Skeptical Eye - Vol 19 No 1 - 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Vol. 19, No. 1
Date: 2007
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA

This issue of the Skeptical Eye, published by the National Capital Area Skeptics, focuses on critical thinking, scientific understanding, and the examination of extraordinary claims. It features Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine and founder of the Skeptics Society, as the recipient of the first NCAS Philip J. Klass Award.

Michael Shermer Honored with First Klass Award

The lead article details how Michael Shermer, Ph.D., was honored with the NCAS Philip J. Klass Award on October 12, 2006, during a joint gathering with the Alliance for Science. The award recognizes his "outstanding contributions in promoting critical thinking and scientific understanding." Shermer gave a talk about his book, "Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design." The award is named after Philip J. Klass, a founding convener of NCAS and an expert on UFOs.

About Philip J. Klass (1919-2005)

The magazine provides a brief biography of Philip J. Klass, highlighting his role as a co-founder of NCAS and the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP). Klass was an electrical engineer and senior avionics editor for Aviation Week & Space Technology. He was known for his pragmatic explanations of UFO sightings and authored books on spy satellites and UFOs. The International Astronomical Union named Minor Planet (asteroid) 7277 "Klass" in his honor.

Dr. Michael Shermer: First NCAS Philip J. Klass Award Recipient

This section elaborates on Michael Shermer's background. He is the publisher of Skeptic magazine and Executive Director of the Skeptics Society. Stephen Jay Gould is quoted praising Shermer as "an important figure in American public life." Shermer is a contributing editor for Scientific American, hosts the Skeptics Distinguished Lecture Series, and co-produced the TV series "Exploring the Unknown." His books include "Why Darwin Matters," "The Science of Good and Evil," "Why People Believe Weird Things," and "How We Believe." He holds degrees in psychology and the history of science and taught at various colleges before focusing on his skeptical work.

NCAS 20th Anniversary and Events

The issue announces NCAS's 20th anniversary in March 2007. A series of events are planned throughout the year to celebrate. Notably, James Randi is scheduled to present "Beware: Skeptic on the Loose!" on March 18, 2007, at the NCAS 20th Anniversary Celebration. The organization is also inviting members to participate in email discussions about past experiences and future directions for NCAS. Souvenirs, including reprints of past newsletters and "Prove it!" buttons, will be available.

Monthly Meeting Times and Places

Information is provided on upcoming NCAS meetings and lectures, including dates, times, and locations in Tysons Corner, VA, Chevy Chase, MD, and Bethesda, MD. The article notes that James Randi will be speaking on March 18th in Chevy Chase.

Prez Sez: NCAS Strategic Planning

NCAS President Gary Stone writes about a day-long strategy session held on October 1, 2006, to review the past 20 years and plan for the future. The board reaffirmed NCAS's purpose: to promote critical thinking and scientific understanding, serve as an information resource on extraordinary claims, and provide evidence that skeptics are cool. Four main goals were established with weighted priorities: expanding demographic reach (37%), increasing community and networking (33%), fostering collaboration with external organizations (22%), and expanding relevant topics (8%). The article includes a table ranking various NCAS projects based on their relevance to these goals.

Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design (Review)

Neil L. Inglis reviews Michael Shermer's book "Why Darwin Matters." Inglis praises the book for providing "crisp rebuttals to widespread misconceptions about evolution" and for its "polite yet devastating style" in challenging specific Intelligent Design (ID) fallacies. The review highlights Shermer's argument that evolutionary theory is the most tested in science over the past century and a half. Inglis notes that Shermer himself was a Creationist in the 1970s but argues that ID is a "Creationist wolf in sheep's clothing." The review also touches on Shermer's attempt to reclaim the mantle of spirituality for Darwinists and scientists, suggesting that science and spirituality are complementary.

A Neurobiology of Sensitivity?

