Skeptic - 2007 - Vol 20 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 20 Number 2
Date: Summer 2007

This issue of The Skeptic magazine, published in Summer 2007, focuses heavily on the ongoing controversy surrounding evolution and its challenges from intelligent design (ID) and young earth creationism. The cover features a satirical illustration of Charles Darwin, implying a connection to ape-like ancestors, and highlights lead articles on "The Evolution Controversy," "Do 17 percent of people in Britain really believe in 'intelligent design'?", and "An open letter to the public about Young Earth Creationism."

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Victoria Hamilton and Chris French, welcomes readers to issue 20.2 and introduces the central theme of evolution. It notes the significant debate over evolution versus creationism in the USA, where creationists face constitutional hurdles in science classrooms. The editors emphasize the importance of recognizing when parties argue from fundamentally different premises. They highlight Nell Barrie's article on the British perspective of the evolution debate and Adam Buick's piece questioning the semantics and reliability of a Mori poll on intelligent design in Britain. The editorial also touches upon Julian Kirchherr's account of the prevalence of creationism in Colorado Springs, USA. The editors express that the evolution debate is unlikely to be resolved soon and encourage readers to enjoy the magazine's regular columns, letters, cartoons, and book reviews.

Key Articles and Features

The Evolution Controversy

Nell Barrie examines the enduring controversy surrounding Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Despite being a cornerstone of modern biology, accepted by scientists, it remains a subject of public debate. Barrie notes that in the UK, organizations like "Truth in Science" have distributed educational materials to schools promoting "alternative views" to evolution. An Ipsos MORI poll for the BBC's Horizon programme indicated that 41% of those polled thought intelligent design should be taught in science classes, though public understanding of ID is acknowledged as potentially flawed. Scientists like Richard Dawkins and Jerry Coyne view ID as unscientific due to the lack of peer-reviewed research. The article traces the historical roots of the controversy, noting that Darwin's theory challenged the "argument from design" and the prevailing belief in a divine creator. The interpretation of Darwin's work, particularly its implications for human origins, was seen by many as a direct challenge to God and religion, with some reviewers calling the Origin of Species "blasphemous." The article points out that even before Darwin, geological discoveries had challenged literal biblical interpretations. The controversy intensified in America due to factors like scientific illiteracy, a value placed on "fairness" in public discourse, and the prevalence of religious values in politics. The article discusses the legal battles in the US against teaching creationism and the subsequent rebranding of creationist theories as "intelligent design," which aims to present itself as a secular, scientific alternative. A court case in Dover, Pennsylvania, ruled that ID could not be separated from its religious antecedents. The article also mentions the "subtler attack" from anti-evolution books that frame Darwinism as dogma, drawing on Thomas Kuhn's concept of scientific paradigms.

Do 17 percent of people in Britain really believe in "intelligent design"?

Adam Buick critically examines a Mori poll that suggested 17 percent of people in Britain believe in intelligent design. Buick questions the poll's methodology, particularly the phrasing of questions, suggesting that responses might not be entirely reliable. He argues that some questions may have focused on the origin of life rather than the development of species, and that respondents might not have had an option to support evolution without compromising religious beliefs. Despite these reservations, Buick acknowledges that the poll indicates a significant minority holds ID concepts and rejects evolutionary ones. He notes that while some may use science to argue against ID, others use creationism and ID to argue against evolution, suggesting the debate is far from over.

An Open Letter to the Public about Young Earth Creationism

Julian W. Kirchherr, a German exchange student in America, expresses his dismay at the strong influence of Creationism in Colorado Springs. Influenced by his parents' occupations as biologists, Kirchherr shares anecdotes illustrating the beliefs promoted by Young Earth Creationists (YEC), highlighting his "abhorrence" of their views and advocating for science and tolerance.

