15-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 15
Date: Autumn 1992
Publisher: Skepsis ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
ISSN: 0786-2571

This issue of Skeptikko, a Finnish skeptical magazine, delves into various topics with a critical and evidence-based approach. The cover prominently features a cartoon of a flying saucer, hinting at the prominent theme of UFO research. The issue includes a table of contents listing articles on "News While Waiting," "UFO Research: Science or Philately?", "The Relativity of Wrong" (an article by Isaac Asimov), "Brain Freeze," "Lennart Lidfors: Love, a Gift from the Stars," and "Why Homeopathic Preparations Are Not Medicines."

Editorial and Organizational Information

The magazine provides details about the organization Skepsis ry, listing its board members, including Nils Mustelin as chairman and Tytti Sutela as editor-in-chief and vice-chairman. It also lists the scientific advisory board, comprising numerous professors and docents from various fields. Contact information for membership, subscriptions, and general inquiries is provided, directing readers to Lauri Gröhn, the secretary, and for editorial matters, to Tytti Sutela.

Articles and Content

"News While Waiting" by Matti Virtanen

This article critically reviews a two-part TV program on UFOs aired by MTV in August 1992. Virtanen criticizes the program for lacking journalistic balance, as it primarily presented the view that unidentified flying objects are vehicles of extraterrestrial beings, without adequately representing the skeptical viewpoint that most sightings are likely natural or human-made atmospheric phenomena. He emphasizes that while not dismissing the possibility of alien visits entirely, a true skeptic demands evidence. The article also touches upon the idea of UFO crashes and recovered wreckage, but again, the need for proof is paramount.

"UFO Research: Science or Philately?" by Karlo Kauko

Kauko questions the scientific methodology of UFO research, likening it to stamp collecting due to its reliance on anecdotal evidence and the lack of controlled experiments. He notes that UFO researchers typically interview witnesses and analyze physical traces, then archive the reports. While some statistical studies have been conducted on UFO reports, they often focus on the psychological traits of witnesses rather than the phenomena themselves. The article points out that even in cases of alleged alien abductions, hypnotic testimonies, while often consistent, can be easily fabricated by suggestible individuals. Kauko argues that UFO research, unlike established sciences, rarely involves hypothesis testing and often relies on impressionistic theories.

He proposes a methodological approach to UFO research, suggesting the collection of detailed reports, especially those involving close encounters. These reports should be analyzed for recurring details and compared to a control dataset of fabricated stories. The goal is to use statistical analysis to determine if patterns in genuine UFO reports differ significantly from those in invented narratives. The article suggests that if UFO reports contain genuine phenomena, statistical correlations between variables should be stronger than in fictional accounts.

"The Relativity of Wrong" by Isaac Asimov

This section introduces an article by the late Isaac Asimov, translated by Matti Virtanen. Asimov, a renowned science fiction writer and popularizer of science, is celebrated for his thought-provoking writings. The article, "The Relativity of Wrong," is presented as a significant piece that offers both entertainment and insight for skeptics and UFO believers alike.

"Brain Freeze"

This article, authored by Matti A. Miettinen, is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages. It likely discusses the phenomenon of 'brain freeze' or ice cream headaches from a scientific or psychological perspective.

"Lennart Lidfors: Love, a Gift from the Stars" by Hannu Karttunen

This entry, attributed to Hannu Karttunen, seems to discuss a work by Lennart Lidfors, possibly exploring themes of love and its connection to celestial or extraterrestrial influences. The context suggests a critical examination of such ideas.

"Why Homeopathic Preparations Are Not Medicines" by Olavi Pelkonen

Olavi Pelkonen's article addresses homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine based on the principle of "like cures like." The article likely argues from a scientific and skeptical standpoint why homeopathic preparations lack efficacy as medicines, possibly by examining their dilution levels and the lack of scientific evidence supporting their claims.

"CSICOP in Court"

This brief mention in the table of contents indicates a report on legal proceedings involving CSICOP (Committee for Skeptical Inquiry), suggesting a case where skeptical organizations might have been involved in legal disputes, possibly related to their investigations or public statements.

