1998-2-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 2/98 (Numero 37)
Date: July 23, 1998
Publisher: Skepsis ry

This issue of Skeptikko, a Finnish magazine focused on skepticism and critical thinking, delves into various topics ranging from the New Age movement and historical superstitions to the prophecies of Nostradamus and the mystical aspects of quantum mechanics.

Editorial: A Reminder of a Healthy Order

Arto Siitonen, docent of practical philosophy and board member of Skepsis ry, opens the issue with an editorial titled "A Reminder of a Healthy Order." He reflects on Jukka Häkkinen's previous point about the blurring lines between fiction and reality, particularly in the US, driven by a sensationalist media seeking financial gain. Siitonen questions how ordinary consumers can discern truth when media professionals might not verify their sources. He laments the notion that the age of enlightenment is over, arguing that while education and technology have advanced, critical thinking and the ability to distinguish fact from fiction remain crucial. He notes that humans are not always rational, often succumbing to wishful thinking, self-deception, and violence. While acknowledging the potential for education and cross-cultural understanding to foster tolerance, he highlights the human tendency towards gullibility, making people susceptible to advertising and rhetoric. Siitonen emphasizes that a realistic worldview requires separating imagination from reality, distinguishing fictional beings like vampires and zombies from actual phenomena. He concludes that the task of skeptics is to provide reminders about the world we inhabit, suggesting that a lack of critical thinking can lead to a confusion of imagination with reality.

New Age Religion from a Research Perspective

Pauliina Mikkonen, a student of religious studies, examines the New Age movement. She proposes using the Finnish term "uushenkisyys" (neo-spirituality) instead of "New Age" for research purposes, as it is in Finnish, less negatively charged, and better describes the phenomenon as a religion. Mikkonen explains that while New Age lacks a formal organization, it shares core beliefs such as interpretations of Eastern religions, nature worship, shamanism, neo-paganism, divination, parapsychology, UFO beliefs, and alternative therapies. A key concept is holism, the idea that everything is interconnected and that individuals can influence external circumstances through thought. Reincarnation is also a central belief, seen as a process of spiritual development. Mikkonen notes the emphasis on intuition over empirical observation and reason, with knowledge sought from various sources including Eastern philosophies and nature spirits. She points to the expectation of a spiritual and societal revolution that will move beyond materialism and narrow scientism.

Historical Roots of New Age

Mikkonen traces the historical roots of New Age through Romanticism, Spiritualism, and the 1960s counter-culture. Romanticism's emphasis on nature mysticism, personal experience, and intuition resonates with New Age ideas. Spiritualism, originating in the mid-19th century, introduced concepts like communication with spirits and the idea of a new era. The 1960s counter-culture, characterized by its opposition to materialism and dual morality, also embraced altered states of consciousness through drug use. Mikkonen also mentions figures like Emanuel Swedenborg, who claimed to receive knowledge from angels, and Gurdjieff, who taught about achieving an "enlightened state" through self-awareness. Carl Gustav Jung's concepts of the unconscious, archetypes, and individuation are also influential in New Age circles.

Researchers' Views on New Age

Mikkonen presents different academic perspectives on New Age. Sociologist J. Gordon Melton defines it as an "experience of transformation," where individuals seek profound personal change to overcome negative aspects of life. Paul Heelas, another sociologist, describes New Age as "self-spirituality," focusing on understanding life's purpose and achieving it. He sees New Age as a product of modernity, offering certainty in an uncertain world. Anthony D'Andrea, a doctoral student, views New Age as post-traditional and individualistic, emphasizing personal choice in defining life's answers. Wouter J. Hanegraaff, a historian of religion, characterizes New Age as a critique of Western materialism and rationalism, a secularized form of esotericism that has been influential since the 18th century. He distinguishes between New Age religion and the broader New Age movement, excluding groups like Anthroposophy.

