Skeptic - 2007 - Vol 20 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of *The Skeptic* magazine, Volume 20 Number 3, published in Autumn 2007, focuses on skepticism regarding paranormal claims and pseudoscientific practices. The cover prominently features the headline "Psychics on eBay" and highlights other articles such as "Haunting the Bereaved" and "R. E. Ality Check," alongside regular features like news, book reviews, comment, and humour.

Editorial

The editorial, by Victoria Hamilton and Chris French, begins with an apology for a previous error regarding Donald Rooum's examination of the claim that Darwin converted to Christianity. They clarify that the conversion was months before death, not on his deathbed, and that no deathbed conversion was ever alleged. The editors introduce the issue's main articles: Mark Williams's piece on Colin Fry's TV show '6ixth Sense' and his use of cold reading; Emma-Louise Rhodes's investigation into the use of eBay by psychics, noting the ease with which one can set up as a psychic online; and Damien Morris's article arguing for the possibility of engaging students in religious education by encouraging critical thinking about their beliefs, suggesting that exploring phenomena scientifically removes the 'supernatural' while retaining wonder.

The editorial also announces changes within *The Skeptic* staff. Mark Williams joins the team, taking over responsibility for the 'Hits and Misses' and 'Skeptical Stats' columns. Victoria Hamilton is leaving as co-editor to pursue a PhD in Australia, and her contributions over three years are acknowledged with appreciation.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several brief items:

• Bent copyright: Uri Geller is reported to have taken legal action against a skeptical video posted on YouTube, claiming copyright infringement over a ten-second excerpt from the 1993 TV program 'Secrets of the Psychics'. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) retaliated by filing suit against Geller, arguing that his claims stifle free speech and may infringe on the US First Amendment right to freedom of speech. YouTube removed the video to avoid prosecution.
• Rumblings underground: The third annual Mary King's Ghost Fest in Edinburgh featured infrasound experiments in a supposedly haunted location. Led by Ciaran O'Keeffe, the research aimed to determine if infrasound could be the cause of paranormal experiences, building on the work of Vic Tandy, who hypothesized that 19Hz infrasound might be responsible for ghost sightings due to its resonance with the human eye.
• Why fie the wi-fi?: The article critiques a BBC Panorama program that claimed wi-fi is potentially more dangerous than mobile phone masts, especially in schools. The author argues that this is a 'Great Technology Scare' tactic, comparing wi-fi and mobile phones to radios and questioning the panic over radiation when other dangers like pollution and poverty are more significant. The BBC's own technology writers reportedly criticized the program.
• In evidence we trust: This piece discusses the increasing pressure against homoeopathy within the UK's National Health Service (NHS). More than half of English Primary Care Trusts are reportedly refusing to fund homoeopathy, citing a lack of evidence for its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Two homoeopathic hospitals are threatened with closure, and the report suggests PCTs should reduce or eliminate coverage.

Skeptic at large...

Wendy M Grossman's column addresses the question of why it matters if creationism is taught in schools. She argues that it is important because "people with strong religious views" can be deterred from joining skeptical discussions if the line between faith and anti-science is blurred. Grossman discusses how politicians' decisions impact everyday life and criticizes the spread of anti-science beliefs, particularly in the US, citing an example of a Ford Motor Company lobbyist who promoted creationism. She contends that while teaching critical thinking is a stated goal, it risks turning education into a platform for debating equal points of view rather than seeking evidence-based truth.

Haunting the Bereaved

Mark Williams reviews Colin Fry's TV show '6ixth Sense,' analyzing his use of cold reading. Williams explains cold reading as a technique where a performer uses observation and inductive reasoning to appear to know personal information about a subject. He critiques an episode where Fry asked direct questions to audience members, interpreting their responses to construct 'psychic' insights. Williams notes that Fry's method of posing questions and drawing conclusions based on affirmative responses seemed suspicious, suggesting it was more akin to fishing for information rather than genuine psychic communication. He also discusses 'Barnum statements' – generalized statements that most people find accurate about themselves – and how they can be exploited in psychic readings. The article highlights how a volunteer interpreted Fry's generic statements about bereavement as specific messages, demonstrating how expectations can shape the perception of a reading.

