1999-2-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 2/99
Date: June 30, 1999
Publisher: Skepsis Ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
ISSN: 0786-2571

This issue of Skeptikko, a Finnish skeptical magazine, focuses on critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, questionable therapeutic practices, and the importance of scientific literacy.

Articles and Content

Tiedeopetus rakentaa maailmankuvaa (Science Education Builds Worldview)

Authored by Sisko Maria Eskola, a mathematics and physics teacher, this editorial argues that science education is fundamental to shaping a person's worldview. It highlights that while modern technology is pervasive, scientific understanding among the general public remains low. Eskola stresses that physics forms the basis of all natural sciences and that understanding its laws is crucial for responsible decision-making. She points out that scientific knowledge helps individuals understand their place in nature and the consequences of their actions. The editorial also notes the establishment of a new science high school in Helsinki, aiming to foster interest and knowledge in natural sciences among students.

Terapiaa ja koulutusta new age -liikkeen hengessä (Therapy and Training in the Spirit of the New Age Movement)

Written by psychiatrist and psychotherapist Raija Hukkanen, this article critically examines therapy and self-help groups that operate under the umbrella of the New Age movement. Hukkanen draws parallels between these groups and religious cults, detailing how they can isolate individuals, create dependency on leaders, and lead to financial and sexual exploitation. She discusses the blurred lines between genuine therapy and unregulated training, the use of "psychotherapy language" to mask manipulative practices, and the pressure to conform to group norms. The article also touches upon the importance of ethical guidelines in therapy and the potential for harm when these are disregarded. It notes that charismatic leaders often exploit members' needs for belonging and validation.

Valokuvalukeminen – harhakäsitys ihmismielen toiminnasta (Photoreading – A Misconception of the Human Mind's Function)

Jukka Hyönä debunks the concept of "photoreading," a technique claiming to enable readers to absorb a book's content at extremely high speeds by mentally "photographing" the pages. Hyönä explains that this method is based on a flawed analogy of the human mind to a camera and contradicts psychological research on the reading process. He outlines the actual stages of reading: word recognition, sentence comprehension, and integration of meaning across sentences. The article emphasizes that true reading involves active cognitive processes and cannot be reduced to a passive photographic capture.

Terveydenhuollon priorisointi uskon varassa (Prioritization of Healthcare Based on Faith)

This article by Markku Myllykangas and Olli-Pekka Ryynänen discusses the prioritization of healthcare resources, suggesting that faith-based approaches can sometimes overshadow evidence-based decision-making. It implies a critique of how resources are allocated when subjective beliefs influence critical choices.

Bara Normal

Authored by Marketta Ollikainen, this piece likely explores a topic related to the magazine's skeptical stance, possibly debunking a specific phenomenon or belief.

Harhakäsityksiä magneettikenttien terveyshaitoista (Misconceptions About the Health Hazards of Magnetic Fields)

Risto Selin addresses the widespread concerns about the health effects of magnetic fields, particularly those generated by electronic devices. The article likely argues that much of the fear surrounding these fields is based on misconceptions and lacks robust scientific evidence. It suggests that significant research funding is sometimes directed towards investigating unsubstantiated risks, potentially diverting resources from more pressing scientific endeavors.

Iloiset kasvot Marsissa (Happy Faces on Mars)

Written by Jukka Häkkinen, this article probably examines claims or alleged sightings related to Mars, likely from a skeptical perspective, questioning interpretations of images or data.

Horoskooppi skeptikoille (Horoscopes for Skeptics)

Rauni Kaskinen offers a skeptical take on horoscopes, likely dissecting their lack of scientific validity and psychological appeal.

Viimeisiä aikoja odotellessa (Waiting for the End Times)

Antti Immonen discusses beliefs related to end-time prophecies, likely analyzing them from a critical and skeptical viewpoint, questioning their basis and predictive power.

Steiner ennusti uuden ajan alkua (Steiner Predicted the Beginning of a New Era)

Marketta Ollikainen examines the predictions of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. The article likely scrutinizes Steiner's prophecies and their influence, presenting a skeptical analysis.

Aaveita metsästämässä (Hunting Ghosts)

Matias Aunola's article likely investigates claims of ghost sightings and paranormal investigations, applying a skeptical methodology to debunk or question such phenomena.

Viestejä haudan takaa (Messages from Beyond the Grave)

This piece, also by Marketta Ollikainen, likely delves into claims of communication with the deceased, critically evaluating the evidence and psychological explanations.