From the Editor: A Reminder of a Healthy Order (Continued)

Marketta Ollikainen, the editor-in-chief, addresses the late arrival of this issue, explaining that a printing error required a complete reprint. She highlights the challenges of producing the magazine with volunteer labor, acknowledging that while help has been found, the demanding nature of the project makes long-term commitment difficult. Ollikainen notes the significant growth in the association's membership, which has increased financial resources, but stresses the need for professional skills in editing, design, and marketing, which cannot be sustained solely by volunteer work. She expresses optimism for the future, suggesting that the magazine might be able to employ professionals next year, ensuring regular publication. The issue also announces the second world congress of skeptics in Heidelberg, Germany, focusing on doomsday prophecies and other topics like pseudoscience and postmodernism, with a report on the congress to follow in subsequent issues.

Combating Superstition 200 Years Ago

Kalevi Kuitunen writes about the historical fight against superstition, referencing an article from 1798 by Carl Gustaf af Leopold titled "Om Spöksyner och Vidskeppelse" (On Ghostly Visions and Superstition). Leopold observed that while people today might mock past superstitions, they often remain susceptible to irrational beliefs. He criticized the lack of rational explanations for phenomena in Sweden at the time. Leopold illustrated the power of imagination with an anecdote about a young man who, convinced by the presence of a deceased woman's body in the room below, experienced intense fear and hallucinations. The story highlights how ingrained superstitions can amplify fear and lead to irrational behavior. Leopold also discussed "pious frauds" and how religious doctrines, particularly Christian concepts of hell, were used to control people. He contrasted the "age of reason and enlightenment" with the persistent prevalence of superstition, questioning the progress made in eradicating it. Leopold critiqued figures like Swedenborg, Cagliostro, and Mesmer, labeling them as charlatans who preyed on people's credulity. He argued that while some forms of superstition, like astrology, had diminished due to lack of profitability, others persisted, fueled by a reliance on hearsay rather than personal experience.

Nostradamus's Predictions

S. Albert Kivinen, a docent, discusses Nostradamus's prophecies, noting their enduring popularity, especially as the millennium approaches. He points out that many of Nostradamus's predictions, such as the one about the year 1999 and an Arab invasion, have not materialized. Kivinen describes Nostradamus as a Renaissance man with diverse interests, including the preparation of jams and cosmetics. He analyzes some of Nostradamus's quatrains, suggesting that they can be interpreted in various ways, sometimes appearing to predict events like the fall of the Berlin Wall, while other interpretations are more obscure. Kivinen also touches upon the translation and interpretation of Nostradamus's work, citing Roberts' translation and commentary on a quatrain concerning Corsan, Narbonne, and Tucham.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skeptikko consistently promotes a rational and critical approach to various phenomena. The editorial emphasizes the importance of distinguishing fact from fiction and the ongoing relevance of the Enlightenment's ideals in fostering critical thinking. The article on New Age highlights the need for academic scrutiny of belief systems, tracing their historical and sociological underpinnings. The piece on superstition underscores the enduring human susceptibility to irrational beliefs and the historical efforts to combat them. Nostradamus's prophecies are presented as examples of often-failed predictions, reinforcing the magazine's skeptical stance towards divination and prophecy. The overall editorial stance is one of advocating for scientific literacy, critical inquiry, and a healthy skepticism towards claims that lack empirical evidence or logical coherence.

This issue of Skeptikko, dated 2/98, focuses on the intersection of prophecy, quantum mechanics, and paranormal phenomena, approached with a skeptical and analytical perspective. The magazine features articles that critically examine historical predictions, delve into the complexities of modern physics, and report on investigations into alleged psychic abilities.

Nostradamus: Prophecies and Skepticism

The issue dedicates significant space to analyzing Nostradamus's prophecies. It scrutinizes various quatrains, attempting to link them to historical events and questioning the accuracy and interpretation of these predictions. The articles highlight instances where Nostradamus's predictions are seen as vague, open to multiple interpretations, or demonstrably false. For example, the prophecy concerning the 'red city' is deconstructed, with commentators like Le Vert and Robb offering different, often contradictory, interpretations. The article discusses the potential historical figures and events alluded to, such as the French Revolution and specific assassinations, but often concludes that the links are tenuous or coincidental. The text also explores prophecies with specific dates, such as 1585, 1606, 1703, 1727, and 1792, evaluating their fulfillment. The prophecy about a king of Angolmois in 1999 is also mentioned, with a skeptical outlook on its potential fulfillment. A key theme is the difficulty in definitively proving or disproving Nostradamus's foresight, emphasizing the role of interpretation and confirmation bias.