This article by Michael Jawer discusses a study that suggests a link between environmental sensitivity and psi perceptions. Jawer, an independent researcher, presented findings from his survey project, which indicated that self-described "sensitives" are more likely to report apparitional experiences and a range of physical and mental conditions. The study raises the question of whether a "neurobiology of sensitivity" could underlie these reports. Factors associated with sensitivity include being female, first-born, single, ambidextrous, imaginative, introverted, recalling traumatic childhood events, and unusual sensitivity to electrical appliances.

Della Porta: Between Natural Magic and Science

Richard Dengrove writes about Giambattista Della Porta, a Renaissance virtuoso whose life illustrates the transition from Natural Magic to Modern Science. The article discusses Della Porta's involvement with the "Accademia Segreta" (Segreti) in Naples, a secret society that tested "secrets" from old books and oral tradition. Della Porta's book "Magia Naturalis" is examined, noting that while it contained some scientific testing, it also included many tales and beliefs that were not rigorously tested, such as beliefs in human/beast intercourse. The article contrasts Della Porta's approach with that of Galileo Galilei, who emphasized testing hypotheses rather than evaluating "secrets."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Skeptical Eye consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific understanding, and skepticism towards extraordinary claims. The magazine serves as a resource for information on paranormal and pseudoscientific topics, offering evidence-based perspectives. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and rational explanation, as evidenced by the focus on Michael Shermer's work and the review of "Why Darwin Matters." The NCAS's mission to promote critical thinking is a central theme throughout the issue.

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Vol. 19, No. 1
Date: 2007

This issue of Skeptical Eye delves into several critical topics, including the societal obsession with hygiene and germs, the crucial distinction between genuine scientific researchers and proponents of pseudoscience ('revolutionaries'), and the fundamental importance of critical thinking and freedom for scientific advancement.

Germ Frenzy-The Good, the Bad, and the Deadly

This section, authored by Gary Stone, discusses the pervasive national focus on germs and cleanliness, which Dr. Karl J. Roberts, a Professor of Biology at Prince George's Community College, PGCC, described as sometimes reaching the point of paranoia. Dr. Roberts shared his ongoing study of microbes in intimate environments, where students collect samples from various surfaces. He also addressed concerns about an Avian Flu pandemic. The article touches upon the history of hygiene, referencing Ignaz Semmelweise's work on antiseptic practices and Joseph Lister's introduction of carbolic acid for sterilization. A key point raised is the 'Hygiene Hypothesis,' which posits that increased cleanliness in urban environments might be linked to a rise in autoimmune disorders like asthma and allergies, contrasting with lower prevalence in rural areas.

Researchers vs. "Revolutionaries?"

This extensive article, authored by Ye. D. Eydel'man and translated by Gary Goldberg, explores the line between genuine scientific researchers and those who promote pseudoscience, termed 'revolutionaries.' The author notes that while the struggle against pseudoscience has become easier due to a loss of the 'forbidden fruit' effect and a more open environment for criticism, distinguishing between the two groups remains important.

Criteria to Distinguish Researchers From "Revolutionaries"

The article outlines several criteria, drawing from S. Zykov, to differentiate between researchers and 'revolutionaries':

• Personal Data: Researchers typically have a relevant education (physics, engineering) and belong to established scientific schools. 'Revolutionaries' often come from technical fields like mechanics or electronics and lack formal training in the field they claim to revolutionize.
• Publication Criteria: Researchers publish in generally-recognized, refereed scientific journals and later in popular publications. 'Revolutionaries' often cite few scientific works, focus on advertising their 'discoveries,' and publish primarily in monographs or popular outlets, sometimes even in science publishing houses.
• Falsifiability (Per Karl Popper): Genuine science is characterized by theories that can be disproved. Researchers actively seek arguments that contradict their explanations and respect them, indicating the limits of their findings. 'Revolutionaries' tend to seek only confirming evidence and do not analyze contradictory arguments.
• Observability: Scientific concepts should be repeatable and observable. Researchers deal with verifiable questions and rely on tested theories. 'Revolutionaries' introduce concepts that cannot be verified in principle and often disregard fundamental laws of natural science.

