The Skeptic

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 20 Number 1
Date: Winter 2006
Publisher: CSICOP and Skeptical Inquirer
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0959-5228

This issue of The Skeptic, dated Winter 2006, presents a collection of articles that critically examine various claims and phenomena through a skeptical lens. The cover prominently features the headline "From Psychic to Sceptic" and highlights other articles such as "The Great Masturbation Delusion," "Making up History," and "Darwin Died an Agnostic," alongside regular sections like News, Book Reviews, Comment, and Humour.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Victoria Hamilton and Chris French, welcomes readers to issue 20.1 and reflects on the nature of skepticism in the modern era, questioning how much people believe authority figures and whether skepticism has increased over time. They introduce the articles in the issue, including Hilary Evans' exploration of the moral panic surrounding masturbation in the 1800s, Steuart Campbell's discussion on determining historical truth in novels, and James Byrne's personal account of transitioning from a psychic to a skeptic. The editorial also mentions Donald Rooum's examination of claims about Darwin's conversion to Christianity and notes that 2007 will be The Skeptic's 20th anniversary, founded by Wendy M Grossman in 1987.

Articles and Features

The Face on the Kitchen Floor (Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery)

This section features a photograph of a "face" allegedly appearing on a kitchen floor in Belmez, Spain, starting in 1971. The faces are described as appearing and vanishing miraculously, sometimes changing under sealed covers and accompanied by enigmatic messages. Excavations revealed the house was built over a graveyard. The article discusses how such images are often interpreted as divine, with mentions of Jesus and his mother. It references William Bramley's book "Jesus goes to Hollywood" and considers the possibility of a hoax, noting that no definitive explanation has been found after 35 years.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several brief news items:

• Shoe fetish: Discusses "security theatre" in air travel, citing security expert Bruce Schneier. It questions the effectiveness of certain security measures, like removing shoes, noting a Homeland Security Department study that concluded X-ray images do not provide sufficient information to detect explosives. It also touches on the foiled plot involving liquid explosives.
• Future science: Reports on a UK House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report that indicates a decline in science teaching quality, deterring students and potentially harming the UK economy. Recommendations include altering the testing regime, improving pay for technicians, and enhancing school laboratory design.

Free Darwin

This brief note points readers to www.darwin-online.org, a resource offering Darwin's complete works, including published and unpublished texts and images.

Scientology in London

Reports on the opening of a new £24 million Scientology centre in London, noting protests and the presence of Scientology leader David Miscavige and a City of London chief superintendent. It mentions that police presence was reportedly influenced by gifts from Scientology, such as film premiere tickets and donations.

Not the bionetics news

Discusses the Advertising Standards Authority upholding complaints against ads for bionetics, a food intolerance test. The ASA found the claims of the technology, based on radionics and applied kinesiology, to be unsubstantiated by evidence.

Who's the fool now?

This item critiques "Consultant palmist" Terry Stokes, who described himself as a "piano tuner" and claimed to see futures from people's palms. Stokes also criticized James Randi and the "Denialism school" for attacking the paranormal and alternative medicine.

YouGeller

Mentions that a user ID matching Uri Geller's brother-in-law, Shipi Shtrang, has been posting videos of Geller's commercials on YouTube, including videos of Geller bending spoons and keys.

Skeptic at large...

Wendy M Grossman reflects on the changes in the skeptical movement over the twenty years since The Skeptic was founded. She notes the increase in skeptical resources and groups in the UK, such as ASKE, Healthwatch, and Ben Goldacre's Bad Science site. She also expresses concern about the decline in science education and the proliferation of paranormal TV programs. Grossman makes predictions for the next six years (until 2013), including the Queen's health, psychic predictions about Ebola and comets, the impact of surveillance cameras on capturing photographic evidence, the potential addition of creationism to the national curriculum, Richard Wiseman's mysterious disappearance and reappearance, ongoing disputes over GM foods, mobile phones, and wireless networks, the continued inroads of alternative medicine into the NHS, and James Randi awarding a paranormal event payout.

The Great Masturbation Delusion

This article by Hilary Evans examines the historical belief in the 19th century that masturbation was exceptionally harmful, leading to a range of ailments, madness, and death. The author highlights that this belief lacked scientific evidence and was promoted by physicians and religious leaders. The article traces the origins of this delusion, starting with the anonymous publication "Onania" in 1710 and the influential work of Swiss physician Samuel-August Tissot. It details how the condemnation of masturbation intensified in the 19th century, with doctors like Benjamin Rush and Jean-Etienne-Dominique Esquirol linking it to various physical and mental illnesses. The article also notes the shift in emphasis from physical consequences to mental ones, with the concept of "masturbatory insanity." It mentions that while male voices were more prominent, women also condemned the practice. The article concludes by noting that by the end of the 19th century, masturbation was associated with 'neurasthenia' rather than madness, and later as a psychological defect. It also points out that the interplay between religion and science, particularly in Britain and America, amplified the delusion.