Quantum Mechanics and 'Mystical' Effects

Another major section of the magazine tackles the seemingly counter-intuitive aspects of quantum mechanics, particularly the concept of 'spin' and the EPR paradox. Jouni Niskanen's article, 'Kvanttimekaniikan mystisistä kaukovaikutuksista' (Mystical Remote Effects of Quantum Mechanics), aims to demystify these phenomena. It explains spin as an intrinsic angular momentum of subatomic particles, which, unlike classical rotation, can only take quantized values (e.g., 'up' or 'down'). The EPR paradox, involving entangled particles, is presented not as evidence of faster-than-light communication, but as a consequence of the quantum mechanical formalism where the state of the system is a superposition of possibilities. The article clarifies that while measuring one particle instantaneously affects the state of its entangled partner, this correlation cannot be used to transmit information faster than light, thus debunking the 'mystical' interpretations often associated with it. The discussion also touches upon Bell's inequality and experimental tests that support quantum mechanics over local hidden variable theories.

Investigating Paranormal Claims

The issue also features a report on a specific investigation conducted by the Oulu chapter of Skepsis ry. The article 'Epätavallista ilmiötä testattiin Oulussa' (An Unusual Phenomenon Was Tested in Oulu) details the case of an individual who claimed to be able to move doors with his mind. The investigation involved observing the phenomenon, gathering witness testimonies, and forming a committee of scientists to explore possible explanations, including air pressure variations. The report highlights the skeptical approach of the organization in testing such claims and seeking rational explanations.

Synchronicity and Skepticism

An article by Marketta Ollikainen discusses Carl Gustav Jung's concept of synchronicity, defined as meaningful coincidences between inner and outer events. The article presents the views of S. Albert Kivinen, a docent in theoretical philosophy, who argues that Jung's concept of synchronicity does not introduce a new, non-causal factor into the universe. Kivinen suggests that such phenomena can be explained by causality, finality (purposefulness), or mere chance, and criticizes the idea of synchronicity as a form of paranoia or a justification for belief in the paranormal. The article also briefly touches upon the phenomenon of levitation, with Kivinen recounting his own unsuccessful attempts to induce it and noting the lack of empirical evidence.

Bibliographical Review

The issue includes a selected bibliographical review of books on Nostradamus. This section provides an overview of various authors and their works, ranging from detailed commentaries to highly skeptical analyses. Notable authors mentioned include Edgar Leoni, Le Vert, James Randi, and Åke Ohlmarks. The review offers readers guidance on further reading and different perspectives on the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards extraordinary claims, the critical analysis of prophecies and paranormal phenomena, and the application of scientific reasoning and quantum mechanics to understand the world. The editorial stance is clearly that of promoting critical thinking and scientific inquiry, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and mystical interpretations by providing rational explanations and highlighting the limitations of current knowledge. The magazine encourages readers to approach claims of the paranormal with a discerning eye and to rely on evidence-based reasoning.

Title: Skeptikko
Issue: 2/98
Date: 1998
Publisher: Skeptikko ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish

This issue of Skeptikko magazine delves into various topics, primarily focusing on a scientific investigation into a claimed paranormal ability, ancient medical practices, and cultural exhibitions.

Investigating Telekinesis: The Door-Moving Experiment

The cover story, "'I can move doors from a distance without touching them,'" details an experiment conducted at the Oulu Public Library on May 29, 1998. The subject, whose lung capacity was measured at 6.0 liters with a peak expiratory flow rate of 11 l/s, claimed the ability to move doors without physical contact. The experiment aimed to demonstrate that this phenomenon, while unusual, is natural and not paranormal. The setup involved the subject attempting to move a door in three different phases, with observers using a micrometer to measure any movement. The theory proposed to explain the phenomenon involves forcefully exhaling while holding the glottis closed, causing a decrease in chest cavity volume and creating a momentary negative pressure that can move the door. This effect is likened to an air pressure wave. The experiment also included attempts by a mechanical device and a Skepsis representative to replicate the phenomenon, with the subject ultimately proving to be the strongest in demonstrating the effect. The article concludes that such phenomena, while seemingly extraordinary, can often be explained by natural, albeit exceptional, mechanisms, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing to avoid misinterpreting them as paranormal.

