Skeptical Eye - Vol 14 No 1 - 2002

Magazine Overview

This issue of the National Capital Area Skeptical Eye, Volume 14, Number 1, published in 2002, focuses on the application of evidence-based principles to implausible claims, particularly in the realm of alternative medicine and pseudoscience. The cover article, "Applying Evidence-Based Principles in Implausible Domains" by Helen E. Hester-Ossa, explores how to critically evaluate claims that are not based on conventional scientific evidence.

Feature Articles and Reviews

The issue features a review of "Quantum Leaps in the Wrong Direction" by Charles M. Wynn and Arthur W. Wiggins, written by Walter F. Rowe. Rowe critiques the book for its handling of pseudoscience, including UFOs, creationism, and parapsychology, noting its hostility towards religion and misrepresentation of creationism. He also criticizes the authors' superficial treatment of concepts like cold reading and the ideomotor effect.

Another significant section is "the write stuff" column, which includes several pieces of skeptical correspondence. Fred J. Kourmadas, a chiropractor, writes a critique of an article on "Intelligent Design" by Christopher Kent, arguing that Intelligent Design is a reiteration of the creationist argument and lacks scientific basis. Kourmadas highlights Kent's apparent naivety regarding basic science and probability.

Tim Scanlon contributes a piece detailing his correspondence with the Washington State Board of Education regarding the accreditation of Kepler College of Astrological Arts and Sciences. Scanlon expresses dismay that an institution teaching astrology was accredited, questioning the basis for such a decision.

Jim Giglio provides feedback on Gary Null, criticizing him as a "dangerous pitchman for medical quackery" and highlighting his rejection of the HIV/AIDS connection and the germ theory of disease.

Editorials and Correspondence

The "prez sez" section features a message from Paul Jaffe, President of NCAS, thanking members for their feedback and outlining the organization's goals, which include providing programs and opportunities for member participation. He highlights recent NCAS projects, such as putting the 1968 Congressional UFO symposium report online and the success of the "Honest Liar" magic show.

Jaffe also lists several volunteer opportunities for NCAS members, including coordinating science fair judging, proofreading James Randi's "Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes," and providing feedback on media coverage of skeptical topics.

Recommended Reading

Walter F. Rowe's "Recommended Reading" section reviews three books: "Fads and Fallacies" by Martin Gardner, "Fashionable Nonsense: Postmodern Intellectuals' Abuse of Science" by Alan D. Sokal and Jean Bricmont, and "Plagues of the Mind: The New Epidemic of False Knowledge" by Bruce Thornton. Rowe praises Gardner's book for its enduring relevance and critiques Sokal and Bricmont's work for its harshness towards French intellectuals. He highly recommends Thornton's book for its insight into the origins of modern irrationalism.

About NCAS

The "about NCAS" section provides information on how to join mailing lists, access the NCAS website, and make tax-deductible donations. It also includes a photograph of the NCAS Board of Directors from their February 9, 2002 meeting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of critical thinking, the scientific method, and evidence-based evaluation, particularly in contrast to pseudoscience, alternative medicine, creationism, and astrology. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and skeptical of extraordinary claims lacking empirical support. The magazine actively engages in media criticism and encourages its members to do the same, aiming to promote scientific literacy and combat misinformation.

Title: Skeptical Eye
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Date: 2002
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)

This issue of Skeptical Eye delves into critical examination of various topics, from medical treatments and alternative therapies to historical perspectives on extraterrestrial beliefs and the promotion of skeptical inquiry. It features correspondence, book reviews, articles on scientific methodology, and announcements for the NCAS organization and its events.

Skeptical Correspondence: Alternative Treatments to Fight Anthrax

This section features a letter from Paul Jaffe, President of the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), to Stephen E. Straus, M.D., Director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Jaffe commends Straus for his unequivocal statement to Congressman Burton that no procedure from Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is of proven effectiveness against anthrax. Jaffe emphasizes the importance of clear and unambiguous communication from the government regarding medical treatments, especially during bioterror threats. He praises Straus's actions in supporting CDC recommendations, combating fraud, and distributing information via the NCCAM website, which he believes safeguards scientific integrity and strengthens the national response to bioterrorism.