Skeptic at large: Experimental Knowledge

Wendy M Grossman discusses the rise of Wikipedia as a major source of information and the controversy surrounding one of its administrators, "Essjay" (Ryan Jordan), who misrepresented his credentials. Grossman draws parallels to a past incident involving a "psychic" and emphasizes the importance of verifying credentials. She notes that while Wikipedia is a young, collaborative experiment, it has faced criticism for unreliability, though a comparison with Encyclopaedia Britannica suggests Wikipedia has fewer errors per article. Grossman highlights that Wikipedia's open-source model allows anyone to contribute, fostering a meritocracy where good information is expected to prevail. However, she acknowledges the potential for abuse, particularly in entries related to politicians. Grossman concludes that the problem is not Wikipedia itself, but the human desire for a single source of truth, reminding readers that journalists are taught to seek multiple sources.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several brief items:

• Cryptic: Computer security professor Matt Blaze and Jutta Degener successfully cracked a remote viewing challenge set by James Randi, involving an encoded description of a box's contents. They deduced the contents were related to a dictionary definition. Blaze noted issues with the rules of Randi's challenge, making it possible for Randi to cheat, and decided not to claim the prize.
• Chimps get the point: Jill D. Pruetz and Paco Bertolani reported in Current Biology that chimpanzees in Senegal have been observed using tools to hunt other animals, sharpening spear-like branches. Tool use is common among chimps in various contexts, with females and immature males being more frequent users.
• The 80 percent hypothesis: Sid Rodrigues points to an article questioning the statistic that "80 percent of businesses affected by a major incident close within 18 months." The source of this statistic is unknown, despite its frequent use by vendors.
• Is there a doctor in the house?: The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that Channel 4 personality Gillian McKeith could not use the title "Dr." as her qualification came from an unaccredited correspondence course. She was also censured for selling herbal pills.
• Duct tape: A study suggested that duct tape was once thought to be effective for removing warts, but a more recent study indicates salicylic acid is far more effective. The duct tape method only works 16% of the time.
• Hot air: Reports of 15 glowing lights seen over Archway were identified as sky lanterns launched at a private memorial service. The Islington-based UFOlogy and Supernatural Studies group is studying the phenomenon.
• Randi update: James Randi is recovering well from a heart attack and is gradually returning to a full schedule.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery

This section features an illustration and text about Roman augurs using the behavior of hens to predict outcomes. It notes that even Cicero questioned the credibility of augurs meeting without smiling at the absurdity of their profession. Hilary Evans is identified as co-proprietor of the Mary Evans Picture Library.

The 80 percent hypothesis (continued)

Mel Gosling cited three examples (foot and mouth disease, Carlisle floods, Omagh bombing) where business contingency planning was low, yet a majority of businesses survived, questioning the "80 percent" statistic.

William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925)

A biographical note accompanies an image of William Jennings Bryan, quoting him on Darwinian theory as "the law of hate - the merciless law by which the strong crowd out and kill off the weak."

Controversy in the UK?

This section explores the evolution controversy in the UK. Research by J. Downie and N. Barron at the University of Glasgow found that 4-11% of Scottish first-year biology students and 10% of medical students rejected biological evolution. The primary reason for rejection was a literal religious creation account, while those who accepted evolution did so more on the grounds of good alternative explanations rather than strong evidence. Rejection of evolution correlated strongly with religious belief, particularly Christianity or Islam.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Skeptic consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to understanding the world. It critically examines claims related to intelligent design, creationism, and paranormal phenomena, emphasizing the importance of scientific methodology, critical thinking, and verifiable evidence. The magazine challenges pseudoscientific arguments and highlights the potential for misinterpretation and flawed reasoning in public discourse. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific understanding and against the uncritical acceptance of unsubstantiated claims, advocating for a rational approach to complex issues like evolution and the reliability of information sources like Wikipedia.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 20 Number 2, published in 2007, focuses on the complex and often contentious relationship between evolution, creationism, and intelligent design (ID), particularly within the context of public opinion and science education in Britain. The magazine features articles that critically examine surveys, explore the tenets of Young Earth Creationism (YEC), and question the framing of scientific debates.

Article: "And what about if ID researchers begin to publish in scientific journals?"

This section, likely an excerpt or introduction to a larger piece, sets the stage by posing a question about the potential impact of intelligent design proponents publishing in scientific journals. It suggests that while this might not sway many scientists, it could make the definition of ID as "not science" harder to defend. The author, likely the magazine's editor or a regular contributor, then details a personal investigation into the evolution controversy among Oxford undergraduates. A questionnaire was administered to 77 students, asking them to indicate their agreement with the statement "Evolution by natural selection offers a good explanation of the variety of all life on Earth." Seventy students agreed, and seven (9%) disagreed. The reasons for disagreement varied, including conflicts with religious beliefs, concerns about morality, and the perceived unfalsifiability of the theory. A summary of the results showed that 29 of the 35 religious respondents agreed with evolution, while 6 of the 22 non-religious respondents rejected it. The analysis revealed that religious students were more likely to reject evolution than non-religious students. Surprisingly, scientists were not more likely to accept evolution than non-scientists, nor were biology students more likely to accept it than non-biologists.

