Skeptic - 2009 - Vol 22 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Skeptic
Issue: Volume 22, Number 1
Date: Spring 2009
Publisher: The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
Country: United Kingdom
Focus: Pursuing Truth through Reason and Evidence

This issue of The Skeptic magazine marks the beginning of a new, improved format and introduces several new regular columnists. The editors, Chris French and Lindsay Kallis, express their enthusiasm for the updated publication and highlight key features.

Cover Story: James Randi

The cover prominently features James Randi, a celebrated skeptic, who is interviewed about his thoughts on mortality, Project Alpha, and Peter Popoff. Randi, described as being almost 80 years old at the time of the interview, is presented as a significant figure in the skeptical movement. The interview took place shortly after his appearance at Conway Hall, London. The magazine also notes that The Amazing Meeting is coming to London, though Randi will be unable to attend in person due to medical reasons, and extends best wishes for his recovery.

Wendy Grossman: 21 Years of The Skeptic

Wendy M. Grossman, the founding editor of The Skeptic, reflects on the magazine's 21-year history. She examines how the publication has evolved and adapted to the changing concerns within the skeptical community over the decades. The article poses the question of whether skeptics have reached a point where they can effectively make a difference.

Articles and Columns

Can Science Accommodate Psychic Experience?

Inspired by a talk by Professor Bernard Carr, Jon Wainwright explores the question of whether science can accommodate psychic experience. His reflections lead him to a different conclusion than Carr's, and Professor Carr is given a right to reply in the issue.

Hits and Misses

Mark Williams contributes a column titled "Hits and Misses," which covers several distinct topics:

• God, Direct to Your Lounge: Williams recounts his experience watching the GOD Channel and a sermon by Heidi Baker. He notes Baker's energetic style of prayer and the passionate response from the audience. He also touches upon the potential for blind faith to lead to dangerous outcomes, referencing a statement by fellow preacher Randy Clarke about miraculous healings.
• Facebook Causes Cancer, Typewriters Don't: This section critiques the media's tendency to blame technology for societal ills, citing examples of criticisms leveled against television, computer games, and the internet. It highlights the irony of the BBC reporting on negative effects of technology while CNN reports on research suggesting social networking could numb morality. Williams also touches upon the historical claims of subliminal suggestion by James Vicary and CIA 'mind control' experiments, noting that Vicary's study was later revealed to be a hoax.
• Development?: This part discusses the European legislation regarding the use of animals in experimentation, which has remained unchanged since 1986. It details proposed amendments that could reduce animal protection and undermine scientific advancement. The section also mentions public opposition to primate research and the scientific illogicality of the proposed changes.
• ET, Come Back: This segment discusses the declassification of documents related to the OXCART aeroplane (SR-71), suggesting it as a possible explanation for UFO sightings due to its advanced technology and high speeds. It includes an anecdote from an SR-71 pilot about ejecting during a test flight and a humorous account of his debriefing.

Skeptic at Large: Can a Robot Really Do Science?

Wendy M. Grossman examines two papers published in *Science* concerning robots capable of scientific inquiry. Hod Lipson's group at Cornell has developed a robot that deduces natural laws from experimental data, while Ross King's group at Aberystwyth has created a robot named Adam that conducts biological experiments. Grossman discusses the capabilities of these robots, comparing them to human scientific processes and touching upon the concept of the 'Singularity' – the hypothetical point where machine intelligence surpasses human intelligence.

Philosopher's Corner: Act Without Hope

Julian Baggini discusses moral philosopher Peter Singer's polemic, *The Life You Can Save*, which advocates for greater wealth donation to alleviate global poverty. Baggini addresses arguments against feeling guilt for global poverty, such as the idea that we are not responsible for it and that aid can sometimes cause more harm than good. He ultimately argues that a duty of assistance exists regardless of responsibility, emphasizing the moral obligation to help those in need, even if the efforts are not always successful or if we act without the expectation of guaranteed success.

Book Reviews

• Contradictory Addle-Headed Moonshine: A review of R. Barker Bausell's book, *Snake Oil Science: the Truth about Complementary and Alternative Medicine*, reviewed by Ray Ward.
• No Mean Feet: A review of *The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers* by Michael Blastland and Andrew Dilnot, reviewed by Michael Hutton.

