06-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Skeptikko, Issue 6, Winter 1990, is a Finnish magazine dedicated to skeptical inquiry and the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, paranormal phenomena, and historical interpretations. The issue features a range of articles that delve into the critical analysis of various topics, from the interpretation of ancient texts to the credibility of parapsychology and the nature of illusion.

Articles and Content

"Huijarit, taikurit ja rajatiedon uskottavuus" (Scammers, Magicians, and the Credibility of Fringe Science) by Nils Mustelin

This article critiques the tendency of fringe science proponents to project their own biases onto skeptics. Mustelin discusses how publications like "Ultra-lehti" accuse skeptics of "scientific fundamentalism" while simultaneously relying on gurus and ready-made explanations. He highlights the irony of paranormal enthusiasts accusing others of conspiracy theories when they themselves often allege that authorities are hiding evidence of UFOs. The article criticizes the portrayal of skepticism as dogmatic and narrow-minded, contrasting it with the open-minded approach of scientific inquiry. Mustelin also addresses the role of magicians like James Randi, noting that while many acknowledge that some paranormal claims are due to trickery, some fringe science advocates, like Raimo A. Nikula, dismiss magic as mere deception while uncritically accepting purported psychic abilities.

"Vanhojen tekstien käytöstä ja väärinkäytöstä" (On the Use and Misuse of Old Texts) by Heikki Räisänen

Räisänen explores why old texts, particularly the Bible, continue to hold interest. He distinguishes between an "antiquarian" interest and a "modernizing" one, where texts are used to legitimize current beliefs or gain authority. He argues that the Bible's status has been used to grant power and validation to institutions and individuals. Räisänen points out how proponents of reincarnation claim it was present in the Bible until removed in 553 AD, and how others cite ancient texts to support ideas like homeopathy. He stresses the importance of separating the historical meaning of texts from their contemporary application. The article also touches upon the creation accounts in Genesis and their relationship with evolutionary theory, suggesting that harmonizing them requires assuming a directed evolution, a challenge not yet fully addressed by theology.

"Miksi vanhat tekstit kiinnostavat?" (Why Are Old Texts Interesting?)

This section, part of Räisänen's article, delves deeper into the motivations behind studying old texts. It categorizes interest into three types: antiquarian (pure historical curiosity), modernizing (using texts to support current beliefs), and seeking historical understanding or roots. Räisänen emphasizes the need to distinguish between the original meaning of a text and its modern interpretation. He notes that even scientific biblical scholarship (exegesis) often struggles to maintain this separation. He uses the example of the creation accounts in the Old Testament and their perceived conflict or harmony with evolutionary theory, arguing that a seamless integration often requires assuming a teleological evolution.

"Teksti voi olla väärennöskin" (A Text Can Also Be a Forgery)

Räisänen warns about the possibility of texts being forgeries, citing the example of the "Essene Gospel of Peace" attributed to Herra Szekely, which promotes healing through natural elements. He explains how such texts exploit the authority of ancient writings. He also discusses how genuine ancient texts can be misinterpreted, such as attributing theosophical ideas to the Essenes, when in reality, the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal a more conventional Jewish legalistic tradition. This highlights the need for careful textual analysis and awareness of historical context.

"Jäljennösvirheiden eliminointi" (Eliminating Copying Errors)

This section, likely by Räisänen or another contributor, discusses the challenges of textual criticism, particularly for the New Testament, which has over 5,000 manuscripts. It explains the process of comparing these manuscripts to reconstruct the most original form of the text. It mentions that modern critical editions are close to the original text and notes that certain passages, like the ending of Mark's Gospel (16:9-20) and the story of the woman caught in adultery in John's Gospel (7:53-8:11), are often excluded from critical texts.

"Kuka puhuu?" (Who is Speaking?)

This part of the article stresses the importance of identifying the author and their sources when analyzing ancient texts. It points out that many ancient texts are pseudonymous, with works attributed to famous figures like Paul actually written by their disciples. Understanding the author's sources is crucial for determining the historical accuracy of the text. The example of the Gospels is used, noting that they contain different layers of tradition and that later Gospels, like John's, may be more theological and interpretative than historical accounts.

"Esimerkki: erään ihmekertomuksen puitteet" (Example: The Framework of a Miracle Story)

This section provides a detailed analysis of the narrative framework of a miracle story, likely from one of the Gospels. It examines the details of the feeding of the multitude and Jesus walking on water in Mark's Gospel, highlighting inconsistencies and implausibilities that suggest the story is not a literal eyewitness account but rather a constructed narrative. The analysis points out how the story's structure and details serve a theological purpose, possibly to illustrate the disciples' lack of understanding or to emphasize Jesus's divine nature. The author suggests that such stories are often embellished retellings, possibly influenced by Old Testament miracle accounts.