"Teleprotector" Advertisement

An advertisement promotes a "Teleprotector," described as a revolutionary paratechnological invention for the space age. It is presented as a pyramid-shaped quartz crystal that creates a "psychostatic field" to protect against telepathic attempts. It is offered in a pendant model for personal use and a desktop model for meetings. The ad claims it has been "scientifically tested" and quotes a "Restonomian dosentti" (Docent of Gastronomy) as vouching for its effectiveness. Readers are urged to buy it, with orders to be placed telepathically or through a medium.

Explanations and Methodological Proposals

"Explanations" (Selityksiä)

This section uses an analogy of squirrels observing cars to illustrate how eyewitness accounts can evolve into folklore. It suggests that if squirrels were to invent stories about cars based on what they hear, the details might become a jumbled mix of improbable combinations. The article posits that genuine eyewitness accounts, unlike fabricated ones, would likely show fewer unusual combinations of features. It also touches upon Freudian symbolism in UFO narratives, suggesting that flying saucers might represent feminine symbols and cigar-shaped craft phallic symbols, and that hallucinations of individuals with mental health issues might contain recurring elements.

"Proposal for a Method" (Ehdotus menetelmäksi)

This article, continuing the discussion on UFO research methodology, emphasizes the importance of analyzing close encounter reports. It suggests categorizing phenomena and identifying recurring details. The author proposes a method to distinguish between genuine UFO reports and fabricated ones by collecting a large dataset of reports and comparing them statistically to a dataset of invented stories. The goal is to find statistical differences that would indicate the presence of a real phenomenon in the genuine reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skeptikko strongly advocates for critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning, particularly in the context of UFO research. The magazine consistently questions extraordinary claims and demands empirical proof. The articles highlight the importance of scientific methodology, journalistic balance, and the psychological factors that can influence perception and memory. The inclusion of an article by Isaac Asimov and a critique of homeopathy further underscore the magazine's commitment to promoting scientific literacy and debunking pseudoscience. The overall editorial stance is one of rigorous skepticism towards claims lacking sufficient evidence, while remaining open to genuine scientific inquiry.

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 15
Date: Autumn 1992
Publisher: SKEPTIKKO
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
ISSN: 0782-6610

This issue of Skeptikko features a prominent article by Isaac Asimov titled "Virheiden suhteellisuus" (The Relativity of Errors), which delves into the nature of scientific knowledge, truth, and error. The magazine's cover highlights this theme with the headline and Asimov's name.

The Relativity of Errors by Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov begins by addressing a common misconception that if a scientific theory is not perfectly correct, it must be entirely wrong. He argues that good theories are gradually refined and expanded, and that discarded theories are often not entirely false but incomplete. Asimov recounts receiving a letter from a literature student who attempted to correct his views on scientific progress. The student implied that scientists in every century believed they had discovered the fundamental principles of the universe, only to be proven wrong.

Asimov counters this by explaining that while theories evolve, this does not render them entirely false. He uses the example of the Earth's shape: the flat Earth theory was incorrect, but the spherical Earth theory, while more accurate, was also not perfectly precise. He criticizes the tendency to view 'right' and 'wrong' as absolute, suggesting they are often fuzzy concepts.

He discusses the Socratic paradox, "I know that I know nothing," and interprets it not as a claim of ignorance but as an approach to complex debates without preconceived notions. Asimov finds the common interpretation of this statement tiresome.

Asimov then critiques the educational system's emphasis on absolute answers, particularly in early grades where spelling and arithmetic are taught with strict right/wrong distinctions. He argues that this approach discourages critical thinking and understanding, favoring rote memorization over genuine comprehension. He illustrates this with examples of spelling "sokeri" (sugar) and basic arithmetic, showing how different levels of correctness can exist.

He elaborates on the Earth's shape, explaining that the flat Earth theory was not entirely wrong but rather 'nearly correct' given the observational tools and understanding of the time. He cites Aristotle's observations (stars disappearing below the horizon, Earth's shadow on the moon, ships disappearing hull-first) that supported a spherical Earth. Eratosthenes' calculation of Earth's circumference further solidified this model.