Making up History

This article, by Steuart Campbell, discusses the author's personal interest in discerning historical accuracy in so-called historical novels, referencing correspondence with Julian Barnes regarding his fictional book "Arthur & George."

Darwin Died an Agnostic

Donald Rooum examines the claim that Charles Darwin converted to Christianity on his deathbed, a claim repeated by Antony Flew and questioned by Martin Gardner. Rooum suggests this is another story without credible foundation.

Rhyme and Reason

This column is written by Steve Donnelly.

Philosopher's Corner

This column is written by Julian Baggini.

ASKE News

This section is written by Micheal Heap.

Reviews

This section contains book reviews.

Letters

This section contains letters from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism and critical thinking applied to a wide range of topics, including paranormal claims, historical beliefs, pseudoscientific practices, and societal issues. The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach, challenging unsubstantiated claims and exposing what it considers to be delusions or hoaxes. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and the scientific method, as evidenced by the critical examination of topics like the 'Great Masturbation Delusion,' the critique of 'security theatre,' and the questioning of paranormal phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its readers and encourage them to question widely accepted beliefs and authorities.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 20, Number 1, published in 2007, features a range of articles that critically examine various phenomena and historical claims. The cover prominently features the headline "Darwin Died an Agnostic," suggesting an investigation into the religious beliefs of the renowned scientist at the end of his life. Other articles delve into the historical treatment of masturbation, the nature of psychic abilities, and the blurring lines between fact and fiction in historical narratives.

The Masturbation Delusion: A Historical Perspective

One significant section of the magazine addresses the historical condemnation and medical 'treatments' of masturbation. It details how, for centuries, masturbation was considered a root cause of numerous ailments, leading to practices such as the surgical removal of the clitoris (clitoridectomy), infibulation, and the use of 'chastity belts.' The article highlights the moral and religious underpinnings of this delusion, noting how medical authorities intertwined science and religion to justify these practices. It cites figures like Dr Isaac Baker Brown, Broca, and James Hutchinson, who proposed various surgical interventions. The piece also touches upon the psychological trauma inflicted on individuals, leading to guilt and self-recrimination. The article points out that even prominent figures like Sir James Paget, while acknowledging masturbation was not as harmful as believed, still viewed it as an 'uncleanliness' and 'unmanliness.' It references the work of Alfred Kinsey, whose studies in the mid-20th century revealed a high prevalence of masturbation, suggesting that the 'delusion' persisted despite scientific observation. The article concludes that the masturbation delusion served a stabilizing purpose, allowing the perpetuation of moral codes in a scientific age.

The Psychic Industry: Debunking and Deceit

James Byrne, a former psychic who worked in the field for thirty years, offers a critical perspective on the psychic industry. He argues that many individuals turn to psychics out of desperation and that while some may have genuine intentions, they are likely in the minority. Byrne suggests that a successful psychic reading can be achieved through keen observation rather than genuine psychic ability, detailing how to make safe guesses and interpret client reactions to create an illusion of psychic insight. He recounts instances of inaccurate and distressing readings, emphasizing the potential for harm to vulnerable individuals. Byrne also discusses his experience on television programs where magicians, like Ian Rowland, outperformed psychics, leading to audience disbelief in the latter's abilities. He concludes that while some psychics may be self-deluded, many engage in deliberate fraud, and the evidence presented by mediums often fails scrutiny. He expresses concern that people are paying significant sums for what is often 'rubbish.'

Making Up History: Fact vs. Fiction in Historical Novels

Steuart Campbell questions the public's ability to distinguish between historical fact and fiction, particularly when presented in novels. He notes that people often take fictional characters and narratives seriously, citing examples like children writing to Santa Claus and adults to Sherlock Holmes. Campbell argues that historical novels, by mixing fact and fiction, can contaminate our understanding of the past and lead readers to believe inventions rather than reality. He uses Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code' as an example of a novel taken so seriously that it inspired enthusiasts to search for non-existent relics. Campbell shares a personal interest, discussing Julian Barnes' novel 'Arthur & George,' which features a character named 'Inspector Campbell' based loosely on his grandfather. He highlights the discrepancies between the fictional character and the real person, raising concerns about readers mistaking fiction for fact. Campbell suggests that authors of historical novels should provide 'fact' pages to aid differentiation and concludes that historical novels, in essence, are unhistorical and can lead to the perpetuation of myths.

