Skeptic - 2007 - Vol 20 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 20 Number 4
Date: Winter 2007

This issue of The Skeptic, a publication focused on critical thinking and skepticism towards paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, marks a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. The editorial expresses gratitude to its readers for their continued support.

Key Articles and Features

Exposing the Myth of Alcoholics Anonymous. Part 1: History and (Lack of) Effectiveness

Steven Mohr presents the first part of a two-part investigation into Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The article challenges the common perception of AA as a highly effective treatment for alcoholism, arguing that scientific and historical evidence suggests it provides little to no long-term help and can even be dangerous. Mohr posits that AA is a religious cult masquerading as a self-help group, using misinformation, intimidation, and false promises. He questions the program's religious basis and its methods, suggesting that many who attribute their sobriety to AA might have succeeded despite, not because of, the program.

The article delves into the origins of AA, founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, both of whom had severe alcoholism. Their recovery was influenced by the evangelical Christian Oxford Group. The piece highlights Bill Wilson's vision and subsequent dedication to building AA, outlining the core of the program: the 12 steps and 12 traditions. The article notes that while AA claims to be a fellowship for mutual support, its adherents actively indoctrinate newcomers. The author implies that the program's success rate is low, with thousands recovering while millions have tried, and that for many, it has been a 'curse or even a death sentence'.

Interview with Mark Vernon

Sally Marlow conducts an interview with best-selling writer Mark Vernon, author of "Science, Religion and the Meaning of Life." Vernon, a former vicar who became an atheist, discusses his philosophical journey. The article suggests that his book attracted attention partly due to his background, and that he advocates for agnosticism as a positive life philosophy rather than mere indecisiveness.

Inside a Camphill Community

Matthew Provonsha shares his reflections on his experiences as an atheist volunteer worker within a Christian community in the UK. Despite assurances that his atheism would not be an issue, he found the reality to be quite different, indicating potential challenges in interfaith or secular-secular interactions within religious settings.

Skeptic at large: Virtual Worlds

Wendy M Grossman explores the phenomenon of virtual worlds, such as Second Life. She discusses their origins in text-based games and their evolution into graphically rich environments. Grossman highlights the growing business interest in these worlds for marketing and engagement. However, she raises concerns about the significant energy consumption and carbon footprint of virtual avatars, citing calculations that suggest an avatar can consume as much power as an average Brazilian and emit as much carbon as an SUV driven for 2,300 miles. The article also touches upon the issue of 'network lag' in virtual worlds, attributing it to high user numbers and the complexity of avatar customization.

Other Notable Content

• Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery: Features images and discussions related to shamans, exploring their role in indigenous cultures and the beliefs associated with their powers.
• Hits and Misses: Includes a tribute to the late Barry L. Beyerstein, a neuroscientist and skeptic, and discusses recent scientific findings on inorganic material potentially exhibiting characteristics of life, as published in the New Journal of Physics.
• Of shoes and ships and little ducks: A lighthearted piece about a large number of plastic bath toys that have been adrift at sea for years, highlighting their journey and potential contribution to oceanographic studies.
• Potent, painless and psychoactive: Examines ketamine as a potential antidepressant, noting its rapid effects but also its psychedelic and dissociative properties, and the legal implications of its classification as a Class C drug in the UK.
• Editorial: Besides the anniversary note, the editorial also reports the death of Dr. Barry Beyerstein and marks the final contribution of Steve Donnelly to the magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. This issue reinforces that stance by critically examining a widely accepted program like Alcoholics Anonymous, questioning the validity of claims about inorganic life, and exploring the practical and environmental implications of emerging technologies like virtual worlds. The magazine's editorial stance is clearly one of promoting scientific literacy and critical inquiry, challenging popular beliefs and practices when they lack empirical support or appear to be based on dogma rather than reason.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 20 Number 4, dated as Volume 20 Number 4, delves into critical perspectives on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the philosophy of agnosticism, and presents a collection of unusual statistics. The magazine's cover features an illustration and the headline 'Believe it or Not', with a focus on agnosticism.

Alcoholics Anonymous: A Skeptical Examination

The article "Their own unfavorable statistics do not, however, dissuade AA from continuing to claim great success for their programme" critically examines Alcoholics Anonymous. It notes that AA's early support came from John D. Rockefeller Jr., but the medical community initially rejected its 'cure' for alcoholism. The article questions the reliability of AA's success rates, suggesting that prior to 1983, AA members may have been inventing numbers for propaganda. It highlights that the Harvard Medical School reported in 1995 that 80% of alcoholics recover on their own. A study by Dr. George Vaillant, MD, a Harvard psychiatrist and proponent of AA, followed 100 alcoholics for eight years and found that the clinic's results were no better than the natural history of the disease, with a death rate of three percent per year among AA participants, which is three times the national average. The article also touches upon AA's emphasis on a 'Higher Power' and its potential for misdirection and mind control, suggesting that the program's methods are non-rigorous and subjective due to appeals to supernatural agencies.