However, Asimov clarifies that even the spherical Earth model is not perfectly accurate. Due to Earth's rotation, it is an oblate spheroid, flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. He notes that even this description is an approximation, as satellite measurements have revealed further irregularities, leading to the description of Earth as 'pear-shaped' (though the deviation is minor).

Asimov concludes that scientific theories are not static truths but rather progressively refined explanations. He uses the example of Copernicus' heliocentric model replacing the geocentric one, not because the latter was entirely false, but because it required better calculation methods. He emphasizes that theories are refined as measurement tools and methods improve, leading to a more accurate, though still potentially incomplete, understanding of phenomena.

He touches upon the slow changes in geological formations and biological evolution, which initially supported the idea of a static world but later led to the understanding of deep time and evolution. He contrasts this with the rapid advancements in 20th-century physics, particularly relativity and quantum mechanics, which represent significant shifts in our understanding of the universe.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section titled "Virheiden suhteellisuus" (The Relativity of Errors), featuring an article by Isaac Asimov. The content of this article is detailed in the summary above.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue, as highlighted by the cover article, is the nature of scientific knowledge and the evolution of theories. The magazine, through Asimov's contribution, promotes a nuanced view of scientific progress, emphasizing that theories are refined and improved rather than being absolutely right or wrong. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages critical thinking, a questioning of absolute truths, and an appreciation for the gradual accumulation and refinement of knowledge in science. The focus on skepticism is evident in the magazine's title and its willingness to explore complex epistemological questions.

This issue of Skeptikko, number 15, published in Autumn 1992, features articles on physics, psychology, and a critical examination of alternative medicine and paranormal claims.

Physics: From Newton to Quantum Theory

The issue begins by discussing the evolution of physics, starting with Newton's theories of motion and gravity. It explains that Newton's laws would have been perfectly accurate if the speed of light were infinite. However, since light speed is finite, Einstein's theory of relativity was necessary to extend and refine Newton's equations. The article highlights the subtle but significant difference between an infinite and a finite speed of light, illustrating it with the time it takes light to travel one meter (0.0000000033 seconds). Einstein's correction, though small, was crucial for the behavior of subatomic particles and the functioning of particle accelerators, nuclear bombs, and stars. The text notes that Newton could not have accounted for this correction due to the limitations of measurements in his era.

Furthermore, the article touches upon the concept of 'discreteness' or 'granularity' in the universe, which was not considered in pre-quantum physics. It explains that energy is not continuous but comes in quanta, the size of which depends on Planck's constant. If Planck's constant were zero, energy would be continuous. However, its actual value (0.0000000000000000000000000066 erg-seconds) is extremely small, making it irrelevant for everyday energy concerns but essential when dealing with subatomic particles.

The text posits that scientific theories are constantly refined, with each revision leading to smaller adjustments. It traces this progression from ancient Greek concepts of geography to Sumerian astronomy and Newton's laws. Newton's law of gravity, while imperfect over vast distances and at extreme speeds, remains highly accurate for the solar system, as evidenced by the predictable orbits of comets like Halley's and the precise calculations for space missions like Voyager II. The article also mentions the development of fundamental laws of thermodynamics and conservation laws (energy, momentum, electric charge) in the 19th century, which remain valid despite the advent of quantum theory.

While acknowledging that these theories might be considered 'wrong' in a simplistic sense, the issue argues they are better understood as incomplete. Quantum theory, in particular, has introduced 'quantum weirdness,' challenging our understanding of reality and posing philosophical dilemmas that physicists have yet to resolve.

The article notes that quantum theory and relativity theory currently appear independent. While quantum theory aims to unify three fundamental forces, gravity, governed by relativity, remains resistant to integration into a single 'unified field theory.' Achieving this would open up further avenues of research into the Big Bang, the nature of black holes, and the evolution of galaxies and supernovae.

Psychology: The Concept of 'Brain Lock'

An article titled "Aivojuuttuma" (Brain Lock) by Matti A. Miettinen discusses the difficulty of changing deeply ingrained beliefs. Responding to a previous article by Matti Virtanen, Miettinen seeks a term to describe a mental state that is impervious to external influence. He distinguishes this from 'obsession,' which has a precise psychiatric meaning, and 'whim' or 'fixation,' which imply temporary states. Miettinen proposes the term 'Aivojuuttuma' (literally 'brain-stuckness'), derived from the verb 'juuttua' (to get stuck), as a suitable descriptor for this unshakeable mental state.