Darwin Died an Agnostic: Investigating a Claim

Donald Rooum investigates the claim made by philosopher Antony Flew that Charles Darwin died a believing Christian. Rooum examines Darwin's own writings and accounts from those who witnessed his death, which consistently indicate he was an agnostic. He dismisses tracts announcing deathbed conversions of various historical figures as preposterous. Rooum corresponds with Antony Flew and Dr Victor Pearce, who cite sources such as Dr L.R. Croft's 'The Life and Death of Charles Darwin' and James Moore's 'The Darwin Legend.' While Croft and Moore cite similar sources, they reach different conclusions. Rooum also discusses Lady Hope's account of a purported conversation with Darwin, which he finds implausible, and notes that Darwin's daughter Henrietta contradicted Lady Hope's presence during his final illness. The article concludes by referencing a letter from Reverend Ishmael Jones and a statement from S. J. Pratt, who pronounced Lady Hope's story a fabrication, and reiterates that Sir Francis Darwin was correct in stating his father died an agnostic.

Skeptical Stats

This issue includes a "Skeptical Stats" section, compiled by Wendy M. Grossman, presenting a list of 25 statistics on various topics. These range from the cost of a James Randi doll and McDonald's logo size to crime statistics, beliefs in creationism, and the prevalence of certain medical conditions. The statistics are sourced from various publications and websites, and readers are encouraged to contribute their own findings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around critical inquiry, skepticism towards extraordinary claims, and the examination of historical narratives and beliefs. The magazine consistently adopts an evidence-based approach, challenging pseudoscientific claims, debunking popular myths, and scrutinizing historical accounts for accuracy. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting rational thought and critical analysis, encouraging readers to question accepted wisdom and to rely on verifiable facts rather than unsubstantiated beliefs or emotional appeals. The articles collectively advocate for a discerning approach to information, whether it pertains to medical history, paranormal phenomena, or historical interpretation.

Title: The SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume 20, Number 1
Date: January 2007 (inferred from issue numbering and content)

This issue of The Skeptic magazine delves into the nature of truth, reason, and skepticism in contemporary society. It features articles by Steve Donnelly, Julian Baggini, and Michael Heap, alongside book reviews and reader letters.

Truth Will Out

Steve Donnelly, a physics professor at the University of Salford, argues that the concept of 'truth' has become less relevant in most aspects of 21st-century Western life, particularly in politics and marketing, where 'spin' and subjective opinion dominate. However, he identifies science and religion as two areas where truth is central, though the meaning of 'truth' differs significantly between them. Donnelly cites Nobel laureate Sir Neville Mott, who distinguished between scientific truth (provisional, falsifiable) and everyday truth (e.g., geographical facts) and religious truth (not universally accepted). Donnelly expresses concern that the conflation of these different types of truth, particularly when taught by the same authority figures (like teachers), can mislead children. He emphasizes the scientific principle of falsifiability, contrasting it with the acceptance of scriptural accounts in some religious beliefs, such as the biblical creation narrative, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. Donnelly advocates for a society where religious beliefs are open to respectful inspection and debate, akin to scientific discourse, quoting Richard Dawkins on the importance of facing reality honestly.

Philosopher's Corner

Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, questions humanity's pride in its ability to think, suggesting that while humans may be superior to other animals, our reasoning abilities are not as robust as we believe. He illustrates this with the Wason selection tests, where people perform poorly on abstract logical tasks but excel when the context is familiar and relates to spotting cheats. Baggini argues that our reluctance to admit fallibility in reasoning can lead to a profound worry about the self, as our choices and values are often based on potentially flimsy reasoning. He suggests that Descartes' certainty of his own existence might have been psychological rather than logical, and that much skepticism is actually credulity in disguise, stemming from an uncritical trust in our own minds.

ASKE News

Michael Heap, Chairman of the Association for Skeptical Enquiry (ASKE), discusses concerns raised on the ASKE email network regarding the decline in schoolchildren opting for science subjects, teacher availability, and university science departments. Reasons suggested include the appeal of 'instant gratification' from multimedia and the internet, and the preference for qualitative, romantic, or postmodern approaches over science's paradigm-based, quantitative methods. Heap notes that market forces might eventually correct graduate shortages, but government creation of soft social science jobs and the unappealing nature of teaching for science graduates are significant problems. He references a BBC News article about A-levels like film studies being taken less seriously than analytical subjects for university entrance and mentions a Further Maths Network. Heap shares his personal experience of finding physics tedious and expresses skepticism about modern mass education, viewing it as an industry serving its own needs rather than genuine societal requirements.