"Tietoa, mutta mistä?" (Information, But From Where?)

This concluding section of the article discusses how to extract reliable information from texts. It asserts that texts always provide information about their author's goals, beliefs, and context. However, determining the "truth" of the claims made is more complex. The article emphasizes that understanding the author's perspective and the basis for their claims is essential. It uses the portrayal of Jews in the New Testament as an example, noting that it often reflects the authors' polemical views rather than an objective depiction of Judaism. The author suggests that an internal Jewish perspective would likely present a different picture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko are critical thinking, the importance of evidence-based reasoning, and the debunking of pseudoscience and misinformation. The magazine consistently advocates for a rigorous approach to evaluating claims, whether they originate from paranormal research, religious texts, or historical interpretations. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards extraordinary claims, emphasizing the need to distinguish between genuine phenomena, deliberate fraud, and misinterpretation. The magazine aims to educate its readers on how to critically assess information and to be wary of claims that lack empirical support or rely on flawed reasoning.

This issue of SKEPTIKKO, number 6, from the winter of 1990, is a Finnish-language publication focused on skepticism and critical examination of various phenomena. The issue delves into topics such as hypnosis, parapsychology, and the enduring myth of Atlantis, presenting a rational and scientific perspective.

Articles

Translation Problems and Modernization of Old Texts

The first article discusses the challenges of translating ancient texts, particularly religious ones, and the problem of modernizing their language and concepts. It uses the example of the translation of Luke 17:21, where different interpretations of "the kingdom of God is within you" are presented, with a more plausible translation being "the kingdom of God is in your midst." The article emphasizes the importance of understanding texts within their original historical and cultural context to avoid anachronistic interpretations.

Hypnosis and Parapsychology

Written from the perspective of a psychiatrist specializing in hypnosis, this article aims to demystify hypnosis and counter the common misconception that it is a mysterious or supernatural phenomenon. The author argues that while hypnosis is often associated with parapsychology, scientific research does not support these connections. The article clarifies that hypnosis is not akin to sleep, as some have suggested, but rather a state of consciousness that differs from both wakefulness and sleep. EEG studies have shown that hypnotic states resemble a relaxed wakeful state. The author also touches upon the idea of a "third state of consciousness" proposed by Professor Barolin, which is distinct from sleep and wakefulness. The article critiques the views of parapsychologists like Jarl Fahler, who link hypnosis to extrasensory perception, and suggests that phenomena attributed to parapsychology might be explained by naturalistic concepts such as biorapport and chronobiology – the synchronization of biological rhythms between individuals. The author posits that phenomena like shared transes in therapy, where participants experience similar emotions, might be due to unconscious non-verbal communication rather than telepathy. The article concludes by stating that while many of these phenomena are still under investigation, future research may provide more precise explanations.

Atlantis

This extensive article critically examines the myth of Atlantis, a legendary island continent described by Plato. The author notes that despite the limited source material (Plato's dialogues *Timaeus* and *Critias*), the myth has generated a vast amount of literature. The article presents Plato's description of Atlantis as an advanced civilization that was destroyed and submerged in a single day approximately 9500 BCE. It then explores various historical and geological theories about the location of Atlantis, including suggestions that it was located in Tunisia, the North Sea, or even Thera (Santorini). The author, referencing the work of Czech geologist Zdenek Kukal, argues that there is no geological evidence to support the existence of a sunken continent like Atlantis in the Atlantic Ocean. The article highlights that continents are made of lighter material than the basalt ocean floor and therefore would not sink. It also questions the plausibility of an entire continent sinking in a single day, as described in the myth. Ultimately, the article concludes that Plato likely invented the story of Atlantis to illustrate his concept of an ideal state, and that the enduring interest in the myth stems from a desire to believe, rather than factual evidence.