"Professors" Who Are Supporters Of Pseudoscience (PSP)

The article identifies 'professors' (individuals with scientific degrees and titles) who support pseudoscience. These individuals often have prior success in applied technical sciences but venture into new fields like theoretical physics or quantum physics without adequate training. They may cite religious or other non-scientific teachings to support their claims, a shift from the past where dialectical materialism was used.

An Example Of A Pseudoscientist: A. P. Smirnov

The article provides A. P. Smirnov as an example of a pseudoscientist. Smirnov, a candidate of physicomathematical sciences, is described as having a regular program on NBN television and promoting ideas that are not grounded in established science. His claims are presented as revolutionary and unrefutable, often redefining scientific terminology. The author argues that Smirnov's work lacks the principles of falsifiability and repeatability, concluding that his 'hyperphysics' is not science.

Another Approach: From The General To The Particular

This section compares 'closed' (totalitarian) and 'open' (democratic) societies, drawing parallels between 'revolutionaries' and totalitarian leaders who suppress dissent. It contrasts the motivations and characteristics of researchers and 'revolutionaries' in a table, highlighting values like altruism and collectivism for researchers versus efficiency and individualism for 'revolutionaries.' The article notes that in totalitarian societies, real researchers are often hidden dissidents, while in democracies, technical progress, creativity, and freedom are essential, with figures like Sakharov exemplifying opposition to a regime.

Freedom is not a toy, but a necessary condition of technical progress. Researchers are necessary!

This section emphasizes that totalitarian regimes aspire to control technical progress, but education, a prerequisite for progress, is impossible without freedom. Loss of freedom leads to a degradation in innovation and technical progress. The article concludes that 'revolutionaries' can be likened to terrorists in the post-9/11 era, while researchers represent reasonable people.

Conclusion. The Presumption Of Guilt

The goal of this work is to reduce the psychological causes of pseudoscience. It proposes demanding compliance with specific conditions from those claiming to be 'revolutionaries,' including submission of experimental verification, verifiability, conformity with fundamental knowledge, clear explanations, and indications of applicability limits. The principle of 'presumption of guilt' is advocated for science, meaning the burden of proof rests on the author, and doubts are resolved against them, unlike the 'presumption of innocence' in legal courts.

Selected Bibliography

A comprehensive bibliography is provided, listing numerous books and articles for readers interested in further exploring topics such as the struggle against pseudoscience, the nature of scientific creativity, and the history of science in the USSR. Titles include works by A. I. Kitaygorodsky, A. B. Migdal, M. V. Vol'kenshteyn, V. G. Kolesov, I. I. Sokolov, V. V. Stepanov, Charles Hansel, Lawrence D. Kusche, and V. N. Soyfer.

Skeptical Correspondence: The Write Stuff

A letter from Fred Kourmadas, a biology teacher, to his geology professor, Dr. Rick Dieccio, discusses the question of why some individuals are incapable of sorting fact from garbage and tend to 'believe anything.' Kourmadas suggests that critical thinking abilities develop in childhood, citing examples of babies learning about gravity and conservation of matter. He relates this to students' difficulties with optical illusions and puzzles, suggesting that while maturation provides the 'hardware,' appropriate stimuli are needed to engage critical thinking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the importance of critical thinking, scientific rigor, and the demarcation between legitimate scientific inquiry and pseudoscience. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning, falsifiability, and transparency in scientific claims. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and skeptical of unsubstantiated or extraordinary claims, emphasizing the need for intellectual honesty and a robust educational system that fosters innovation through freedom.

Title: Skeptical Eye
Issue: Vol. 19, No. 1
Date: 2007
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Skeptical Eye delves into the nature of learning, belief, and skepticism, featuring a prominent article by Fred Kourmadas, a former chiropractor and current biology teacher. The magazine also includes a special membership offer for the NCAS.

Article: "write stuff continued from previous page" by Fred Kourmadas

Fred Kourmadas addresses several key issues related to education and belief formation. He begins by recounting an anecdote about a student who struggled with a simple spatial reasoning puzzle, illustrating a potential deficit in critical thinking or "development/learning." Kourmadas posits that some individuals may not have had their "switches" (stimuli) tripped early enough in life, potentially impacting their ability to remediate and become critical thinkers.

