Skeptic - 2005 - Vol 18 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 18, Number 2
Date: Summer 2005
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0959-5228

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various topics from a critical and skeptical perspective, with a strong focus on science education, the nature of scientific inquiry, and debunking pseudoscientific claims.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Victoria Hamilton and Chris French, welcomes readers to issue 18.2 and outlines the content. It highlights the conclusions to articles on 'The Pam Reynolds Story' and 'The Angels of Mons'. Gerald Woerlee examines Pam Reynolds' operating table experiences from both anaesthetist and skeptic viewpoints, suggesting paranormal interpretations can arise from lack of knowledge. Scott Wood's article likens the 'Angels of Mons' tale to other myths, drawing parallels across cultures and time. A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to the article 'Why Creation Science Must be Taught in Schools', by Tom Stafford and Andrew Brown. They propose that teaching Creation Science in classrooms, not to endorse it, but as an example of flawed scientific reasoning, can effectively illustrate the principles of the scientific method and contrast it with pseudoscience.

The editors also mention regular contributors offering their perspectives, along with book reviews, cartoons, and letters, expressing hope that readers will enjoy the issue.

Articles and Features

Why Creation Science Must be Taught in Schools

Tom Stafford and Andrew Brown argue that the best way to teach the nature of science is by presenting examples of what it is *not*. They contend that Creation Science, which they describe as an insult to the scientific method and the Christian Bible, is dangerous and wrong, but paradoxically, its best place is in science lessons. By teaching it as an example, educators can illustrate the principles of the scientific method. They explain that outright refusal to address Creationist contentions can be used to the latter's advantage, suggesting science is aloof. The article critiques the common misconception of science as a body of facts rather than a process of testing theories. It highlights that the under-determination of theory by fact allows for infinite explanations, and Creationists exploit this by presenting a succession of facts and speculations to question evolution. The authors propose that concepts like skepticism, parsimony, falsificationism, confirmation bias, and the nature of scientific progression can be effectively taught by examining Creation Science. They cite a government report emphasizing the need for citizens to understand how science works and interpret evidence, rather than just memorizing facts. The article suggests that teaching Creation Science correctly can inoculate pupils against manipulative propaganda and make science teaching more profound.

Skeptic at large: Antony Flew

Wendy M Grossman reports on the persistent rumors of philosopher Antony Flew recanting his atheism and adopting 'Intelligent Design'. Grossman clarifies that Flew, an agnostic, has not repudiated Darwinism or converted to a religious belief. Flew explains his position as never having found evidence to believe in God, and his views have not changed significantly. The article suggests that Flew's fame, stemming from his 1950 paper on 'Theology and Falsification', makes any perceived shift in his views highly newsworthy. Grossman posits that Flew might be a pawn in the creationism debate, particularly in the US. Flew himself notes the 'odd phenomenon' of refusing evolution without religious reasons. The piece concludes with a touch of skepticism, anticipating that Flew's disclaimers will likely be ignored, and he will continue to be cited as having recanted.

The Pam Reynolds Story Part Two: The Experience

Gerald Woerlee examines the case of Pam Reynolds, who reported paranormal experiences during brain surgery. Woerlee analyzes the events from the perspectives of both anaesthetists and skeptics, considering factors that might explain Reynolds' interpretation of her out-of-body experiences, suggesting that a lack of knowledge about anaesthesia can lead to paranormal constructions.

The Angels of Mons and Elsewhere Part Two: Even More Tales of Supernatural Rescue

Scott Wood's article likens the 'Angels of Mons' legend to other myths, tracing similar narratives from Australian folklore to contemporary stories. Wood suggests that these mythical tales of supernatural protectors have evolved in parallel across cultures and millennia, adapted to fit different societal contexts.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery: Hi Martian Tech

This feature presents an illustration of Martians demonstrating advanced technology, including a ray gun for breaking up rock. The accompanying text notes that Martian technology has always been depicted as superior to Earth's, referencing H.G. Wells's era and the 1920s. The illustration is sourced from a 1924 Swedish journal.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several brief items:

• Alternative guidance: A review of a 50-page booklet published by the Prince of Wales' Foundation for Integrated Health, intended to guide people through alternative treatments. While finding most of the advice sound and unobjectionable, the review notes its failure to pass judgment on the efficacy of therapies and points out a couple of 'what-the-huh?' moments.
• More ghostbusters: An introduction to the Paranormal Research Organisation (PRO) in the UK, which researches ghosts and supernatural phenomena, particularly focusing on 'orbs' in photographs.
• Corporate spiritualism: An article on the Findhorn Foundation, which has become a destination for large companies seeking to motivate staff through 'emotional intelligence' practices, helping to address the Foundation's debt.
• Plastic crosses: A brief report on a protest by a church minister against a supermarket selling plastic crosses as Halloween goods, viewing it as the trivialization of a religious symbol.
• Playing the odds: A skeptical look at a tabloid story about a psychic predicting a lottery win, highlighting that such predictions are often part of bulk mailings with low odds of success.
• Acupuncture trials: A discussion of two recent studies on acupuncture, one suggesting effectiveness for knee osteoarthritis pain and function, and another indicating it reduces neck pain.
• Unvisible Flying Objects: A report on a theory from the Indian Defence Research and Development Organization suggesting UFOs are invisible due to an intense electromagnetic flux, and that they are experimenting with a device to detect this flux.

Rhyme and Reason

Steve Donnelly contributes a piece titled 'Rhyme and Reason'.

Philosopher's Corner

Julian Baggini offers a piece in the 'Philosopher's Corner'.

ASKE News

This section provides news from ASKE (Association for Skeptical Enquiry).

Reviews and Letters

The issue includes book reviews and letters from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific literacy, and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims and paranormal phenomena. The magazine's stance is to rigorously examine evidence, question extraordinary claims, and advocate for the scientific method as the most reliable way to understand the world. This issue particularly emphasizes the importance of teaching the *process* of science, using even flawed examples like Creation Science, to foster a deeper public understanding and appreciation of scientific inquiry.

This issue of The SKEPTIC, Volume 18 Number 2, dated Spring 2004, features a cover story by Scott Wood titled "The Angels of Mons and Elsewhere Part Two: Even More Tales of Supernatural Rescue." The magazine, published by The SKEPTIC, has an ISSN of 1357-2774 and a cover price of £4.50. The issue explores various accounts of supernatural intervention, particularly focusing on the 'Angels of Mons' legend and offering a skeptical analysis of a modern near-death experience.

The Angels of Mons and Elsewhere Part Two: Even More Tales of Supernatural Rescue

Scott Wood's article delves into the 'making of myths,' arguing that the 'Angels of Mons' story, which emerged during World War I, was not unique. He traces its roots and evolution, comparing it to other folklore and historical accounts of supernatural aid.

Russians and Terrorists

Wood begins by discussing how wartime rumors, like that of Russian soldiers being transported to England, were common. He then links this to post-9/11 urban folklore expressing British and American anxiety about Muslim terrorists, citing the 'friend of a friend' (foaf) narrative.

Men in White

The 'Angels of Mons' are presented as a folktale, a type of urban legend. In these accounts, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) is about to be overwhelmed by Germans, but shining white figures appear, causing the Germans to flee or hesitate, allowing the British to rally. The story often includes a captured German soldier who recognizes these figures as angels. Wood notes that the legend evolved, moving from descriptions of dead Germans to scared ones. He points out that the original accounts were influenced by Arthur Machen's story "The Bowmen" and that the 'delirious Latin scholar' was the only one to see the bowmen in Machen's tale.

Historical Parallels and Influences

The article explores numerous historical and mythological parallels to the 'Angels of Mons' narrative. These include:

• The Boxer Rebellion: A letter to The Daily Mail in 1915 recounted how snipers in China did not fire on the besieged British Embassy, claiming they saw people in white between them and the British.
• Attila the Hun and Pope Leo I: The appearance of St. Peter and St. Paul is said to have threatened Attila with death if he attacked Rome.
• St. Francis Xavier: He was reportedly accompanied by a "terrible giant" with lightning in his eyes, who caused the Badagars to retreat.
• Padre Pio: During World War II, an apparition of a monk with upheld hands reportedly protected San Giovanni, Italy, from American bombing.
• St. Iago: Appeared on a white horse to lead Spanish forces to victory during the conquest of Mexico.
• Castor and Pollux: Twin gods who led Roman soldiers to victory at the Battle of Lake Regillus.
• Mercury and the Christian God: In 174 AD, a Roman force trapped and thirsty was given water by divine intervention.
• Greek Mythology: In the Iliad, Athene, Apollo, and Poseidon intervene to protect heroes.
• Artemis: Described as a Greek hunter goddess who guides and saves, using supernatural means to upset the game and cause confusion or inspiration.
• Muhammad's Victory at Bedhr: Angels, led by Gabriel, reportedly joined the Muslims in battle against the Meccans.
• The Faery Flag of the MacLeods: A battle was turned by the waving of a flag, suggesting supernatural aid.
• General Skobelev: The ghost of this general, clad in white and riding a horse, was reportedly seen by Russian sentries, signaling a critical moment for armies.