Book Review: 'Rakkaus, lahja tähdiltä' (Love, a Gift from the Stars)

Hannu Karttunen reviews Lennart Lidfors' book, which details his work with a patient named Marie who undergoes hypnosis to address past traumas. Marie recounts experiences from past incarnations and channels an extraterrestrial being named Lacek. The reviewer expresses skepticism about Lidfors' uncritical acceptance of Marie's hypnotic revelations as objective truth, suggesting that the creative capacity of the human mind could influence such accounts. Karttunen points out Lidfors' apparent predisposition towards paranormal phenomena, citing his involvement with organizations studying such topics and his encounter with Uri Geller. The review lists a wide array of paranormal and pseudoscientific concepts mentioned in the book, including Atlantis, chakras, auras, telepathy, UFOs, OBEs, karma, and kundalini. The review criticizes the book's glossary definition of 'miracle healing' for its lack of critical analysis and concludes that Lidfors' world is filled with wonders that require no scientific scrutiny.

Alternative Medicine: The Case Against Homeopathy

Olavi Pelkonen's article, "Miksi homeopaattiset valmisteet eivät ole lääkkeitä?" (Why are homeopathic preparations not medicines?), critically examines homeopathy. The article discusses a 1992 meeting in Italy where European pharmacologists convened to address the European Union's decision to accept homeopathic preparations under a simplified registration process, granting them the status of 'medicines' without the rigorous testing required for conventional drugs. Pharmacologists argue that modern medicine has made significant advances due to the development of effective and safe drugs, a process that involves extensive and costly research and testing.

The article outlines the five core principles of homeopathy as established by Samuel Hahnemann: vitalism, symptomology, the law of similars (like cures like), potentiation (extreme dilution and succussion), and monotherapy. It contrasts these principles with modern scientific understanding. Vitalism posits that health and illness stem from immaterial processes, whereas modern medicine is based on biochemical and material foundations. Symptomology in homeopathy focuses on matching remedies to symptoms, while modern medicine prioritizes identifying and treating the underlying cause. The law of similars suggests that a substance causing symptoms in a healthy person can treat similar symptoms in a sick person, a concept largely unsupported by modern pharmacology, except for rare coincidences. Potentiation involves diluting substances to the point where they often contain no original molecules, a practice directly opposed to the dose-effect principle of modern medicine, where increased dosage generally leads to increased effect.

The article acknowledges Hahnemann's contributions in his time, when medical practices were often toxic. However, it argues that his principles are now historical curiosities. Modern drugs work by binding to specific receptors in cells, initiating a chain of events that alleviates symptoms or promotes healing. The article concludes that while Hahnemann represented advanced medical thinking for his era, later developments, such as Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophical approach, did not necessarily align with the best scientific understanding of their time. The article emphasizes that the effectiveness of drugs is based on scientific principles of interaction with biological systems and dose-response relationships, which are fundamentally at odds with the principles of potentiation in homeopathy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko are the critical examination of scientific theories, the demarcation between science and pseudoscience, and the skepticism towards paranormal claims and alternative medicine. The magazine's stance is clearly rooted in scientific rationalism, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and challenging claims that lack empirical support. The articles consistently contrast established scientific principles with pseudoscientific or unproven concepts, aiming to inform readers and promote critical thinking.

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 15
Date: Autumn 1992

This issue of Skeptikko, a Finnish skepticism magazine, delves into several topics critical of pseudoscientific claims and practices.

Homeopathy Under Scrutiny

The first article, "Why homeopathic preparations are not medicine" by Olavi Pelkonen, addresses the European Commission's decision to accept a simplified registration procedure for homeopathic preparations, which the EC now terms "homeopathic medicines." Representatives from European pharmacological associations met in Italy in September 1992 to protest this decision. The author argues that homeopathy is incompatible with modern medicine. Pelkonen briefly discusses homeopathy's five principles: vitalism, symptomology, similarity (similia), potentiation, and monotherapy. He notes that only monotherapy has some proximity to modern medicine's principles, but it is largely neglected within homeopathy itself. The article emphasizes that European pharmacologists wanted to inform EU decision-makers that homeopathic products are not medicinal substances in the contemporary sense. They suggested that if homeopathic products were to be officially recognized within modern medicine, it should be through the conscious application of the placebo concept.