Other Sections

• Editorial Advisory Board: A comprehensive list of distinguished individuals from various academic and public fields who have joined the board, including James Alcock, Susan Blackmore, Derren Brown, Richard Dawkins, Stephen Fry, Wendy M. Grossman, Ray Hyman, Paul Kurtz, Stephen Law, Scott Lilienfeld, Elizabeth Loftus, Richard McNally, PZ Myers, Mark Newbrook, Charles Paxton, Phil Plait, Massimo Polidoro, Benjamin Radford, James Randi, Ian Rowland, Karl Sabbagh, Simon Singh, and Richard Wiseman.
• Skeptics in the Pub: Information about a lecture series held in pubs across the UK, focusing on a rational approach to extraordinary claims.
• Contribute to The Skeptic: Guidelines for potential authors wishing to submit articles, reviews, or columns, emphasizing clarity, scientific outlook, and critical thinking.
• Letters: A section for reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical, evidence-based approach to claims of the paranormal, fringe science, and pseudoscientific phenomena. It encourages critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the use of reason. The editorial stance is one of open debate, inviting diverse perspectives while maintaining a commitment to scientific rigor. The issue highlights the importance of free speech, as seen in the support for Simon Singh's legal battle, and encourages engagement with important public issues that involve science and reason. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific advancement and unsubstantiated claims, often by debunking popular myths or misinterpretations of science.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 22, Issue 1, published in 2009, features a collection of articles that delve into various aspects of skepticism, critical thinking, and the examination of claims that fall outside conventional scientific understanding. The magazine covers topics ranging from philosophical debates on free will and the potential dangers of solar storms to critical analyses of religious traditions and the media's portrayal of paranormal phenomena.

Free Will

Michael Heap, Chairman of ASKE and a clinical and forensic psychologist, discusses the ongoing debate about 'free will' stimulated by an article in The Guardian. Heap addresses the implications of viewing free will as an illusion, particularly for the criminal justice system. He argues that while the system may already operate on principles of effectiveness rather than pure retribution, it must remain mindful of public expectations and values. Heap also touches upon the concept of remorse, suggesting it is a desirable end in itself, valued by the public, and a potential factor in deterring antisocial behavior, even if free will is an illusion.

What on earth possessed him?

Chris French, Editor in Chief of The Skeptic, critically examines an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme where Dom Anthony Sutch, a Benedictine monk, discussed a newspaper story about exorcists being called to a Derby hospital. French expresses surprise at the interviewer's lack of critical questioning, noting that Sutch accepted the existence of demons, possession, and ghosts as facts without exploring more plausible psychological explanations. French suggests that Sutch's staunch Roman Catholic faith might be relevant and questions the reassurance such an interview would offer to patients and staff.

Sceptical Stereotypes: The Bearded Male

Tracy King explores the persistent stereotype of the 'typical' sceptic as a bearded, bespectacled, aging male intellectual. She traces the association of beards with intellectualism and notes how this stereotype might hinder broader appeal for skepticism. King discusses surveys suggesting that clean-shaven men are perceived as more honest and that bearded men might be seen as less generous or cheerful. She highlights the efforts of skeptic organizations to broaden their appeal by showcasing diversity and emphasizes that critical thinking should be universal. King concludes by debunking the stereotype with a statistic from a Skeptics in the Pub event where only a small fraction of attendees had beards.

How screwed are we?

Mark Duwe examines the potential threat posed by solar storms, referencing a New Scientist article about the possibility of a catastrophic event. He explains how a massive solar event could disrupt radio emissions, damage satellite circuitry, warp the Earth's magnetic field, and cause widespread blackouts and potential societal collapse due to the failure of essential services. Duwe discusses the Carrington Event of 1859 as the worst solar storm on record, noting its speed and impact on telegraph systems. While acknowledging the potential danger, he also points out that current solar cycles appear quieter and that such extreme events may occur on a half-millennium cycle, suggesting preparedness is wise.

Passing on Passover

Jon Cohen, a record producer and skeptic, reflects on his experience attending a Passover Seder. He describes the ritual as celebrating a macabre story, questioning its historical accuracy based on archaeological evidence. Cohen criticizes the narrative of plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, deeming it a tale of suffering and collateral damage. He argues that celebrating the death of Egyptian babies is perverse and that the story lacks modern relevance, especially in light of ongoing global suffering. Cohen suggests that while traditions have value, civilized societies must be willing to re-evaluate and repudiate elements that are morally unacceptable, proposing that Passover could be a time for celebrating hard-won freedoms and reflecting on current issues rather than celebrating past cruelty.

The Media and the Medium

Jon Donni analyzes a document detailing legal constraints placed on psychics and mediums appearing on TV entertainment programs. He notes rules preventing discussions about living children, vulnerable people, life-changing advice, and medical diagnoses. Donni suggests these rules, while potentially protecting psychics from legal action, could also mask their lack of genuine ability by preventing direct, specific questions. He argues that as skeptics, while these rules might support the idea of cold reading and general comments, they don't fundamentally change the skeptical position, as live performances away from these restrictions also fail to demonstrate genuine psychic ability.

