of Skeptical Organisations (ECSO)

Heap also reports on the ECSO Board meeting held during the congress. The venue for the 12th Congress in 2005 was decided to be in Belgium, and the Irish Skeptics Society was accepted for affiliation. The ECSO also organizes symposia in alternate years, with the next one potentially coinciding with the 5th World Skeptics Congress in Padua, Italy, in 2004. The 2006 World Congress is mooted for Beijing.

Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• "Galileo's Finger: The Ten Great Ideas of Science" by Peter Atkins: Reviewed by Frank Chambers, this book is described as a readable exploration of ten fundamental scientific concepts, avoiding sensationalism and written in a conversational tone.
• "Immortal Remains: the evidence for life after death" by Stephen E Braude: Reviewed by Hilary Evans, this book examines challenging cases related to life after death, with Braude taking a skeptical approach and meticulously analyzing evidence.
• "Are Universes Thicker than Blackberries?" by Martin Gardner: Reviewed by Hilary Evans, this is a collection of essays by Martin Gardner covering mathematical and pseudoscientific topics, described as a diverse delight.
• "Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology" edited by Scott O. Lilienfeld, Steven Jay Lynn, and Jeffrey M. Lohr: Reviewed by Wolf Roder, this US product covers recent research on speculative conditions and controversial treatments in psychotherapy, highlighting issues like multiple personality disorder and New Age therapies.
• "Bulldog Breed: Love and Eugenics in the Late Nineteenth Century" by Angelique Richardson: Reviewed by Chris Willis, this book examines the eugenics debate in the late 19th century and its connection to feminist writers' views on women's roles and marriage.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address various topics:

• Mendel: ahead of his time? by Jan Willem Nienhuys: This letter discusses the myth that Gregor Mendel fiddled his data, arguing that while some of his results were close to theoretical expectations, this could be explained by subtle design errors rather than deliberate manipulation, especially given the statistical understanding of the time.
• Only conjectures by Donald Rooum: This letter comments on the origin of life, noting that current conjectures are based on limited data and that theories about life on Earth may not apply to extraterrestrial life, citing the Beagle 2 expedition as an example.
• The impossible and the improbable by Wendy Grossman: This letter discusses Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's approach to truth, quoting his famous statement to Sherlock Holmes and reflecting on the distinction between the impossible and the improbable.
• NLP: Not so bad? by Steuart Campbell: This letter responds to a previous article on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), defending its potential as a tool for gaining insights into individual experience, while acknowledging the risks of its misuse and the need for proper training. Campbell argues that NLP does have connections to linguistics and neurology.
• NLP: Not so bad? by Paul Burns: This letter also addresses NLP, agreeing with some of Campbell's points and clarifying the origins of the term 'neurolinguistic' and the components of NLP (Neuro, Linguistic, Programming). Burns suggests that NLP, despite its potential for misuse, might be preferable to some behaviorist practices.

Back Issues

The magazine includes a list of available back issues for purchase, detailing the contents of previous volumes and offering discounts for multiple purchases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and the psychological underpinnings of belief. The editorial stance consistently promotes a skeptical approach, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning, scientific methodology, and the debunking of unfounded claims. The magazine encourages readers to question extraordinary assertions and to rely on rational analysis, as exemplified by the discussions on electromagnetic fields, the psychology of belief, and the critique of various pseudoscientific practices. The emphasis is on promoting a clear understanding of science and its methods, while remaining open to genuine inquiry and the pursuit of truth.