Wood argues that these stories, regardless of their cultural or religious origins, share a common root in human experience. The perceived actions of divine figures—causing confusion, terror, bright lights, or sudden courage—are interpreted as what happens in battle and within the human mind during such events.

Save the Children

This section discusses how the theme of angelic intervention extends to protecting children. It mentions a story from Angels A to Z about two incidents of angelic intervention after the 'Mons' legends, including:

• Danzig, Poland (WWII): Children sheltering in a schoolhouse reported seeing tall, light-ablaze men protecting the building.
• Congo: Missionary children trapped by rebel troops were protected by unseen figures.

An earlier version of this story is found in Kendal, Cumbria, in 1745, where an angel reportedly drove away Highland raiders from a child.

Biblical Interventions

The article references biblical accounts of divine intervention, such as:

• Exodus 14:19: The 'Angel of God' within a glowing cloud that lit up the night, separating the Israelites from Pharaoh's army.
• 2 Maccabees 3:254-26: The Temple being saved by a magnificently caparisoned horse and rider of frightening mien.

Pam Reynolds Story: Part Two: The Experience

Gerry Woerlee, an anaesthesiologist, offers a non-paranormal explanation for the near-death experience of Pam Reynolds, who underwent neurosurgery in 1991.

• Anaesthesia Technique: Woerlee explains the standard anaesthetic procedure used, involving sleep-inducing, pain-killing, and muscle-paralysing drugs, along with mechanical ventilation. He notes that a person under this anaesthesia is unconscious, immobile, and unable to breathe.
• Consciousness During Surgery: He posits that Pam Reynolds was conscious at various times during her operation, hearing and feeling things but unable to move or speak due to the drugs. This is supported by her ability to recall details and her lack of pain sensation.
• 'Out-of-Body' Experience: Woerlee suggests that her 'out-of-body' experience was a remembered account, influenced by her anxiety, the anaesthetic drugs, and her prior knowledge and expectations of a potentially lethal experience. He likens the mental state to that of hypoxia (oxygen starvation), where individuals feel unusually clear-minded.
• Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest: Reynolds underwent hypothermic cardiac arrest, where her body temperature was lowered to 15° Celsius to slow metabolic reactions during surgery. Woerlee states this temperature renders people unconscious and that the brain can survive a period of absent circulation for up to 45 minutes without damage.
• Remembered Experiences: He emphasizes that her account is a product of her socio-cultural upbringing, her conscious and unconscious observations, the effects of drugs, and her personality, integrated into a coherent story.

Woerlee concludes that while such experiences are profound, they are rooted in the body's functioning and psychological factors, rather than supernatural phenomena.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of statistics on various topics, including:

• Changes in the National Geographic Atlas (17,000).
• Mobile phones left in London cabs (63,135).
• BBC spending on taxis (£1 million per month).
• American households bankrupted by medical problems (700,000 in 2001).
• US police car chases ending in a crash (40%).
• The cost of attending a seminar on MMR vaccine risks (£40).
• Number of adults overweight or obese in Britain (24 million).
• Number of 'alternative' practitioners in the UK (40,000).
• Number of small metal egg-shaped objects Uri Geller claims were given to him by aliens (1).
• Number of ghosts regularly seen at Burton Constable Hall (at least half a dozen).
• Percentage of American voters believing the US was safer after 9/11 (54%).
• Cost of an astrology and Tarot reading (£45).
• Number of supplements taken daily by Ray Kurzweil for immortality (250).

The section notes that these statistics rely heavily on reader contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the examination of extraordinary claims through a skeptical lens. The magazine consistently seeks rational, scientific, or psychological explanations for phenomena often attributed to the supernatural. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to demystify and provide context for stories that capture the public imagination, whether they are historical legends like the 'Angels of Mons' or modern personal experiences like near-death accounts. The magazine encourages readers to contribute their own findings and statistics, fostering a community engaged in exploring the unusual with a discerning eye.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 18 Number 2
Date: 2005
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Articles

Blowing Hot and Cold by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly, a physics professor, discusses two topics that have recently come to his attention. The first concerns the aesthetic decisions made in presenting Hubble space telescope photographs. Art expert Elizabeth Kessler suggests these images are modern equivalents of 19th-century landscape paintings, with scientists balancing art and reality through orientation, cropping, and adjustments to contrast, brightness, and colour. Donnelly notes that modifying these images can significantly reduce their impact, suggesting that astronomical pictures, while worth a thousand words, may be accompanied by emotive poetry rather than dispassionate scientific text.

