Skeptic - 2008 - Vol 21 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 21 Number 1
Date: Spring 2008
Publisher: The Skeptic
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0959-5228

This issue of The Skeptic, a 20-year-old British skeptical magazine, introduces Lindsay Kallis as the new co-editor, who is pursuing an MSc in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience. The editorial reflects on the perceived apathy within the UK skeptical movement, contrasting it with the active scene in London, evidenced by the large attendance at Skeptics in the Pub meetings and the Centre for Inquiry London's Grand Opening.

Editorial

Chris French and Lindsay Kallis, the editors, welcome Lindsay Kallis as the new co-editor. They acknowledge Steve Donnelly's final column, which lamented the lack of progress in the UK skeptical movement. The editors counter this by highlighting the vibrant skeptical community in London, citing the packed meetings of Skeptics in the Pub and the successful launch of CFI London. They express a desire to expand and improve the magazine to reach a wider audience and address important societal issues. They invite reader input for the revamped magazine.

The editorial also previews the issue's content, including Leonard Angel's critical overview of Ian Stevenson's work on reincarnation, Steven Mohr's conclusion to his critique of Alcoholics Anonymous, and Mark Newbrook's piece on Amazon's book review policies.

Articles and Features

Reincarnation: Overview of the work of Ian Stevenson (1918-2007)

Leonard Angel recounts a dream encounter with Ian Stevenson, the renowned investigator of reincarnation claims. The article explores Stevenson's extensive research, which involved investigating thousands of cases of spontaneously generated past-life memories in children. Stevenson claimed his investigations were scientific and that the results showed paranormal phenomena were required to explain the best of these correspondences. The dialogue in the dream, however, raises questions about the scientific rigor of Stevenson's methodology, particularly the adherence to the null hypothesis and the development of experimental tests to validate his findings. Angel suggests that the apparent correspondences might be statistically expected random occurrences rather than evidence of past lives.

Hilary Evans' Paranormal Picture Gallery: Destroying New York

This feature presents a 1931 Spanish magazine cover from 'Algo' depicting three aeroplanes dropping poison gas on New York City. Hilary Evans comments that New York City seems to inspire destructive fantasies, and this image from 1931 illustrates such a scenario, showing the metropolis 'coughing its heart out'.

Hits and Misses

This section covers several brief topics:

• Chilling thoughts: Discusses the Korean belief in 'fan death', where sleeping in a closed room with an electric fan running is thought to cause death. The article explores the phenomenon's cultural entrenchment and possible explanations, including its use to explain suicides.
• Upon a star, and tree: Reports on P. Selvakumar, a 33-year-old Indian man who married a dog as penance for stoning and beating two dogs to death as a teenager. His astrologer advised this inter-species marriage to atone for his actions and improve his karma.
• In the dark: Critiques the Q-Link product, a pendant marketed to protect against electromagnetic radiation. The article questions the product's scientific claims, noting its simple construction and lack of connection, and highlights its endorsement by major media outlets.

Science debate

The article discusses the emergence of 'Sciencedebate 2008', an initiative aiming to bring presidential candidates together for a debate on science and technology policy. It emphasizes the importance of such a debate in addressing urgent societal issues and raising scientific awareness among the American public, especially as George Bush's presidential term ends.

Skeptic at large

Wendy M Grossman writes about the culture surrounding long hair, particularly on web forums. She discusses the obsession with hair growth, the use of various supplements and remedies (including Monistat), and the tendency for individuals to perceive progress even when it aligns with average growth rates. She also touches on the psychological aspects of self-improvement and the potential for isolation experienced by those with unconventional interests.

Exposing the Myth of Alcoholics Anonymous. Part 2: Cult not Cure

Steven Mohr concludes his critique of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), arguing that it functions as a religious cult rather than an effective treatment program. The article likely delves into the specific doctrines and practices of AA that lead to this conclusion.

Amazon's Amazing Admission

Mark Newbrook expresses his exasperation with Amazon's policy on book reviews, suggesting a significant issue with the platform's handling of customer feedback.

Philosopher's Corner

Julian Baggini contributes to this section, likely exploring philosophical concepts related to skepticism or the topics covered in the magazine.

From Micheal Heap

Micheal Heap also contributes a piece, possibly offering a different perspective or analysis.

Reviews and Letters

The magazine includes sections for book reviews and letters from readers, providing a platform for discussion and feedback.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptic consistently adopts a critical and evidence-based approach to paranormal claims, pseudoscientific theories, and societal issues. The magazine champions rational inquiry, scientific methodology, and critical thinking. Themes explored in this issue include the nature of evidence in paranormal research (reincarnation), the efficacy of self-help and recovery programs (AA), the influence of media and marketing (Q-Link, Amazon), and the intersection of science with public policy and personal beliefs (fan death, astrology, science debate).