Time to Grow Up?

Lindsay Kallis, a PhD student and managing editor of The Skeptic, discusses the evolution of modern science from natural philosophy and its role in understanding the world. She addresses the perception of science as dry and reductionist, contrasting it with the human need for awe and wonder. Kallis argues that as humans evolved, their reliance on supernatural explanations for control and meaning became less necessary with increased understanding of the natural world. She advocates for a secular framework and encourages individuals to ask fundamental questions about existence, suggesting that cultivating awareness and understanding is a romantic pursuit.

Skeptical Stats

Compiled by Mark Williams, this section presents a collection of diverse statistics from various sources. It includes data on wage differences between heterosexual and homosexual men, the value of Detroit's currency, the sale price of a medal awarded to a dog, the number of animals honored for wartime service, compensation paid by the Catholic Church for abuse, the speed of the world's fastest camera, pharmaceutical industry spending on promotion and R&D, the number of tentacles on a jellyfish, the effectiveness of an anti-aging product, details about a proposed military spy airship, annual spent fuel production from nuclear reactors, Intel's green power purchases, animal testing statistics in the UK, the number of advertising complaints, the amount of video uploaded to YouTube per minute, the duration of a trek to the poles, a prediction for male extinction, computer game piracy figures, the cost of defamation actions, and the duration a lightning flash can power a light bulb.

The Skeptic Comes of Age

Wendy M Grossman, founding editor of The Skeptic, reflects on the magazine's first 21 years. She recounts an early story about weeping statues and how a simple explanation involving plaster and plastic coating appealed to her sense of skepticism. Grossman emphasizes that skepticism is about enquiry and testing claims, not outright denial. She contrasts unfalsifiable hypotheses with testable ones, stating that skeptics are unlikely to interfere with beliefs that cannot be tested, but will engage with claims that can be investigated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a healthy skepticism towards extraordinary claims, whether they stem from religious traditions, paranormal phenomena, or media portrayals. The magazine's stance is to encourage questioning, investigation, and the application of scientific and psychological principles to understand the world. There is a clear emphasis on debunking pseudoscience and stereotypes, advocating for a rational approach to complex issues, and promoting a broader, more inclusive understanding of skepticism. The articles collectively challenge readers to examine their own beliefs and to seek explanations grounded in reality rather than unfounded assertions.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 22, Issue 1, dated September/October 1990, focuses on the evolution of skepticism and the magazine's role in fostering a more critical public discourse. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and highlights articles on spiritualism and mediums, with a photograph illustrating the magazine's history. The issue includes an extensive interview with James Randi, a renowned conjuror, sceptic, and founder of the James Randi Educational Foundation.

The Evolution of The Skeptic and the Rise of Skepticism

The article traces the origins of The Skeptic magazine back to late 1986, when the interviewee, inspired by figures like James Randi and Martin Gardner, was encouraged by Mark Plummer of CSICOP to start a newsletter. The author reflects on the challenges of promoting skepticism, noting that while the alternative medicine market and paranormal claims continue to proliferate, there are now more visible sceptics. The magazine's founding was partly motivated by a desire to see skeptical viewpoints represented in public discussions, such as daytime television shows.

The author contrasts the early years with the present, observing that while some phenomena like biorhythms and crop circles have faded from public consciousness, others like astrology and alternative medicine persist. The complexity of crop circles is discussed, noting how theories adapted to accommodate new formations, such as Terence Meaden's adaptation of his whirlwind theory to include intelligent plasma vortices.

The piece also touches upon the perception of skepticism in the UK, noting a tendency for the public to view it as negative rather than inquisitive. The internet is credited with helping like-minded people connect, a contrast to the earlier reliance on printed publications for community building.

James Randi: A Life Dedicated to Skepticism

The core of the issue is a lengthy interview with James Randi, conducted by Chris French. Randi, a celebrated conjuror and investigator of paranormal claims, discusses his multifaceted career. He recounts his early life, his development of magic skills, and his transition from performing to actively debunking fraudulent claims.

Randi highlights the ethical responsibility he feels as a sceptic, particularly in addressing how people are deceived, both by others and by themselves. He expresses his offense at charlatans who prey on vulnerable individuals, using similar techniques to magicians. He views his role as educating people to recognize these deceptions.

Project Alpha

Randi details his involvement in 'Project Alpha,' an investigation where two young individuals were tasked with infiltrating a parapsychological laboratory at Washington University. The goal was to demonstrate to scientists how easily they could be fooled by simple magic tricks, thereby exposing the fallibility of their research methods. Randi emphasizes that he did not teach them tricks but rather guided them on how to present their findings and avoid admitting to deception directly.