The second topic is cold fusion, also known as low energy nuclear reactions (LENR). Donnelly acknowledges that the initial claims by Fleischmann and Pons in 1989 were largely dismissed due to failed replication and measurement errors. However, he notes that a community of scientists, including those in major laboratories, continues to publish peer-reviewed papers in this area. Donnelly finds it difficult to believe that nuclear fusion can occur in palladium electrodes filled with hydrogen isotopes, but recent papers by capable experimenters report heat generation that is inexplicable by chemical processes. Researchers also report finding helium-4, a possible fusion product, in their electrolytic cells. Donnelly mentions a 2004 report by Professor Peter Hagelstein from MIT, which suggested that recent work in LENR warranted a dedicated scientific research program. This led to a US Department of Energy (DOE) review, where 18 scientists were involved. The reviewers were split on whether experimental evidence pointed to excess power generation, but the DOE concluded that funding agencies should entertain individual well-designed proposals for experiments testing LENR. Donnelly observes that this is a long way from a scientific consensus but keeps LENR distinct from more fringe topics.

Philosopher's Corner: When in Rome... by Julian Baggini

Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, reflects on the maxim "when in Rome, do as the Romans" during his visit to Athens. He found Greek coffee to be inferior to Italian, French, or Spanish coffee, criticizing the method of leaving grounds in the drink. He also notes the popularity of instant coffee beverages like frappé in Greece, suggesting it's better than traditional Greek coffee. This experience led him to question cultural relativism. Baggini argues against romanticizing other cultures and suggests that while travelling with an open mind and willingness to experiment is important, one should also be prepared to challenge the beliefs of those encountered. He believes that showing less respect to one's own culture than to others is a strange way of expressing respect for difference. Baggini concludes that "when in Rome" means taking what is good locally and combining it with superior aspects of one's own culture and what has been appropriated from others.

ASKE News from the chairman of the Association for Skeptical Enquiry, Michael Heap

Michael Heap reports on ASKE activities. He encourages membership for 2005, outlining the annual subscription fee and benefits, including newsletters and access to a media library of DVDs and videos. Tony Youens has revamped the ASKE website, providing the URL www.aske.org.uk and an alternative address. An email address, [email protected], is provided for general inquiries. ASKE hopes to include position papers on topics relevant to skepticism, such as telepathy, mediums, and alternative medicine, and invites contributions.

Heap announces the closure of the ASKE Challenge, an open challenge offering £12,000 for demonstrating psychic ability. Despite attracting little interest over three years, two individuals entered at the last minute without success. Heap also issues his own individual challenge, asking a question about Neville Chamberlain's broadcast of the declaration of war on Germany.

He mentions that spare copies of the Skeptical Intelligencer for 2004, focusing on pseudo-history, pseudo-archaeology, and pseudo-palaeontology, are available for non-members. The topic for the 2005 issue is yet to be decided.

Finally, Heap provides details about the 12th European Skeptics Congress in Brussels from October 13th-16th, 2005, with main topics including alternative medicine and pseudo-science and the media. Contact information for Professor Dr. Willem Betz is provided.

Reviews

Down With Dawkins! Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes and the Meaning of Life by Alister McGrath

Reviewed by Lucy Fisher, this book by theologian Alister McGrath argues that Richard Dawkins' attacks on religion are often directed at views that do not represent mainstream Christian thought, such as the argument from design. McGrath criticizes Dawkins' sharp dichotomy between science and religion, particularly his definition of faith as "belief in spite of, even perhaps because of, the lack of evidence." The reviewer notes that McGrath's own beliefs, such as the virgin birth and ascension of Jesus, seem to require faith in the absence of corroborating evidence. The review highlights McGrath's critique of Dawkins' concept of 'memes' as being an analogy and suggests Dawkins often overstates his case, offering polemic rather than informed argument.