The author raises questions about the effectiveness of teaching evolution and notes that a significant minority reject it for reasons not accessible to normal scientific argument. The piece touches upon the potential for intelligent design to be taught in schools if public opinion shifts, referencing a Horizon survey where 41% thought ID should be taught in UK schools. The article concludes by stating that the evolution controversy is a complex issue involving science, religion, and morals, and is highly polarized, with most scientists viewing it as settled science rather than an ongoing debate.

Article: "Do 17 percent of people in Britain really believe in “intelligent design”?"

Authored by Adam Buick, this article expresses doubt about the fairness of a BBC Horizon series survey on the origins of life. The survey, conducted by MORI, asked people to choose between three theories: evolution (48%), creationism (22%), and intelligent design (17%). Buick argues that the survey questions were ambiguous, conflating the "origin of life" with the "development of life." He points out that evolution through natural selection and ID are theories about the development of life, not its origin. The article critiques the options presented, suggesting that a mainstream Christian, who likely doesn't interpret Genesis literally, would be forced to choose between evolution (option a, stating God had no part) and intelligent design (option c, suggesting supernatural intervention).

Buick suggests that the 17% who chose ID may not fully understand its American-centric definition but rather accepted that God played a role in life's development, while still accepting evolution through natural selection. He posits that only 22% committed to the literal Genesis account, and up to 65% accepted evolution through natural selection. The author concludes that the survey was seriously flawed, leading to misleading results that are being used in the debate about teaching creationism in schools.

Article: "An Open Letter to the Public about Young Earth Creationism"

Written by Julian W. Kirchherr, a 16-year-old German exchange student living in Colorado Springs, USA, this piece offers a critical perspective on Young Earth Creationism (YEC). Kirchherr describes YEC as an "ultra-right life style" and "extreme right ideology" promoted by "ultra-conservative churches." He outlines common YEC beliefs, such as the Earth being only six thousand years old (based on the Ussher-Lightfoot Calendar), that lions were once vegetarians, that fossils are evidence of a Great Flood, and that evolution causes societal ills like abortion, homosexuality, and racism. YECs, according to Kirchherr, base their beliefs solely on a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Kirchherr criticizes YEC arguments, such as the vegetarianism of lions and the explanation for dinosaurs, citing Ken Ham and "Dr. Dino" (Kent Hovind) as prominent figures. He highlights Hovind's claims about "Spanish conquistadors" finding dinosaur drawings depicting surgery and his denial of evolution due to lack of proof of offspring. The author also mentions Hovind's beliefs about government suppression of cancer cures and health risks of immunizations. Kirchherr notes the growing popularity of YEC churches, describing their services as incorporating modern music and PowerPoint presentations, followed by sermons that often condemn homosexuality and promote ideas like the Loch Ness Monster as proof against evolution.

He argues that YEC propagates hate towards various groups and ideologies, including homosexuals, women who seek abortions or equality, and anyone who is not Christian or a theistic evolutionist. Kirchherr draws parallels to ultra-right ideologies he is familiar with from Germany and expresses concern about the influence of YEC on his friends, teachers, and host family. He concludes that YEC is an extreme form of political ideology rather than a scientific or religious stance.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of miscellaneous statistics, often with a skeptical or unusual slant. Some notable statistics include:

• 65% of Kellogg's Frosties sold are eaten by men over 18.
• 12 deaths in Britain annually are attributable to vending machines.
• £77 profit made per second by Tesco supermarkets.
• None reported for women in Britain sexually assaulted after drinks were spiked with Rohypnol or GHB.
• £47 million annual income from real estate in Marylebone by the Howard de Walden Estate.
• 80,000 people registered for surveillance in the first few years of the US National Security Entry-Exit Registration System.
• More than 13,000 investigated under NSEERS were detained or sent for deportation hearings.
• 4 tapes of angels singing placed online by a Florida retired Air Force officer.
• More than 200 UFO sightings added to an online database run by police officers over five years.
• $25 million Challenge Prize offered by Sir Richard Branson for removing one billion tonnes of carbon per year.
• £2,100 cost of equipment for detecting cold spots left by ghosts.
• 75,000 children in China orphaned by AIDS.
• 1 former US vice-president has won an Oscar.
• 1939 was the year swallowing live goldfish was a fad.
• 300 is the record number of goldfish swallowed.
• £2,500 cost of the LawnBott Evolution robotic lawnmower.
• 62p annual cost per capita in 2006 (Queen or World Cup game).