Furthermore, the article highlights that European pharmacologists aimed to publicly state that while homeopathy's principles may have represented progress in the past, they are now based on outdated concepts and beliefs that have been superseded by medical advancements.

CSICOP in Court

The article "CSICOP in court" details a lawsuit filed by Uri Geller against the skeptical organization CSICOP and James Randi. In May 1991, Geller sued for defamation, alleging that Randi's interview, published in the International Herald Tribune, contained defamatory statements about Geller's "psychic" abilities. CSICOP, in its defense, stated that it could not be held responsible for Randi's claims, as he was not acting as a CSICOP representative at the time. Barry Karr, CSICOP's Executive Director, testified that the organization was drawn into the lawsuit as a form of harassment, hoping to prevent CSICOP from serving as a forum for critical discussion and the investigation of paranormal phenomena. This argument led the judge to impose a fine on Geller for continuing the case, as federal courts have the authority to prevent frivolous lawsuits intended to harass or cause unnecessary delays. CSICOP Chairman Paul Kurtz commented that the organization considered Geller's lawsuit a serious challenge to freedom of speech and that the fine served as a warning against using defamation suits for harassment. Despite the court's decision, Geller expressed dissatisfaction, and CSICOP may still need to respond further. A separate lawsuit between Randi and Geller was reportedly still ongoing in November 1992.

UFO Study Methodology

Karlo Kauko's article, "On the methodology of UFO-studies," questions the common practice in UFO-report studies of merely collecting eyewitness accounts without comparison. Kauko suggests creating a comparative material from purely imaginative stories. The hypothesis is that if "real" eyewitness stories differ significantly from invented ones, the UFO phenomenon could be studied more systematically.

English Summary: Aus Liebe zur Kunst

An editorial by Matti Virtanen, titled "Aus Liebe zur Kunst" (For the love of Art), reflects on a UFO-special broadcast by MTV Finland in August 1992. The program featured pro-UFO documentaries and a discussion with believers. During the discussion, a ufologist presented a small stone-like object, claiming it was from a crashed UFO. Skeptikko requested a scientific research report to corroborate this claim, but after three months of waiting, no report materialized. Virtanen questions why skeptics continue to be disappointed when the public is either indifferent or blindly believes. He suggests that the pursuit of knowledge itself, "for the love of art," can be rewarding even without definitive answers.

English Summary: The Relativity of Wrong

In memory of the late science fiction and non-fiction author Isaac Asimov, Skeptikko publishes a translation of his 1989 essay, "The Relativity of Wrong." Asimov discusses the common belief that scientific theories that are not perfectly correct are entirely wrong. He argues that scientific concepts are not static but are gradually refined and extended. Theories that are eventually supplanted are seen as incomplete rather than fundamentally wrong.

Membership Information

The magazine includes a section for prospective members of Skepsis, providing a form to fill out and send to the secretary, Lauri Gröhn, along with details about the organization's purpose and principles. Skepsis, founded in 1987, is a Finnish skeptical organization whose principles align with those of the US-based CSICOP. Its goals include promoting objective scientific research into paranormal claims, fostering a network of interested individuals, publishing relevant articles and bibliographies, and organizing educational events. Skepsis is politically, ideologically, and religiously unaffiliated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical examination of claims, particularly in the fields of homeopathy and ufology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific methodology, evidence-based reasoning, and skepticism towards unsubstantiated paranormal claims. The magazine actively promotes the importance of rigorous scientific inquiry and challenges practices and beliefs that lack empirical support. The legal battle involving CSICOP underscores the organization's commitment to defending freedom of speech and combating what it perceives as harassment through legal means. The inclusion of Asimov's essay further reinforces the magazine's perspective on the nature of scientific progress and the evolution of knowledge.