Mark Vernon on Agnosticism

"Believe it or Not" features an interview with Mark Vernon, an ex-vicar who has written a book celebrating agnosticism. Vernon describes his journey from atheism to agnosticism, emphasizing that it is not a passive state of 'not knowing' but an active, dynamic way of life. He believes that the enquiry itself can be meaningful and that in a world seeking certainty, his brand of uncertainty offers something important. Vernon's approach is contrasted with that of Richard Dawkins, focusing more on asking questions than providing answers. He advocates for a Socratic way of life, where the daily grapple with the unknown provides meaning. Vernon aims to popularize agnosticism as a weighty and serious choice, not just a flight from religion or atheism. His book, "Science, Religion and the Meaning of Life," explores these themes, and he also writes on other topics, applying philosophy to everyday situations.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a compilation of unusual and interesting statistics from various sources. Examples include the speed of a zorb ride, the ratio of snakes to people in a specific village, the number of children on hyperactivity medication, the value of stolen church bells, the mass of a fossilized whale, fines for testing deodorant, and the average number and cost of handbags owned by women. The statistics cover a wide range of topics, from sports and wildlife to crime and consumer habits.

Inside a Camphill Community

Matthew Provonsha reports on his disillusionment with life inside a Camphill Community, a school for young adults with special needs in the UK. Drawn to communal life and disillusioned with the rise of religious fervor in the US, he sought a retreat in Britain. However, he was shocked by the pervasive religiosity of the community, which included blessings before meals and a requirement to participate in religious rituals. He found that being an atheist meant there was no place for him, despite the community receiving government funding. The article suggests that irreligious individuals are funding an institution that discriminates against them. Provonsha also reflects on the broader issue of alienation in modern life and the lack of real escape, referencing Bertrand Russell's observations on work and global economic inequality.

A Daughter's Tribute to Barry Beyerstein

Lindsay Beyerstein writes a tribute to her father, Barry Beyerstein, describing him as an ethical person who lived his values. She highlights his belief in reason, evidence, humility, and compassion, and recalls the warm and welcoming atmosphere of her parents' home. She mentions his professional work in addiction research, particularly the Rat Park experiments, and her own early involvement with Skeptics meetings. The tribute emphasizes Beyerstein's imparting of lessons about a rewarding and ethical life, and his belief in leaving the world a little better than he found it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and questioning stance towards established institutions and beliefs, particularly in the realms of self-help programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and organized religion. The magazine champions rational inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and philosophical exploration, as exemplified by the focus on Mark Vernon's advocacy for agnosticism. There is a clear skepticism towards claims of absolute truth or efficacy, whether from religious doctrines or therapeutic programs, and an emphasis on the importance of questioning and living authentically. The "Skeptical Stats" section further reinforces this by presenting a diverse array of data, encouraging readers to consider information critically and from various angles. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of promoting intellectual independence and challenging conventional wisdom.

Title: The SKEPTIC
Issue: Volume 20, Number 4
Date: 2007 (implied by Volume 20 and content)
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom

This issue of The Skeptic magazine delves into various aspects of skepticism, rationality, and the challenges posed by pseudoscience and misinformation in the modern era. It features a mix of personal reflections, philosophical discussions, news from skeptical organizations, and reviews of relevant books.

Rhyme and Reason: A Farewell Column by Steve Donnelly

Steve Donnelly, a long-time contributor and former co-editor, marks his final regular column for The Skeptic after 20 years of involvement. He reflects on the progress of the skeptical movement in the UK, concluding with a somber "no" to whether significant improvements have been made. Donnelly acknowledges the apathy within the UK skeptical community compared to the US and Australia. He discusses the profound impact of the internet, which, while increasing access to information, has also amplified the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscience. He highlights the challenge for universities in teaching students to critically evaluate online sources and expresses concern about the rise of anti-scientific elements in some academic fields. Donnelly suggests the development of a specialized search engine for skeptical information and emphasizes the importance of educating young people in rational thinking and the scientific method. He bids farewell with wishes for a rational and skeptical future.

Matthew Provonsha: An Activist's Perspective

Matthew Provonsha, an author and activist from Toledo, Ohio, is introduced as someone committed to direct democracy and activism. His work has appeared in The Skeptic magazine, the University of Toledo's philosophy journal 'Slash,' and the radical newsletter CounterPunch. He volunteers with the homeless and has protested against the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Provonsha believes that individuals in wealthy countries bear significant responsibility for global problems and must actively work towards social change to reverse environmental degradation and heal societal wounds.