He then introduces the concept of "deep ignorance," which he observes is common. This type of ignorance, he explains, stems from a lack of knowledge about how things work, making even fantastical propositions seem plausible. He uses historical examples of people believing in dragons and unicorns due to a lack of biological understanding. Kourmadas argues that in the modern era, many individuals, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schooling, may fall into a pattern of adopting contrary beliefs to boost their self-esteem, devaluing established knowledge and education.

Kourmadas further explores "esthetic considerations" as a primary driver for belief. He suggests that people often choose beliefs based on how they *want* the world to be, rather than on objective reality, a principle he notes is heavily utilized in advertising. Religion, he contends, is a prime example of this, offering comforting propositions about eternal life and reunion with loved ones, which are easily accepted due to the fear of death and abandonment.

He critically examines modern religions, stating they are burdened by "prescientific (and obviously naïve and archaic) explanations of the origins and workings of the universe, life, and mankind." Crucially, these explanations are often presented as unquestionable, leading to an inability to integrate scientific understanding. Kourmadas highlights the paradox students face when religious and scientific timelines conflict (e.g., the age of the Earth), potentially leading to an "ill-defined and unexplainable inability to remember geologic times, events, and processes."

Kourmadas then relates his personal journey, having spent nearly 20 years as a chiropractor. He describes chiropractic as a "strange profession" where beliefs and practices are often based on "esthetic concerns"—a desire for a world where health requires constant spinal vigilance. He notes that this field, like religion, is saddled with a "naïve and archaic set of principles" and resists challenges. He eventually left the profession, returning to school to earn an MS in exercise science and becoming a certified biology teacher.

He concludes by summarizing that students often "can't think their way out of a paper bag," and teachers struggle to help them. He lists the three core issues as:
1. Development/learning
2. Deep ignorance
3. Esthetic considerations

Kourmadas invites feedback and other possibilities, even entertaining the idea that he might be "totally full of crap."

NCAS 20th Anniversary Membership Offer

The magazine includes a prominent advertisement for the National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS) celebrating its 20th anniversary. It offers a "Special NCAS 20th Anniversary Membership Offer" with "Don't be mystified" as a tagline. Members can choose to join or renew their membership. Special rates are available for 1-year memberships at 1987 prices, offering a $10 savings, valid from September 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007. The offer details pricing for Single, Double (for two members at the same address), and Full-time student memberships, with options for 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and Lifetime. A note clarifies that "A 'Double' membership is for two members at the same mailing address... but receive one household copy of each NCAS publication." Students are asked to list their institution. The advertisement also provides details for making checks payable to NCAS and mailing them to PO Box 8428, Silver Spring, MD 20907. Contact information via email ([email protected]) and phone (301-587-3827) is provided for further information or assistance.

About NCAS

A section titled "about NCAS" provides "Bits and Pieces" of information about the organization. It mentions that NCAS's monthly calendar, "Shadow of a Doubt," can be sent via email by subscribing to NCAS-Announce. It also highlights a low-volume electronic mailing list, "ncas-share," for members to share news. The NCAS website (www.ncas.org) is promoted as a resource for the Condon UFO report and other materials. It is noted that NCAS is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, making all donations tax-deductible.

Call for Submissions

Under the heading "What would YOU like to see in the Skeptical Eye? Write us at," the magazine solicits reader input via email ([email protected]), newsletter business email ([email protected]), or a 24-hour phone number (301-587-3827). The Internet address http://www.ncas.org is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, the nature of belief, the limitations of education, and the importance of skepticism. The editorial stance, as exemplified by Fred Kourmadas's article and the publication's name, Skeptical Eye, is one that encourages questioning, evidence-based reasoning, and a critical examination of established ideas, particularly those rooted in tradition or personal desire rather than empirical support. The NCAS itself is presented as an organization dedicated to promoting these principles, as evidenced by its resources and call for reader engagement.