Review: Therapeutic Touch

Authored by Eugene W. Ossa, this review discusses the book "Therapeutic Touch," edited by Béla Scheiber and Carla Selby. Ossa describes the book as "comprehensive," containing 23 articles that explore Therapeutic Touch (TT) from various perspectives. TT is presented as a health therapy introduced into nursing practice within the last 30 years, based on the theory of manipulating human energy fields for healing. The review notes that Scheiber and Selby began their investigation with complete ignorance of TT in 1988. The book is characterized as critical of TT, potentially being the first published by critics, yet it includes papers describing positive case experiments. The editors are praised for upholding research standards regardless of study conclusions, presenting both favorable and unfavorable studies. Ossa highlights the book's exploration of TT's history, theoretical foundation, ethical issues, and critiques of research. He finds the connection of TT to figures like Franz Anton Mesmer and the Fox sisters interesting, and its theoretical underpinnings through Dora van Gelder Kunz as "fascinating." The book is recommended for researchers due to its multi-layered approach, comprehensive appendix, and detailed bibliographies, allowing for in-depth research into any aspect of TT. Ossa concludes that the book provides a well-rounded picture of TT and enables informed judgments based on source material.

The Flying Saucer's 18th Century Precursors

Written by Richard Dengrove, this article explores the historical roots of modern beliefs in flying saucers and extraterrestrials, tracing them back to the 18th century. Dengrove argues that the idea of superior beings is central to belief in flying saucers and was prevalent in the 18th century, an era that valued hierarchy. He cites Benjamin Franklin's writings on the INFINITE creating vastly superior beings or Gods, and Alexander Pope's "Essay on Man," which discusses superior beings who admired human wisdom. Dengrove notes that while Pope might have been referring to angels, the term "superior" also connotes beings on other planets. He connects this to the Age of Reason, where superiority was often equated with reason, referencing Voltaire's "Micromegas." The article contrasts 18th-century reasoning, often based on Platonic ideas like the Great Chain of Being, with modern approaches that rely on science and personal experience, such as studying UFO sightings or contactee accounts. Dengrove also points out similarities in moral superiority attributed to extraterrestrials, citing Immanuel Kant's speculation about Jupiterians and Saturnians being morally superior due to the cold cooling their passions. He contrasts this with the modern tendency to arrive at notions through observation and personal experience. The article concludes by noting a similarity in the belief that "WE ARE NOT ALONE," referencing Richard Blackmore's poem "Creation" (1712).

Alternative Medicine Continued

This section continues the discussion on alternative medicine, focusing on the evaluation of evidence and research quality. Dr. Jonas emphasizes that alternative medicine must meet the same evidence standards as conventional medicine, while integrative medicine requires higher standards. He highlights the importance of rigorous research methodology, citing an example of arrhythmia medicine prescribed based on scientific testing that proved harmful. Jonas outlines three factors for evaluating research quality: Internal Validity (ensuring effects are due to the treatment), External Validity (generalizability of findings), and Model Validity (rigorous evidence hierarchy). He discusses the challenges in evaluating homeopathy, noting that studies show a 70% improvement rate, which seems to contradict scientific understanding if the substance is negligible. Jonas addresses the "file drawer effect" (negative studies not being published) and the 8-to-1 ratio of positive to negative studies. He stresses the need for higher levels of evidence for unusual claims. The section includes graphs illustrating meta-analyses of clinical trials of homeopathy, showing a corrected funnel plot. Jonas advises a patient with seasonal allergies to try an alternative medication, provided it is not dangerous, and to report the results.

Media Notes: A Skeptical Mind is a Sound Mind

This brief section highlights an article from the Silver Spring Gazette titled "A skeptical mind is a sound mind" by Sahely Mukerji. The article featured several NCAS members and advocated for rational inquiry when dealing with fringe-science claims. It quotes Chip Denman, who teaches 'Science and Pseudo Science,' stating that NCAS helps people learn how to think, not what to think. The article also mentions NCAS founders Grace Denman and Jamy Ian Swiss, and members Jim Giglio, Doris Bloch, and Rita Malone. Malone is quoted as saying the organization encourages people to find missing information. NCAS president Paul Jaffe is pictured holding an extraterrestrial alien figurine. A link to the full article is provided.

NCAS Membership and Events

This section includes information on joining or renewing membership with the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS), with various membership options and fees listed. It also announces the "Skepticism 2002: Beyond the Basics" workshop, scheduled for April 6-7, 2002, in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The workshop features speakers like Chip Denman, Jim Giglio, Paul Jaffe, Marv Zelkowitz, Bob Park, and special guest James Randi. Topics include astrology, homeopathy, the Mars Effect, and high-tech gizmos. Hotel information and registration details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and the rigorous evaluation of evidence, particularly in the context of alternative medicine and pseudoscientific claims. The editorial stance clearly favors evidence-based reasoning and challenges unsubstantiated or unproven therapies. The magazine actively promotes the National Capital Area Skeptics organization, its mission to educate the public, and its events designed to foster skeptical inquiry. There is a consistent emphasis on distinguishing between scientific fact and belief, and on the importance of sound methodology in research and decision-making, whether in medicine or in evaluating extraordinary claims.