Key Incidents

• Cowled Figure at Buntingford (January 1931): An Italian magazine, 'Illustrazione del Popolo,' featured an illustration of a cowled figure seen by residents in Buntingford, Hertfordshire. The figure was described as a ghost gliding over a flooded river, terrifying three boys. The article notes that while this is a fine apparition picture, further references to the event are scarce.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical approach, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning and scientific inquiry. It critiques pseudoscientific claims, such as those made by psychics and proponents of homoeopathy, and challenges the spread of anti-science beliefs in education and public discourse. The editorial stance is to address testable phenomena and avoid matters of faith, while also being critical of claims that lack empirical support. The issue highlights the role of critical thinking in education and the potential for media to sensationalize or misrepresent paranormal claims.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 20 Number 3, delves into themes of skepticism, belief, and the critical examination of phenomena often accepted without question. The magazine features articles that scrutinize psychic practices, the educational landscape concerning belief systems, and presents a compilation of statistical data.

Psychic Phenomena and Online Commerce

Emma-Louise Rhodes, a researcher of psychic phenomena, investigates the burgeoning market of psychic services on eBay in her article "Psychics on eBay". She details how individuals can purchase a wide array of psychic readings, from single-question consultations to comprehensive yearly forecasts, often at low prices. Rhodes highlights the marketing strategies employed by these sellers, including the use of evocative language, images, and the eBay feedback system to build trust. She notes that while some sellers may be genuine, the platform also facilitates the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly those experiencing bereavement. The article points out the ease with which computer-generated readings can mimic authentic ones, and how the 'Buy It Now' feature allows for mass marketing of these services. The 'Electronic Tarot' section describes a digital download that teaches users how to profit from offering psychic readings online, emphasizing the importance of making the readings appear authentic rather than textbook-generated.

Rhodes also touches upon the 'Fraudulent Mediums Act of 1951', which aims to counter fraudulent psychic claims. She analyzes the disclaimer used by the television program '6ixth Sense with Colin Fry', noting its brevity and the potential for the host to still conduct pre-show investigations. The article suggests that the psychic industry thrives on emotion rather than cold rationality, and encourages greater critical analysis of these practices.

Skeptical Stats

The "Skeptical Stats" section presents a collection of 25 diverse statistics, compiled by Wendy M. Grossman and Mark Williams. These facts cover a range of topics, including personal debt, scientific research claims, survival statistics, website security, DNA databases, online auctions, driving offenses, geographical data, book sales, water consumption, energy consumption, domain name sales, drug potency, and internet censorship. The sources for these statistics are varied, including news outlets, research papers, and online publications.

Education and Critical Thinking

Damien Morris, in "R.E.Ality Check: An Alternative Approach to Religious Education", discusses his experiences teaching Religious Education in an Anglican Boys School in Melbourne. He expresses alarm not at a lack of faith, but at the breadth, inconsistency, and seemingly accidental nature of his students' beliefs. These beliefs encompassed a wide range of supernatural phenomena, including ghosts, demons, astrology, witchcraft, alien abductions, and telekinesis. Morris argues that students often accept these ideas without critical reflection, influenced by dominant cultural narratives found in science fiction and fantasy. He advocates for an educational approach that encourages critical thinking and a scientific perspective when exploring uncanny phenomena, asserting that such an approach can demystify the 'supernatural' while retaining a sense of wonder. Morris emphasizes the importance of fostering an informed public capable of scrutinizing beliefs, particularly given the potential for superstition to influence the democratic process. He believes that education plays a crucial role in combating the coercive threats posed by cults, charlatans, and demagogues who claim supernatural powers.

Morris further elaborates that the entertainment and advertising industries often promote a form of "mythological regression" by presenting angels, witchcraft, and aliens as solutions to modern confusion. He questions the extent to which the mercenary logic of these industries should dictate how children perceive the world. He calls for educators to alert students to the scholarly apparatus that explains uncanny phenomena through natural causes, arguing that a half-cherished belief in an "unexplored dark-side to culture" nourishes contemporary superstition.

Skeptics in the Pub

The magazine also includes information about "Skeptics in the Pub," an ongoing event for individuals interested in or skeptical about the paranormal. It is held monthly in a pub, featuring talks by invited speakers followed by informal discussions. Details on location and contact information are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Skeptic consistently promotes a stance of critical inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. The articles challenge unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the realm of psychic phenomena and the paranormal, highlighting the potential for deception and exploitation. The magazine advocates for a rational understanding of the world, encouraging readers to apply critical thinking to information encountered in media, commerce, and education. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of skepticism as a tool for navigating a world saturated with sensationalism and unverified assertions, particularly concerning the influence of these beliefs on personal choices and societal processes.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 20, Number 3
Date: 2007
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
Character: A publication dedicated to skeptical inquiry, critical thinking, and the examination of pseudoscientific claims, paranormal phenomena, and other topics from a rationalist perspective.