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 21, Number 1, dated September 1998, presents a critical examination of various topics through a skeptical lens. The cover prominently features an article titled "Exposing the Myth of Alcoholics Anonymous. Part 2: Cult not Cure" by Steven Mohr, accompanied by a historical illustration from 'La Caricature'. Other significant content includes a discussion on reincarnation research, critiques of Amazon's book review policies, and a compilation of "Skeptical Stats". The magazine's publisher is The Skeptic, and it is country of origin is Australia, with an ISSN of 1037-4557 and a cover price of AUD 6.50.

Exposing the Myth of Alcoholics Anonymous: Cult not Cure

Steven Mohr's two-part investigation concludes that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) operates more like a mind control cult than a therapeutic program. The article details how AA's doctrine of "hopelessness" and "powerlessness" leads individuals to accept a "Higher Power" which often evolves into a traditional God, requiring prayer, intercession, and ultimate salvation. Mohr argues that the 12-step program, while seemingly offering hope, is essentially indoctrination into a set of religious beliefs. He criticizes the program's emphasis on confession, moral inventory, and the constant need to confess sins, likening it to a Christian's struggle against Satan rather than medical treatment.

The article questions how AA has infiltrated the addiction treatment industry and court systems so thoroughly. It points out that most rehabilitation facilities and US courts mandate AA attendance, often without considering its effectiveness. The financial aspect is also highlighted, with the addiction treatment industry being a multi-billion dollar enterprise, and insurance companies favoring 12-step programs. Mohr suggests that AA's "anonymity" principle allows its members, some in influential positions, to promote the AA agenda without transparency, potentially influencing business decisions, such as which rehabilitation clinics to support.

Mohr asserts that AA has lied to the American public for 70 years, offering no real cure and potentially leading to higher mortality rates than the general population. He cites the 1963 Harper's Magazine article "AA: Cure or Cult?" by Dr. Arthur H. Cain as evidence of this critique, noting that while some AA members dismiss such criticisms as trivial, the cult-like nature of AA remains its central tenet.

Reincarnation Research and Methodology

The issue features a dialogue, presented as a dream, between "LA" and "IS" (implied to be Ian Stevenson), critically examining the methodology of reincarnation research. "LA" argues that Stevenson's research, while persistent and dedicated, failed to eliminate the "null hypothesis" (the chance hypothesis). This involves setting up control groups and ensuring statistically significant correlations are not merely due to chance or lax methods. "LA" suggests that Stevenson's work often abstracted information and then confirmed it based on tenuous connections, such as matching birthmarks to wound marks or finding cities with similar-sounding names. The dialogue highlights the "multiple end point problem" and the need for rigorous scientific methods, including separating sources of evidence and avoiding arbitrary confirmation processes.

"LA" criticizes the laxity in how correspondences were generated and confirmed, suggesting that without proper controls, the results could be explained by chance. The conversation touches upon the difficulty of creating a truly comparable control group and the importance of not just the amount of information, but the rigor with which it is used. The dialogue underscores the principle that paranormal claims must first overcome ordinary scientific explanations before being seriously considered.

Amazon's Amazing Admission: Book Review Policies

Mark Newbrook details his unsatisfactory experiences with Amazon's book review policies. He recounts how his review of Robert Temple's "The Sirius Mystery" was removed without notice after Temple complained of misrepresentation. Despite offering to correct genuine errors, Amazon cited legal dangers as the reason for their action.

Further issues arose with Amazon.com when Newbrook attempted to modify his review of Stephen Knapp's "Proof of Vedic Culture's Global Existence". Amazon's new policy prohibited supplementary reviews and then excluded comments on other reviewers' comments, even when they were directly responding to critiques of his own review. Newbrook found Amazon's responses to his inquiries to be unclear and evasive, with the company eventually deeming his critical comments on Knapp's linguistics as "spiteful" and stating that the review forum was not for discussing the validity of a book's subject matter.

Newbrook argues that for reviews to be useful, they must include constructive criticism, especially when the reviewer believes it is justified and can be supported. He also questions Amazon's refusal to clarify when these restrictive policies were introduced and their justification for them.

Skeptical Stats

This section presents a collection of 25 diverse statistics, ranging from the number of people falling ill after inhaling fumes from a meteorite crater (over 200) to the half-life of human taste buds (10-14 days). Other statistics include the size of a family home being constructed for a cinema (50,853 sq ft), the number of couples who participated in a ten-second kiss world record attempt (6,980), the lowest success rate of cancer identification using mammograms (27%), and the cost of a psychic training workshop (£30). The sources for these statistics are varied, including news outlets, zoos, universities, and research bodies. The section is compiled by Mark Williams with contributions from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards claims of the paranormal and unconventional beliefs, a rigorous demand for scientific methodology and evidence, and a critical stance on organizations and practices that appear to lack transparency or rely on flawed reasoning. The editorial stance is clearly one of promoting critical thinking, questioning authority, and advocating for evidence-based conclusions. The magazine actively debunks or scrutinizes phenomena and organizations that do not meet stringent scientific standards, as seen in the critiques of Alcoholics Anonymous and the discussion on reincarnation research methodology. The issue also highlights concerns about censorship and the manipulation of information, particularly in the context of online platforms like Amazon.