The section also includes a note that both "Hits & Misses" and "Skeptical Stats" rely on reader contributions and provides contact information for submitting them. The compilation is credited to Wendy M Grossman.

Skeptics in the Pub

This is a brief announcement for "Skeptics in the Pub," an informal monthly event for those interested in skepticism and the paranormal. It describes the event as including a talk by an invited speaker, followed by a discussion, and provides details on how to find out more about meetings, including the location (Old Kings Head pub in Borough), contact information, and a suggested donation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the conflict between science and religion, particularly concerning evolution and creationism. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, critically examining surveys and arguments that challenge established scientific consensus. There is a strong emphasis on debunking what are perceived as pseudoscientific or ideologically driven claims, such as those made by Young Earth Creationists. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of scientific reasoning and critical thinking, viewing the promotion of creationism and intelligent design in science education as problematic and often rooted in political or religious agendas rather than scientific merit. The magazine also highlights the importance of clear and accurate communication in science and the potential for public misunderstanding due to flawed surveys or biased reporting.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 20, Number 2, published in 2007, features a range of articles and reviews examining various topics through a lens of skepticism and scientific inquiry. The cover headline is "Rhyme and Reason," and the issue includes contributions from Steve Donnelly, Julian Baggini, and Michael Heap, alongside book reviews and letters.

Rhyme and Reason by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly, a physics professor, explores the complexities of complementary medicine, specifically osteopathy and chiropractic. He notes that while these therapies share some common ground with conventional physiotherapy, their theoretical underpinnings, such as the concept of 'subluxations' causing disease, lack scientific grounding. Donnelly cites research that suggests some effectiveness for specific conditions like lower back pain, but also highlights potential adverse effects and the lack of experimental evidence for the core theories. He contrasts the 'dogma' of subluxation with its potential as a focus for clinical research, as suggested by Joseph C Keating Jr. Donnelly shares a personal anecdote about a 'frozen shoulder' condition, where physiotherapy offered little relief, leading him to consider gentler osteopathic approaches but express caution regarding chiropractic's forceful manipulations. He humorously suggests developing his own 'Suspension-Therapy™' based on his personal relief method.

Philosopher's Corner by Julian Baggini

Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, reflects on the nature of academic life, particularly in the humanities. He argues that the pretense of being at the 'cutting edge' of knowledge, modeled on the sciences, is often unfounded in fields where genuinely pioneering work is rare. Baggini criticizes the academic system for rewarding obscure 'original research' that is often boring, even to those within the same field. He points out the compartmentalization of academic disciplines, where discoveries in one field may have already been explored in another under a different tradition, citing John Searle's 'philosophy of society' as an example that overlaps with Peter L Berger and Thomas Luckmann's work.

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

Michael Heap discusses the use of the term 'delusion' in relation to belief systems, referencing Brian Robinson's criticism of Richard Dawkins' use of the term in 'The God Delusion'. Heap explains that people often hold beliefs with little or no evidence, or beliefs contradicted by evidence, and that the refusal to consider that evidence might question these beliefs is a defining characteristic. He notes that this is common in religious beliefs, occult practices, fringe medicine, and psychiatric delusions. Heap recounts an anecdote about a woman seeking a spiritual explanation for a photograph of a shadow resembling a hand, and another about photographs of 'little balls of light', advising consultation with a photographer instead. He questions who the 'sceptic' is in such encounters and suggests that people may need to be rigid about their beliefs to make the world more exciting or comforting. He also touches on the difficulty of clearly defining 'psychiatric delusion' and distinguishing it from other firmly held beliefs.