Dowsing and Lunar Eclipse

This article reports on an experiment conducted by Skepsis, a Finnish skeptical organization, to test the claims of a dowsing practitioner named Toivo Kauppinen. Skepsis offered a 10,000 Finnish mark prize for a demonstrated supernatural phenomenon under controlled conditions. Kauppinen claimed his dowsing rod reacted differently to various substances and that its effectiveness decreased during a lunar eclipse. The experiment involved Kauppinen attempting to locate a hidden object in one of five containers. The first part of the test, conducted before the lunar eclipse, saw Kauppinen correctly identify the object four times out of ten. A subsequent test during the partial phase of the eclipse, where the hidden object's location was revealed to the operator, resulted in Kauppinen identifying it correctly nine times. However, the article notes that Kauppinen claimed the rod's reaction weakened as the eclipse progressed towards totality. The results of this experiment are presented as inconclusive regarding the claimed abilities of dowsing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism and the application of critical thinking to phenomena often shrouded in mystery or pseudoscience. The magazine consistently promotes a scientific approach, questioning claims that lack empirical evidence and seeking rational explanations for purported paranormal or historical enigmas. The editorial stance clearly favors evidence-based reasoning and challenges beliefs that are not supported by scientific inquiry, whether concerning hypnosis, parapsychology, or ancient myths like Atlantis.

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 6
Date: Winter 1990
Publisher: Skepsis ry.
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
ISSN: 0783-4772
Price: 60 markkaa

This issue of Skeptikko, a Finnish skeptical magazine, delves into various topics, including the efficacy of dowsing, the phenomenon of miracle healing, and the internal organizational matters of the Skepsis association.

Dowsing Experiments

The magazine reports on dowsing experiments, suggesting that the divining rod's effectiveness is contingent on the dowser's knowledge of the target's location. When the location is unknown, the results are described as random and not significantly different from chance. The article notes that even when a metal plate was used to obscure the target, the divining rod reacted strongly, indicating a potential psychological or subconscious influence rather than a physical phenomenon.

Miracle Healing Under Scrutiny

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the topic of miracle healing. It references a study by Licentiate of Medicine Matti A. Miettinen, who investigated the "healings" performed by preacher Niilo Yli-Vainio. Miettinen's findings, as reported in Kansan Uutiset, concluded that these healing activities were medically ineffective, with any perceived improvements attributed to natural remission and interpreted through a cause-and-effect lens. The article also mentions other individuals claiming miraculous healing abilities, such as pastor Seppo Juntunen, whose "healing percentage" is humorously noted as apparently being one hundred percent. The issue touches upon the public's fascination with such claims, even noting that the Archbishop publicly stated his belief in miracle healings. The case of Marko, a young man paralyzed by a spinal cord injury, is also discussed. He had sought help from faith healers after a traffic accident, but was reportedly blamed for not believing strongly enough when the healings failed. Doctors, including Jorma Palo, are quoted stating the severity of such spinal cord injuries makes natural healing impossible. The article also references a Helsingin Sanomat report on Dr. Markus T. Viljanen, who expressed conviction in the healing power of prayer.

Skepsis ry. Organizational Matters

The magazine provides updates on the activities and organizational structure of Skepsis ry. It announces the upcoming annual general meeting on March 21, 1990, at the University of Helsinki, where several key decisions will be made. These include the presentation of the financial statements, the approval of the annual report, and the confirmation of the budget and membership fees, which are proposed to increase from 60 to 75 marks. A significant agenda item is the proposed amendment to the bylaws concerning the board structure. The current board of eight members is to be reduced to five, and an advisory council will be established. This council, composed of academically or otherwise distinguished individuals, aims to serve as an expert network and assist in the association's planning. The advisory council's chairman will have speaking and voting rights in board meetings. The article clarifies that this change is not intended to create an inner circle but rather to leverage the scientific expertise within the association and facilitate decision-making.

Upcoming Events and Publications

Details are provided for upcoming events, including the annual meeting and a European skeptic conference organized by CSICOP in Brussels in August. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Hannu Karttunen or Matti Virtanen for more information. The next issue of Skeptikko is announced for May, and readers are invited to submit articles, letters, and media clippings related to pseudoscientific activities.

International News

A brief mention is made of an article from Hufvudstadsbladet on February 7, 1990, with the headline "Is Skepsis interfering in foreign policy in a paranormal way?" This suggests an international dimension to the organization's activities or public perception.

Correction

An earlier statement in the magazine, which claimed the press had not covered Skepsis's seminar, is corrected. The article acknowledges that Kaleva published a full-page feature on the seminar on October 22, 1989, and thanks the publication for the coverage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of extraordinary claims, particularly in the realms of dowsing and faith healing, contrasting them with scientific evidence and rational explanations. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards pseudoscientific phenomena and a commitment to promoting objective, scientific investigation. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of organizational transparency and active member participation in shaping the association's future direction. The focus on debunking unsubstantiated claims and providing factual information underscores the magazine's role in fostering critical thinking within Finnish society.