Reviews

• Too Much Benefit of the Doubt: Opus Dei: The Truth About its Rituals, Secrets and Power by John L Allen Reviewed by Pan Pantziarka, this book is presented as an objective account of Opus Dei, aiming to dispel myths. Journalist John L Allen spent a year with members and officials, giving voice to their experiences. The review notes that Allen, a Catholic himself, appears to give Opus Dei the benefit of the doubt, particularly on political influence and the practice of 'mortification of the flesh', without delving into the sexuality of such practices. While the book aims to set the record straight against salacious views, it is criticized for not offering a critical response, being described as a 'recruitment manual' rather than a balanced critique.

• Ego for Breakfast: Just Another Day: The Science and Technology of our Everyday Lives by Adam Hart-Davis Reviewed by Paul Taylor, this book attempts to engage readers with science through the narrative of an average day. However, Taylor finds it disappointing, criticizing Adam Hart-Davis for an overly self-congratulatory and eccentric presentation, with excessive personal photographs. The reviewer feels the book fails to explain why the reader needs to know such minutiae of Hart-Davis's daily life. Taylor contrasts it unfavorably with other popular science books by authors like David Bodanis and John Emsley, which are described as being 'actually about science'.

• Cobblers: That's Bollocks: Urban Legends, Conspiracy Theories and Old Wives' Tales by Albert Jack Reviewed by Tom Ruffles, this book is described as a rehash of familiar tales, often poorly exploited, cobbled together from sources like Fortean Times and tabloid articles. Ruffles criticizes Jack for not understanding what an urban legend is and for presenting dubious stories as true. The review highlights examples like the Jack Nicholson story and the 'myth' of global warming, deeming the book an 'undemanding bog book'. The reviewer recommends Jan Harold Brunvand for a proper survey of urban legends.

• Gospel Truth: The Nativity: History and Legend by Geza Vermes Reviewed by John Radford, this book examines the historical and legendary aspects of the Nativity story. Geza Vermes, a distinguished Biblical scholar, analyzes the Gospel accounts, noting their inconsistencies and the ways in which they were composed after the events they describe. Vermes suggests that Jesus was likely a charismatic preacher born around 4-5 BCE and executed some thirty years later, with stories and legends accumulating around him. The review concludes that the purpose of the nativity accounts was to create a prologue fitting Jesus to be the divine Savior.

Letters

• Superhuman Mark Schaefer from Livejournal comments on the magazine's coverage, particularly an article criticizing Mia Dolan. He expresses concern about the growing popularity of 'rubbish' and the public's credulity, despite increased education. Schaefer questions the rise of 'faith-based nonsense' and suggests it might be due to instantaneous worldwide media coverage, coupled with a lack of healthy skepticism or simple laziness. He also notes the magazine's coverage of the spirit world, which he thought had faded.

• Comment on The Skeptic (19.2) A reader expresses enjoyment of the magazine but is disturbed by the credulity with which 'nonsense' is accepted. They find the article on Ki Aikido incoherent, contrasting their own observation of children 'getting heavy' (sagging into a relaxed position) with the article's claim. The reader also expresses irritation at people praying to God on game shows.

• Ian Fraser (Pretoria, South Africa) Fraser comments on the magazine's content, noting that science developed to reveal the weaknesses in the 'so-called metaphysical world'. He looks forward to the next issue.

An editorial note clarifies that the observation about Ki Aikido's 'relaxation' and 'getting heavy' corresponds with Ian's observation about children relaxing and 'getting heavy', suggesting that relaxed people are easier to lift.

Skeptics in the Pub

This section announces a monthly event for those interested in or skeptical about the paranormal. Each month features an invited speaker, followed by an informal discussion. Details on how to find out more and contact information for Nick Pullar are provided. The meeting begins at 7:30 pm with a suggested donation of £2.00.

Back Issues

A list of available back issues of The Skeptic is provided, detailing the volume, issue number, and titles of articles within each issue, spanning from Volume 7 (1993) to Volume 19 (2006). Subscription and back issue prices are also listed, along with discounts for purchasing multiple back issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific literacy, and a skeptical approach to claims of the paranormal, pseudoscience, and urban legends. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against credulity and irrational beliefs. The magazine aims to dissect and debunk unsubstantiated claims, encouraging readers to question and analyze information. Themes recurring throughout the issue include the nature of truth, the limitations of human reasoning, the distinction between science and pseudoscience, and the societal implications of widespread belief in unfounded ideas. The magazine also engages with the challenges of maintaining scientific education and promoting rational discourse in a world often swayed by emotional appeals and misinformation.