Reviews

• BACK TO REALITY: Fear of Knowledge: Against Relativism and Constructivism by Paul Boghossian, reviewed by Paul Taylor. This book is described as a principled effort to defend science against the 'intellectual plague' of relativism and constructivism, which posits that truth is relative to society or perspective. Boghossian analyzes the work of Thomas Kuhn, Richard Rorty, and David Bloor, concluding that constructivist views are incoherent and lack supporting arguments, while defending the idea of an objective reality independent of human opinion.
• BIG MAN, SMALL BOOK: Newton: A Very Short Introduction by Rob Lliffe, reviewed by Tom Ruffles. This review discusses Lliffe's attempt to cover the life and work of Isaac Newton in a concise format. While acknowledging Lliffe's position as editorial director of the Newton Project, the reviewer finds the book's brevity a significant obstacle. The book sketches Newton's context, career, and researches but often skims over topics with insufficient detail and unexplained terminology, making it difficult for non-specialists to grasp without prior knowledge.
• IS ANYBODY THERE? Contact With Alien Civilizations: Our Hopes and Fears About Encountering Extraterrestrials by Michael A G Michaud, reviewed by John Radford. This 460-page book is summarized as a systematic speculation on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), based on the observations that nature does not produce singularities and that existence is vast. Michaud discusses the probabilities involved, the relationships of SETI with various fields like politics and religion, and the 'Jim problem' of recognizing life 'not as we know it'. The review praises the book's readability but criticizes the lack of a bibliography and the unhelpful organization of references.
• WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOU DON'T KNOW? Science, Religion and the Meaning of Life by Mark Vernon, reviewed by Sally Marlow. This book is described as a delightful exploration of agnosticism, written with wit and humility. Vernon, a self-described 'Christian agnostic', argues that silence and understanding what one doesn't know are paths to wisdom. The review highlights his homage to various thinkers and his concept of 'learned ignorance'. The book is seen as living up to its title by gently probing questions about science, religion, and the meaning of life.
• OF MICE AND MENTALISTS: Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach, reviewed by Tessa Kendall. This review covers Mary Roach's book, which scientifically examines claims about the afterlife, including reincarnation, spiritualism, and near-death experiences. Roach interviews scientists and believers, attempting to explain phenomena through science, such as how EMF and infrasound can cause 'spooky' sensations. Her conclusion is that while science has debunked many claims, a significant 'Who knows?' remains. The book is recommended as an introduction to the subject and a source of research findings that debunk paranormal claims.
• EXTRAPOLATE!: A Teaspoon and an Open Mind by Michael White, reviewed by Tessa Kendall. This book, ostensibly about Doctor Who, is described as mostly a review of current technology and recent discoveries, with speculation about the future. White uses solid science and keeps an open mind, debunking Atlantis but remaining open to alien life and telepathy. The reviewer notes that the chapters are loosely themed around Doctor Who ideas but that the book covers familiar ground for sci-fi fans and may disappoint Doctor Who enthusiasts. It is considered an intelligent, readable introduction to ideas that bridge science fiction and scientific possibility.

Letters

• Group Prayer Time by Gerald Huber, Germany: Huber responds to a previous report about research into prayer, questioning the methodology and the assumption that prayer is inherently 'monstrous nonsense'. He argues that if prayer has a reproducible effect, it would prove its effectiveness, regardless of whether it's attributed to friends or families. He suggests that such a study could, in a broader sense, be seen as a test for the existence of a God that can be influenced anthropomorphically.

Rhyme and Reason (continued)

This section provides references for the article by Steve Donnelly, including citations for works by Carter, Dixon, Keating, Licciardone, and Young, with links to New Scientist articles and Chiropractic & Osteopathy.

Errata

An errata note corrects the mislabeling of a previous issue of The Skeptic as 'Winter 2006' when it should have been 'Spring 2007'. It also corrects a caption for a photograph in a previous article.

Back Issues

A list of available back issues of The Skeptic is provided, detailing the volume, issue number, and titles of articles for each publication from Volume 8 (1994) to Volume 20 (2007). Subscription rates and discounts for multiple back issue purchases are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic revolve around the critical examination of claims that lack scientific evidence, particularly in the realms of complementary medicine, pseudoscience, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical, evidence-based approach, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on scientific methodology. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between established science and unsubstantiated beliefs, and on critiquing the intellectual foundations of various disciplines, including academia itself. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rationalism, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge through empirical investigation, while remaining open to genuine scientific discovery.