Ancient Egyptian Medicine Explored

Another significant section of the magazine explores ancient Egyptian medicine, drawing information from the Heureka science center's exhibition. It highlights that Egyptian medicine was a blend of magical spells and practical knowledge. They had a good understanding of anatomy, recognizing the heart's role in circulation, the kidneys' function, and the brain's control over movement. The article details various treatments for common ailments:

• Toothache: A remedy involving cumin, sumac resin, and colocynth.
• Swollen Feet: A wrap made from valerian, natron salt, and honey.
• Crocodile Bite: Covering the wound with fresh meat to stop bleeding.
• Hearing Loss: A concoction of cat, crocodile, and swallow excrement, along with deer antlers, believed to ward off illness.
• Headache: A remedy made from the skull of a cooked catfish.
• Burns: Using honey as a dressing or a mixture of barley bread, fat, and salt.
• Eye Ailments: A complex eye salve containing black eye paint, honey, green eye paint, ochre, and lapis lazuli.

The modern medical commentary often acknowledges the practical aspects of these treatments, such as honey's antibacterial properties or the use of dressings to keep wounds clean, while also pointing out the magical or superstitious beliefs underlying some remedies.

Heureka Exhibition and Suomenlinna Visit

The magazine reports on a summer excursion by Skeptikko members to the Heureka science center in Vantaa and Suomenlinna. The Heureka exhibition, focusing on ancient cultures of the Near East, Egypt, and Indus, was noted for its scale and the detailed reconstruction of an ancient Egyptian craftsman's house. The exhibition featured artifacts, interactive elements like trying on ancient clothing, and a replica of a tomb. The visit to Suomenlinna included a tour of the historical fortress and a role-playing debate session. This session focused on how skeptics can effectively discuss paranormal phenomena with believers, emphasizing the need for good argumentation skills and finding common ground.

Other Articles and News

• UFO Center Proposal: The magazine mentions a proposal by film producer Juhan af Grann to build a UFO center in Pihtipudas, Finland. The project, estimated to cost 100-200 million Finnish marks, would include a UFO museum and research facilities. While the idea is presented as a potential tourist attraction, local officials express caution regarding the significant investment required.
• Gold Nugget Discovery: A brief report on the discovery of a quarter-kilogram gold nugget in Lemmenjoki, Finland, is included.
• Praanic Healing: An article discusses the practice of Praanic healing, a form of energy healing originating from Tibet, which was being offered at the Museum of Applied Arts in Helsinki.
• Anthroposophical Medicine: A mention of a symposium on Anthroposophical Medicine held in Espoo.
• Corrections: The "Corrections" section addresses several errors in previous issues, including inaccuracies in an article about magnetic therapy and a correction regarding the Raelian movement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims, the scientific investigation of unusual phenomena, and the exploration of historical and cultural topics, particularly ancient medicine and archaeology. The editorial stance is clearly that of critical inquiry, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning and debunking pseudoscientific claims. The magazine promotes a rational approach to understanding the world, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and seek natural explanations. The emphasis on the

This issue of Skeptikko magazine, number 2/98, is published by Skepsis ry, a Finnish association for skeptics. The magazine features articles, book reviews, and information about the organization's activities and events, all in Finnish.

Skepsiksen Haaste (Skepsis Challenge)

The cover story announces the "Skepsis Challenge," offering a prize of 10,000 Finnish marks to anyone who can produce a paranormal phenomenon under controlled conditions. The prize can also be awarded as a "humanoid stipend" to a humanoid who provides DNA evidence. An additional 10,000 marks is offered by magician Iiro Seppänen for successful paranormal phenomenon production.