Sins of the Times: The Whole Story: How Science Could Bring Together Conventional and Alternative Medicine by Toby Murcott

Reviewed by John Radford, this book by Toby Murcott, a biochemist and writer for The Times, explores complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The reviewer finds the book to be "waffley" and over-simplified, failing to adequately explain key concepts like clinical trials. Radford criticizes Murcott for not defining terms like 'placebo' and 'dualism' upon first mention and for lacking illustrative material. He expresses a desire for a genuinely holistic approach that critically examines practitioners, clients, and experimenters, including the psychology behind CAM use, such as cognitive dissonance and expectations. The reviewer suggests the book might be useful for someone with little knowledge of treatment testing but prefers Murcott's Times columns for their coverage of CAM treatments.

Fabulous Science: Fact and Fiction in the History of Scientific Discovery by John Waller

Reviewed by Lucy Fisher, this book by John Waller explores our tendency to glamourise, embellish, and invent in science. Waller uses the term "presentism" to describe our inability to separate our view of the past from our present knowledge. The review notes Waller's vigorous approach to historical figures and his suggestions about Darwin, Huxley, Pasteur, Eddington, John Snow, Mendel, Lister, Banting, and Fleming. However, Fisher points out Waller's statement that Sir Cyril Burt was "exposed as an academic fraud" without mentioning evidence of his innocence, and his apparent credence to the Galileo and Leaning Tower of Pisa story. The review also lists several factual errors and omissions in the book, concluding that it serves as a salutary lesson in not taking authoritative works at face value without checking original sources.

Long Live Dawkins! The Ancestor's Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life by Richard Dawkins

Reviewed by Paul Taylor, this book by Richard Dawkins is described as a full-colour coffee-table book that presents powerful arguments for evolution. Dawkins uses a novel scheme of retracing lineages to convey the stories of evolution, highlighting our relatedness to other creatures. The review praises the book's engaging style, marvellous illustrations, and its organization into 39 rendezvous, each telling an exemplary tale. It discusses fascinating evolutionary phenomena and concludes that the book is a joy to read and almost makes one feel sorry for creationists.

Letters

An Inside Job by Jeremy Bojczuk

Jeremy Bojczuk's article on the JFK assassination is discussed by Steuart Campbell, who suggests that ballistic expert Howard Donahue's hypothesis should be considered. Donahue's theory posits that Oswald fired two shots, the first missing but hitting Kennedy with a fragment, and the second hitting Kennedy high in the back. The hypothesis suggests that bodyguard George Hickey accidentally fired his AR-15 machine gun while unbalanced, causing the head wound. Campbell finds this 'cock-up' hypothesis attractive as it explains the third shot and makes other conspiracy theories redundant, suggesting it may have been suppressed due to its embarrassing implications for the US government.

Pressing the Right Buttons by Jeremy Bojczuk

Another letter, from Eamonn McNulty, expresses surprise that The Skeptic printed Bojczuk's article, implying it pressed certain buttons.

In Search of the Light by Dene Bebbington

This letter, from Eugene Bell-Gam, responds to a review by Dene Bebbington of a book about "the light" (presumably related to consciousness or vitalism). Bell-Gam criticizes Bebbington's review for its "dogmatic approach" and "muddled thinking," arguing that Bebbington missed the book's "what if" proposition aimed at a lay readership. Bell-Gam asserts that the book is not a statement of belief but an invitation to speculate on the meaning of scientific facts alongside mysterious areas of existence. He defends the book against claims of sympathy for young-earth creationism and argues that his "Solar Laboratory Theory" is not as bizarre as religious beliefs. He also references Professor Anthony Flew's admission of credible scientific arguments for intelligent design.

Baby Who Learned to Read Before He Could Speak

Mark Newbrook writes about an experiment conducted by two academic psychologists in Hawaii around 1970. They exposed their son, Kyoto Steinberg, to written words from six months of age. The experimenters suggest that the child learned to recognize all the written words he knew and that it would be valuable for children to learn to read early.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

The magazine provides a list of available back issues from Volume 5 (1991) to Volume 18 (2005), with details of their contents. Subscription rates for the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world are provided, along with discounts for ordering multiple back issues. Contact information for subscriptions and back issue orders is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes a skeptical approach to claims, particularly those related to pseudoscience, paranormal phenomena, and alternative medicine. The magazine encourages critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a questioning attitude towards accepted narratives, whether scientific, religious, or cultural. It provides a platform for reasoned debate and the examination of controversial topics from a rational perspective, as evidenced by its coverage of cold fusion, the interpretation of scientific imagery, and critiques of pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance appears to favour rigorous scientific inquiry and a rejection of dogma, while remaining open to genuine scientific exploration of new frontiers of thought.