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 21, Number 1
Date: Winter 2007
Publisher: The Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of The Skeptic delves into various aspects of skepticism, critical thinking, and the challenges posed by pseudoscience and irrational beliefs. It features a prominent cover story on the detrimental effects of litigation on scholarly discourse, alongside articles discussing the multifaceted purpose of universities, the true meaning of agnosticism, and reviews of recent books.

Articles and Features

The Tendency Towards Quick Recourse to Litigation

The cover story highlights how the threat of legal action, even for minor disagreements, can stifle legitimate scholarly comment and criticism. The article criticizes organizations like Amazon for backing down in the face of such threats, arguing that books should not be immune from criticism. It suggests that such a climate discourages open discussion and intellectual inquiry.

Philosopher's Corner: Julian Baggini

Julian Baggini addresses the question of what universities are for. He argues against a single, definitive answer, likening the situation to a Swiss army knife with multiple functions. While acknowledging the importance of skills for the workplace and financial advancement, he emphasizes that universities also serve broader purposes like social mobility and self-discovery. Baggini contends that the various functions of a university, such as teaching, research, and fostering critical thinking, are interconnected and cannot be neatly separated. He uses the example of philosophy to illustrate how it can serve both pure inquiry and practical needs, especially when integrated within a broader academic institution.

From Michael Heap: Chairman of the Association for Skeptical Enquiry

Michael Heap reports on the 13th European Skeptics Congress held in Dublin. He praises the organizers and highlights the congress's focus on "The Assault on Science: Constructing a Response." Heap notes the high standard of academic content, balanced with humor. He advocates for the inclusion of comedians and economists in skeptical circles and raises the issue of the underrepresentation of women at skeptical events. The report also mentions the affiliation of the Hungarian Skeptic Society with ECSO and their upcoming hosting of the 14th European Skeptics Congress in Budapest.

Reviews

• "Ghost Hunters: The Victorians and the Hunt for Proof of Life After Death" by Deborah Blum: Reviewed by Mike Hutton, this book is described as an overview of the origins of the Spiritualist movement. While it covers the period of William James's psychical research, the review suggests the writing is largely anecdotal and lacks depth in explaining why spirits chose to communicate in the mid-19th century or what happened to prominent mediums.
• "How to Win Every Argument: The Use and Abuse of Logic" by Madsen Pirie: Reviewed by Paul Taylor, this book is characterized as a lively handbook on logical fallacies. It explains various fallacies and, uniquely, suggests how an unscrupulous reader might use them to their advantage.
• "Phantasmagoria: Spirit Visions, Metaphor and Media into the Twenty-first Century" by Marina Warner: Reviewed by Tom Ruffles, this extensive book explores the relationship between the soul, the ethereal, and their expression in metaphor across science, religion, and art. The review notes its erudite and scholarly nature, but suggests it might be too dense for the general reader, with an elliptical language and a bricolage style that can make links difficult to follow.
• "Bad Medicine: Doctors Doing Harm Since Hippocrates" by David Wootton: Reviewed by John Radford, this book argues that professional medicine, until the modern period, often did more harm than good. It highlights the importance of controlled experiments and the germ theory of disease, citing John Snow's work on cholera. The review notes Wootton's critique of other medical historians and his aim to reach both general and specialist readers.

Letters

• A Proposal for Televised Debates: Mark J. Glover suggests establishing a public or media-based debating chamber for conspiracists and skeptics, involving an audience and an unbiased jury. The editors acknowledge the idea's merit but express reservations about using jury systems for scientific truth.
• Jesus in Japan: Mark Newbrook discusses the theory that Jesus survived crucifixion and relocated to Japan, citing a temple chant at Herai. He argues that this theory is based on misinterpretations and likely involves a C19-20 forgery.
• Doubting Dawkins: Adam Buick expresses skepticism about a highly positive review of Richard Dawkins's work, particularly his sociobiological views, which he notes are controversial and not universally accepted by cultural anthropologists.
• Sceptical of Skeptical Stats: A reader questions a statistic about personal debt, which the editors later correct, admitting to a significant error.
• The Meaning of 'Agnosticism': Steuart Campbell clarifies the original meaning of agnosticism as a positive belief that nothing is known or can be known about God, contrasting it with the common UK usage implying indecisiveness. He argues that all scientists are essentially agnostics in their belief that knowledge is provisional.

The Skeptic is Changing...

The magazine announces its upcoming 21st birthday and is soliciting feedback from subscribers and non-subscribers through an online survey to improve content. They are also considering a new title for the magazine and invite suggestions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of critical thinking, the challenges of pseudoscience, and the defense of scientific inquiry against irrationalism and unfounded claims. The editorial stance consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world, advocating for open debate while cautioning against the misuse of logic and the stifling effects of litigation on intellectual discourse. The magazine actively engages with its readership through letters and surveys, demonstrating a commitment to evolving and serving its audience.