Skeptics in the Pub

This section announces the monthly 'Skeptics in the Pub' event, a gathering for individuals interested in or skeptical about the paranormal. Held at the Penderel's Oak pub in London, each meeting features a guest speaker followed by an informal discussion. Further details, including directions and contact information for Sid Rodrigues, are provided. A suggested donation of £2.00 is mentioned.

Comic Strip: The Parking Lot is Full

A comic strip titled "The Parking Lot is Full" by Jack McLaren and Pat Spacek is presented, featuring a somewhat melancholic and religious-themed narrative with characters expressing emotions related to crying and divine presence.

Philosopher's Corner: The Nature of Being 'Hard to Pin Down' by Julian Baggini

Julian Baggini, editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, explores the concept of being "hard to pin down" in a philosophical context. He distinguishes between evasive slipperiness used to mask a lack of clarity and a more valuable form of intellectual elusiveness that encourages deeper thinking about complex issues without premature resolution. Baggini argues that a properly skeptical outlook requires acknowledging uncertainty and resisting unsubstantiated answers. He critiques the historical philosophical pursuit of absolute precision, suggesting that some concepts, like 'good judgment,' remain inherently imprecise. He also humorously notes a personal critique received about his appearance.

ASKE News: The Assault on Science by Michael Heap

Michael Heap, Chairman of ASKE (The Association for Skeptical Enquiry), discusses the upcoming 13th European Skeptics Congress in Dublin, themed "The Assault on Science: Constructing a Response." He notes the growing willingness of journalists to challenge irrational beliefs, citing Richard Dawkins' work as an example. Heap addresses the public's endorsement of irrational beliefs, such as astrology, and cautions against a condescending or "tut-tutting" approach from scientists and skeptics, which can alienate people and be perceived as snobbery. He emphasizes that beliefs are often fluid and context-dependent. Heap advocates for continuing the fight against pseudoscience while also considering the power granted to those who promote such ideas.

Reviews

Baloney Detectives: Paranormal Claims: A Critical Analysis by Bryan Farha

Reviewed by Paul Taylor, this book is an anthology of skeptical writings, including contributions from James Randi, Michael Shermer, and Carl Sagan. While Taylor finds the content generally valuable, he questions the publisher's classification of it as an "academic text," citing some pieces as less rigorous. He suggests the book is best suited for the "intelligent layman" or young people seeking an antidote to New Age ideas, but notes its high price and length make it less accessible.

Mr Pooter Meets the Masons: How to Start Your Own Secret Society by Nick Harding

Reviewed by Laury Plato, this book is described as a poorly written and useless guide to forming secret societies, possibly intended as satire. Plato criticizes its linguistic quality and provides examples of its nonsensical content, concluding that the book itself should have remained a secret.

Witch Guide: The History of Witchcraft by Lois Martin

Reviewed by Tessa Kendall, this book provides a scholarly and readable overview of the history of witchcraft. Martin argues that organized witch cults likely never existed, and that elements of paganism were framed as witchcraft by the Church. The review touches upon the evolution of concepts like the Devil, magic, covens, and trials, as well as the romanticization of witches in modern times. It notes that modern Wicca beliefs differ significantly from historical witchcraft.

Bad Egg Sample: Freemasonry by Giles Morgan

Reviewed by John Radford, this book is criticized for being a superficial and poorly written survey of Freemasonry. Radford finds the author's discussion of supposed origins to be speculative and "rubbish," and notes the book's careless writing and repetition. He suggests that a simple internet search or encyclopedia would provide a more informative account.

Letters

Bumper Issue?

Chris Oldman from Cheltenham responds to several points raised in previous issues. He questions the urgency of bemoaning the loss of skills in science and maths when a calculation error is present in the same issue. He shares a memory of early 1960s warnings about masturbation leading to blindness and poor rugby performance. Oldman expresses disappointment with Adam Hart-Davis's belief in water divination and his disparaging comments about James Randi. He also engages with Mark Schaefer's logic regarding description and existence, and defends the value of learning information for developing skills like reading, writing, and logical thinking, which are essential for navigating life and acquiring new knowledge.

Back Issues

This section lists available back issues of The Skeptic magazine from Volume 7 (1993) to Volume 20 (2007), with details of their content and pricing. Discount rates for purchasing multiple back issues are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Skeptic are the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in navigating a world increasingly saturated with information, particularly online. There is a strong emphasis on combating pseudoscience, irrational beliefs, and misinformation. The magazine's stance is clearly pro-science, pro-rationality, and pro-evidence-based inquiry. It advocates for a balanced approach to challenging beliefs, avoiding condescension, and promoting education in scientific literacy and logical reasoning. The issue also touches upon the role of direct action and social change in addressing global issues.