The Peter Popoff Investigation

Another significant investigation discussed is that of faith healer Peter Popoff in the mid-1980s. Randi recounts how his team, including Steve Shaw, discovered Popoff was using a hearing aid. Further investigation by an electronics expert, Alec Jason, using a modified Walkman, intercepted communications between Popoff and his wife, revealing derogatory and disrespectful language towards his audience and patients. This exposé, though met with disgust, did not deter Popoff from continuing his lucrative operations.

The Nature of Skepticism and Science

Randi addresses the public image problem of sceptics, often perceived as negative. He argues that skepticism is a positive pursuit of truth and understanding. He emphasizes that people often *need* to believe in paranormal phenomena, especially when dealing with grief or seeking comfort. He contrasts this with the objective, self-correcting nature of science, which admits its limitations and continuously searches for knowledge.

Randi shares his personal experience undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, expressing profound gratitude for medical science and its advancements, which he sees as far more miraculous than any paranormal claim.

The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF)

Randi discusses the founding of the JREF in 1996, after his retirement from performing. The foundation aims to promote critical thinking and offers a million-dollar prize to anyone who can demonstrate paranormal abilities under controlled conditions. He describes the foundation's operations, its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and its library, hoping that its resources will continue to educate future generations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. It critiques the proliferation of pseudoscience, alternative medicine, and paranormal claims, highlighting the methods used by charlatans to deceive the public. The magazine positions itself as a vital platform for skeptical inquiry, fostering a community of like-minded individuals and encouraging critical thinking. The interview with James Randi serves as a powerful testament to the importance of scientific literacy and the ongoing need to challenge unsubstantiated beliefs. The editorial stance is clear: to advocate for science, reason, and critical examination of all claims, particularly those that lack empirical support.

This issue of The Skeptic, Volume 22, Issue 1, published in 2009, features a cover story titled "Can Science Accommodate Psychic Experience?" by Jon Wainwright, which explores the intersection of science, belief, and psychic phenomena. The magazine also includes a reply from Professor Bernard Carr, reviews of two books, and a letter from a reader.

Can Science Accommodate Psychic Experience?

Jon Wainwright's main article reflects on whether a paradigm shift within physics could explain 'psi' (psychic phenomena). He recounts a lecture by Professor Bernard Carr at Goldsmiths, University of London, where Carr discussed the genuine nature of psychic experiences reported by many people. Carr, a professional physicist specializing in cosmology, acknowledged the discomfort some colleagues feel towards psi, but argued that if psychic phenomena are real, they must obey natural laws and be amenable to scientific investigation. Wainwright notes Carr's further question: "Can science deal with mental experience?" and his speculative conclusion about psi being an "experiential glimpse of the holistic fabric of reality."

Wainwright introduces the concept of the hypersensitive agency detection device (HADD), as explored by Pascal Boyer and Justin Barrett, suggesting that our tendency to detect intentional agents might contribute to the formation of supernatural concepts. He also touches upon philosophical skepticism regarding access to objective reality and the difficulty of empirically verifying the existence of minds.

Carr's lecture, as reported by Wainwright, emphasized the importance of experience over experiment in parapsychology and displayed a graph plotting the frequency and profundity of various human experiences, from gut feelings to mystical union. Wainwright highlights the subjective nature of profundity and the contrast between third-person scientific reporting and first-person subjective experience.

Wainwright discusses David Shayler's claim of being the reincarnation of Jesus Christ as an example of a claim that would require extraordinary evidence to be believed, even if it were a self-report of a real state of the universe.

The article delves into the concept of "Intuitive Dualism," with Bernard Carr using Monet's Bridge at Giverny as a metaphor for the bridge between matter and mind. Wainwright, however, argues against dualism, citing Gilbert Ryle's critique of the "Ghost in the Machine" concept and suggesting that matter and mind are not the same kinds of entities.

Wainwright also touches upon "Intellectual Trickle Down," referencing Matthew Chapman's book on the Dover trial, where ideas from physics, such as higher dimensions, are sometimes simplified and misinterpreted in popular discourse. He critiques the idea of 'intelligent design' and the use of 'polyfilla paradigms' to fill gaps in scientific understanding.

Regarding consciousness, Wainwright sides with optimists like Daniel Dennett, who believe that consciousness is not a special case and can be understood through reductionist approaches, contrasting this with the views of those who see it as fundamentally mysterious.