Skepsis Activities and Online Presence

Skepsis has launched interactive discussion forums on its website (www.skepsis.fi), allowing anyone to post messages. Previously, discussions were held via email lists and newsgroups. The implementation and maintenance of these forums are handled by NSD Oy.

Book Review: "Mellastavat pirut" (Rampaging Devils)

Pasi Klemettinen's book "Mellastavat pirut" is reviewed. The book examines popular beliefs about devils and witchcraft in the Karelian Isthmus and Ladoga Karelia, focusing on poltergeist phenomena. It analyzes cases from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often documented by the Finnish Literature Society. The review notes that Klemettinen does not attempt to explain these phenomena through parapsychology but highlights their stereotypical and fairytale-like features, suggesting collective mass suggestion as a possible factor. The review also touches upon the historical context of these beliefs, linking them to social conflicts and norm violations.

Book Review: "Paholaisen asianajajan paluu" (The Devil's Advocate Returns)

This section reviews the book "Paholaisen asianajajan paluu," a guide for skeptics published by Ursa and Skepsis. The book features Finnish scientists who critically examine astrology, UFOs, alternative medicine, and other pseudosciences. It is presented as a follow-up to a 1989 book and is available to Skepsis and Ursa members for 120 marks.

Discussion: "Kasvatustiede - pseudotiede?" (Educational Science - Pseudoscience?)

This article discusses why the average person is easily drawn to pseudoscience, even after receiving scientific education. It suggests that 20th-century educational science, influenced by subjective philosophy and figures like John Dewey, has contributed to this. The article mentions Bertrand Russell's critique of Dewey's epistemology and notes that "constructivism" is a contemporary example of this tradition in Finland.

English Summary

Finnish Sceptics Unravel an Unusual Phenomenon

This article by Sami Tetri describes an investigation by the Oulu division of Skepsis into a man who claimed to be able to move doors using his diaphragm muscles. The phenomenon was observed and replicated, even by a mechanical device and a Skepsis representative. The organizers mathematically proved the phenomenon, concluding it was a normal, though unusual, event that could be easily mistaken for paranormal.

New Age from the Aspect of Scientific Research

Pauliina Mikkonen's article explores New Age, noting its emphasis on holism and intuition. She argues that New Age is a suitable subject for scientific research, having been studied from sociological and historical perspectives. Mikkonen suggests religious science offers a fruitful approach.

About the Mystic Long-Distance Influences of Quantum Mechanics

Physicist Jouni Niskanen explains in his article why quantum mechanics does not support faster-than-light communication, addressing the use of quantum "paradoxes" in pseudoscientific contexts.

Upcoming Events

Skepsis Autumn 1998

Skepsis is organizing monthly lectures on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM at Tieteiden talo in Helsinki. Topics include "valemuistoista" (false memories) by Virpi Kalakoski (Sept 16), "kivien mystiikasta" (the mysticism of stones) by Jouko Aho (Oct 14), and "suomalaisten telepaattiset kokemukset" (Finnish telepathic experiences) by Leea Virtanen (Nov 18), followed by the Skepsis autumn meeting.

A one-day seminar on "Todellisuuden monet kasvot" (The Many Faces of Reality) is scheduled for December 12th, featuring experts from philosophy, physics, and psychology. The Huuhaa and Socrates awards will be announced at this seminar.

Facing Armageddon

This section lists the program for the second world congress of skeptics, "Facing Armageddon," held in Heidelberg, Germany, from July 23-26, 1998. The congress covered topics such as millenium prophecies, alternative medicine, critical thinking, environmental issues, theosophy, and anti-science movements.

Skepsis Organization Information

This issue includes details on how to join Skepsis ry, including membership fees and contact information for membership matters. It also lists the Skepsis board members and the scientific advisory board.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific examination of paranormal claims and pseudosciences. The magazine actively promotes rational inquiry and debunks unfounded beliefs. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific methodology and evidence-based reasoning, as demonstrated by the "Skepsis Challenge" and the book reviews.