Levity on the Web by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly, a physics professor at the University of Salford, reflects on the impact of the internet on the promotion of pseudoscientific theories. He recounts his past appearance on the BBC program 'Pebble Mill at One' where he countered the claims of John Searl, who asserted he had invented an anti-gravity, perpetual-motion flying machine. Donnelly notes that Searl's claims, which included descriptions of a machine based on rotating magnets producing electrical sparks and levitation, have gained a global reach through the internet via multiple websites and YouTube clips. Donnelly's colleague had criticized his 'soft line' in the debate, suggesting he should have been more forceful in debunking Searl's claims. Donnelly observes that while professionally produced websites can lend credibility to dubious activities, amateur footage, where inventors explain their ideas in their own words, can also diminish credibility. He is unconvinced that Searl's claims would attract investment from major aerospace or energy companies. Ultimately, Donnelly suggests that the internet may be serving skepticism by providing a platform for 'unconventional' inventors to demonstrate their wares at length, allowing for critical examination. He humorously notes that a 'physicist from Manchester University' (referring to himself, as identified by a website) is being used in promotional material by Searl, but he feels he has more useful things to do than pursue litigation.

Philosopher's Corner: Sexual Ethics by Julian Baggini

Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, discusses the marginalization of sexual ethics in contemporary secular debate. He attributes this to historical taboos, concerns about unwanted pregnancy and venereal disease, and the role of religion in defining sex within sanctioned relationships. While the threats of pregnancy and disease have been mitigated by modern medicine, and religious adherence has declined, Baggini argues that sexual ethics remains a vital ethical issue. He contrasts the common understanding of ethics as a rule-based system of conduct with an older, Aristotelian view focused on living a 'good life.' In this broader ethical framework, how individuals conduct their private lives, including their sexuality, significantly impacts not only their own well-being but also that of their partners. Baggini concludes that sexual ethics is not about a list of permitted or prohibited acts, but rather about the manner in which we engage in sexual activity, emphasizing the importance of how we treat others and manage our desires.

ASKE News by Michael Heap

Michael Heap, Chairman of ASKE (The Association for Skeptical Enquiry), addresses a persistent issue he has observed since 1985: the significant male bias within the skeptical community. He notes that in 2006, ASKE's membership was over 80, with hopes for exceeding 100 in 2007, but less than 10% of members are female, and no females participate in the ASKE email discussion network. This gender imbalance is also evident in publications like 'The Skeptic' (UK) and 'The Skeptical Inquirer' (US), where male authors and editors heavily dominate. Heap cites statistics from various skeptical journals and conferences, highlighting the low representation of female speakers and contributors. He suggests that while men may not be inherently more skeptical than women, the motivation to engage in skeptical activities—joining societies, writing, attending meetings—may appeal more predominantly to males. Heap questions whether this male-dominated voice is healthy for skepticism and solicits thoughts from readers, particularly female colleagues.

Reviews

Gene Feast: Richard Dawkins: How a Scientist Changed the Way we Think

Edited by Alan Grafen and Mark Ridley, this collection of essays marks the 30th anniversary of Richard Dawkins' 'The Selfish Gene.' The book is divided into sections covering biology, the gene, logic, human perspectives, controversy, and writing. Contributors like Daniel Dennett and Michael Shermer praise Dawkins' work for its philosophical depth and contribution to rationalism. However, the review notes an essay by Richard Harries, the Bishop of Oxford, which criticizes 'universal Darwinism' for undermining the concept of divine rationality. Other essays explore the concept of memes and draw parallels between human existence and Albert Camus' philosophy. The review highlights Philip Pullman's appreciation of Dawkins as a storyteller and Matt Ridley's observation that 'The Selfish Gene' revived the book's role as a scientific art form. Helena Cronin describes the gene-centered view as an 'invitation to journey into unreachable worlds.' Overall, the reviewer, Paul Taylor, finds the book to be an illuminating and encouraging guide to the work of a champion skeptic.

Strange to Relate: The Occult Tradition: From the Renaissance to the Present Day

David S. Katz's book, reviewed by Tessa Kendall, aims to explore the occult tradition from ancient Greece through the Renaissance to the present day. Katz defines occult practices as an attempt to unify disparate aspects of creation within a complex structure of connections and sympathies. The book traces the development of occultism through Neoplatonists, Hermeticists, Kabbalists, Rosicrucians, Freemasons, and Swedenborgians, also noting its Hermetic roots in Mormonism. The review points out that while skeptics existed throughout history, they were often lone voices. The Victorian era saw a resurgence of interest in the supernatural, influenced by psychology and Indian mysticism, with figures like Jung attempting to amalgamate psychoanalysis and the occult. Katz's speculative argument that American fundamentalism is occult due to its belief in the supernatural world and its interpretation of prophecies is discussed, though the reviewer questions if this fits the definition of 'occult' as distinct from general religious beliefs. Despite this, the book is considered a useful resource for understanding the influences within and upon the occult.