Finally, Wainwright concludes that science can indeed deal with mental experience, citing Dennett's approach of "constructive and sympathetic neutrality." He suggests that our minds are engines of imagination and that psi might simply be another imaginative exercise.

Professor Bernard Carr Replies

Professor Bernard Carr expresses gratitude for Jon Wainwright's report of his lecture and addresses several points. He clarifies that the "tiger in the grass" analogy is meant to highlight both Type I and Type II errors in perception, and questions whether skeptics sometimes fail to see psi when it is present.

Carr emphasizes that the question of whether psi is real is distinct from why people believe in it. He agrees with Wainwright that science should accommodate normal mental experiences and suggests that the same science required for this might also suffice for paranormal ones. He refers to Dean Radin's diagram of mental experiences, arguing for a natural continuum from mundane to psychic to exalted states, and that any scientific theory must incorporate all of them.

Carr defends his "bridge" metaphor for psychical research connecting matter and mind, acknowledging that it is "rickety" but arguing for the principle of its possibility. He explains his approach, which invokes a "Universal Structure" involving higher-dimensional information space, as neither dualist nor monist, but a form of extended physics. He suggests that mind might be reducible to this new extended physics, not classical physics.

Carr addresses Wainwright's concern about "serious ideas being wrenched from their original and highly mathematical context," admitting the danger of misuse and misinterpretation, particularly in 'new age' presentations. He also acknowledges that his proposal of using extra dimensions might be viewed skeptically by M-theorists.

Regarding paradigm shifts, Carr agrees that physical reality undergoes dramatic changes. He distinguishes his view from those who latch onto gaps in current paradigms to denigrate science, inferring that the path of science is incomplete and that gaps can guide future paradigms. He cautions against assuming "anything goes" and notes the potential for bizarre ideas to become legitimate, emphasizing the need for open-minded skepticism.

Reviews

Contradictory Addle-Headed Moonshine: Snake Oil Science: The Truth About Complementary and Alternative Medicine by R. Barker Bausell, reviewed by Ray Ward. The review covers Bausell's examination of CAM, including the history of placebos, the necessity of randomized placebo controls, judging scientific evidence, and the biochemical explanation for the placebo effect. Bausell concludes that "CAM therapies are nothing more than cleverly packaged placebos."

No Mean Feet: The Tiger That Isn't: Seeing Through a World of Numbers by Michael Blastland and Andrew Dilnot, reviewed by Michael Hutton. The review highlights the book's practical approach to understanding the flood of numbers in modern life. It emphasizes that simple skepticism and asking basic questions are key to deciphering statistics. The review notes the chapter on risk as particularly valuable and stresses that life is messy and complicated, advising against seeking certainty in numbers and urging the asking of the right questions.

Letters

Reflections on Scepticism by John Roberts, London. Roberts shares his observations on skepticism, emphasizing the importance of being open to new ideas while maintaining a positive skepticism and humor. He notes that groups, including skeptics, can fall into dogmatism. He advocates for working with those who hold different beliefs to understand their perspectives and devise appropriate tests, aiming for truth rather than winning arguments. Roberts stresses the urgent need for clear and rational thinking, particularly regarding climate change, and urges the skeptical community to be more vocal on issues like free speech, democracy, and the misuse of statistics. He calls for the "Skeptical Movement" to evolve beyond issues like Creationism and engage with broader societal challenges, encouraging critical thinking and skepticism of fellow skeptics. He concludes by valuing debate and good arguments.

The Institute for Knowing Things

This section features three short, illustrated points:

• The Barnum (or Forer) effect: When people think vague generalizations are specifically about them.
• Barnum statements: Can be used in lonely hearts columns to maximize replies.
• But only if you want to go out with someone who thinks the everything is always about them: A humorous take on the Barnum effect.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical and evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena, particularly those that fall outside conventional scientific understanding, such as psychic experiences. It encourages critical thinking, the rigorous application of scientific methods, and a cautious approach to claims that lack empirical support. The magazine also advocates for the importance of open-mindedness within skepticism and the need to apply critical scrutiny to a wide range of societal issues beyond traditional paranormal claims, as highlighted in John Roberts' letter. The editorial stance appears to be one of rational inquiry, challenging unsubstantiated beliefs while remaining open to genuine scientific exploration of complex phenomena like consciousness and potentially psi.

This document is a page from the Archives for the Unexplained (AFU) which details their mission and how individuals can support their work. The AFU project focuses on digitizing and sharing documents related to the unexplained, running since 2010. The page serves as an informational and donation request for the foundation.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the preservation and dissemination of information concerning unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of openness and public access, facilitated by digitization efforts, while also emphasizing the need for financial and material support from the community to sustain these archival activities.