Magnus' Opus: Fakers, Forgers & Phoneys: Famous Scams and Scamps

Reviewed by Ray Ward, this book by the late Magnus Magnusson covers art forgeries, archaeological frauds, impostors, and literary forgeries. Ward, who knew Magnusson personally, praises the book as excellent and fascinating. The review highlights stories such as the van Meegeren art forgeries, the Piltdown Man hoax, the Cottingley fairies, and the fabricated artist Nat Tate. A recurring theme is the ease with which people, including experts, can be fooled. Magnusson's concluding quote emphasizes the boundless gullibility of people, regardless of how crude the forgeries may be. The review calls it a fitting epitaph for Magnusson.

Credo: Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast: The Evolutionary Origins of Beliefs

Lewis Wolpert's book, reviewed by John Radford, explores the evolutionary origins of belief. The reviewer finds the book to be too brief, with many interesting leads left unexplored. Wolpert argues that a 'belief engine' evolved in humans because it was useful, originating from early hominids' tool-using and the development of causality. This tendency to seek causes, even when none are apparent, can lead to false beliefs, particularly in health and religion. Scientific thinking, according to Wolpert, is not evolutionarily based but was invented by the Greeks. While the reviewer notes some potential issues with the book's clarity and the definition of 'belief,' they find it a fascinating and rewarding read.

Letters

Making up History by Steuart Campbell

Steuart Campbell writes to clarify a point from his previous article, 'Making up history (Skeptic, 20.1),' regarding his grandfather arresting George Edalji. He accepts that press reports at the time stated this, even though his grandfather did not serve in the Birmingham Police Force.

De Pauw on Flew... by Karel de Pauw

Karel de Pauw questions Antony Flew's claim in a letter to The Skeptic that Charles Darwin converted to Christianity. De Pauw received a cutting from The Daily Telegraph (August 23, 1999) which stated that Darwin had converted to Christ in his last year, citing his involvement with temperance evangelist James Feagan and a visit from Lady Hope. The article also mentions Darwin's butler and wife's reports. De Pauw expresses disappointment with the scholarship in the book 'Darwinian Evolution,' particularly its factual errors regarding Richard Dawkins and George Gaylord Simpson. He notes that Flew did not acknowledge any error despite being sent refuting articles.

...and Flew on Dawkins by Antony Flew

Antony Flew responds to Richard Dawkins' reference to his conversion to Deism in 'The God Delusion.' Flew criticizes Dawkins for not consulting his 'Who's Who' entry, which would have explained his conversion as a philosophical stance rather than a fear of death. Flew also faults Dawkins for not mentioning Einstein's awareness of an 'Intelligence behind the integrated complexity of the physical world.' Flew accuses Dawkins of being more interested in print than truth, offering a 'contemptuous and completely false explanation' of his conversion.

More on the Kennedy Assassination by Ray Ward

Ray Ward comments on a previous letter regarding the Kennedy assassination. He highlights the unreliability of eyewitness testimony, particularly concerning the identification of Oswald as the shooter of Officer Tippit. Ward also points to the FBI's own findings that Oswald's revolver was defective and that it was impossible to definitively link the recovered bullets to his gun. He further notes Jack Ruby's extensive underworld connections, supported by the House Select Committee on Assassinations, suggesting that the FBI was negligent in investigating these links. The medical personnel's initial observations about the direction of the shots are also mentioned, with a preference given to their earliest, unforced comments.

Tape that! by Jeremy Bojczuk

Jeremy Bojczuk writes in response to a previous article ('Hits and Misses,' Skeptic, 20.2) about duct tape. He clarifies that duct tape and gaffer's tape are distinct types of tape, which might explain why a wart cure failed if the wrong type was used. Larry Huntley adds a brief note about the distinction between duct tape and gaffer's tape.

Back Issues

The magazine lists available back issues from Volume 7 (1993) to Volume 20 (2007), with details of their contents and discounts for purchasing multiple issues. The Skeptic is published quarterly, with subscription details provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic include the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims and their dissemination via the internet, the philosophical and ethical considerations of various topics (sexual ethics, belief formation), and the internal dynamics of the skeptical movement itself (gender bias). The editorial stance is consistently rationalist and evidence-based, promoting critical thinking and challenging unsubstantiated beliefs. The reviews and letters sections further reinforce this by engaging with books and contemporary discussions from a skeptical perspective.