Yhdistys toimii (The Association is Active)

This section provides an update on the activities of Skepsis Ry, the publisher of the magazine, detailing their ongoing work and initiatives.

Lyhyet (Shorts)

A collection of brief news items, updates, or short commentaries, likely maintaining the magazine's skeptical and critical tone.

Kirjat (Books)

This section reviews books, presumably those related to skepticism, science, or critical thinking, offering evaluations from the magazine's perspective.

Keskustelua (Discussion)

This section features reader feedback, letters, or discussions on topics previously covered in the magazine, allowing for audience engagement.

Tulevia tapahtumia (Upcoming Events)

Announcements of future events, lectures, or meetings organized by Skepsis Ry or related organizations.

English Summary

A summary of the magazine's content in English, providing a brief overview for non-Finnish speaking readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the dangers of unregulated therapeutic practices and New Age movements, and the promotion of scientific literacy and critical thinking. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and challenging beliefs that lack empirical support. The magazine actively debunks paranormal phenomena, questionable health claims, and manipulative psychological techniques. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of science education as a tool to combat misinformation and foster a rational worldview. The magazine also highlights the activities of Skepsis Ry, its publisher, in promoting these values.

This issue of Skeptikko, dated 2/1999, features several articles critically examining common beliefs and practices related to health, science, and perception. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, emphasizing scientific evidence and debunking pseudoscientific claims.

Articles

The Psychology of Reading: Beyond Photo-Reading

This article by Jukka Hyönä debunks the concept of 'photo-reading,' which claims one can understand text with a single glance. Hyönä explains that human visual perception is limited; an adult reader can typically identify only about 12 letters around the fixation point, corresponding to one or two words. This process requires focusing on individual words and letters. While the brain can process rough visual features of text, actual word recognition relies on detailed visual processing. The author contrasts this with how cameras capture images, where the entire frame is recorded with uniform clarity. He argues that the idea of instantly grasping a text's meaning by 'photo-reading' is wishful thinking, as understanding language is a linear process of decoding words and sentences. The article also critiques speed-reading methods, suggesting they are based on flawed assumptions about human cognition and visual abilities.

Health Care Prioritization: Relying on Faith?

Authored by Markku Myllykangas and Olli-Pekka Ryynänen, this article discusses the challenges of prioritizing health care services. Despite medical advancements, available resources are insufficient to cover all potential treatments. The authors argue that the cost of new medical technologies and treatments is rising rapidly, making it difficult for societies to afford them. They highlight that health care systems cannot provide every possible service, and medical professionals must consider the needs of all patients, not just individuals. The article suggests that while health care can improve life expectancy, a significant portion of health benefits comes from social, economic, and behavioral factors rather than solely from medical interventions. It also points out that focusing solely on extending life may not always improve quality of life, advocating for a shift towards preventing conditions that significantly impact daily functioning.

Misconceptions About the Health Hazards of Magnetic Fields

This article by Marketta Ollikainen addresses public concerns about the health effects of magnetic fields, particularly from power lines and mobile phones. Neurophysicist and docent Risto Ilmoniemi dismisses the idea of burying power lines to mitigate alleged health risks, stating that there is no scientific evidence to support such claims. He explains that the magnetic fields generated by power lines are weak and that hospitals use much stronger magnetic fields in MRI scanners without apparent harm. Ilmoniemi suggests that concerns about power lines are often exaggerated and that other environmental factors, such as traffic safety and air pollution, pose more significant risks to students. He also touches upon the development of magnetic stimulation techniques used in neuroscience research, emphasizing their safety and precision.

The Talisman

This personal essay describes a sports team's superstitious reliance on talismans, specifically 'duck socks,' before a crucial game. The author recounts how the team's performance was poor on a day when these rituals were not followed, attributing it to a lack of psychological preparation and team cohesion. The piece highlights the psychological aspect of performance, where routines and mental preparation can influence an individual's or team's success, even if the direct causal link to the talisman is not scientifically supported.

False Conclusions

This section, likely a continuation or related to the article on magnetic fields, discusses how weak magnetic fields are often wrongly associated with health risks. It mentions a Swedish study that linked leukemia to proximity to power lines, but the author suggests that the conclusions drawn were not necessarily valid. The article implies that other environmental factors in areas near power lines might be responsible for such correlations. It also touches upon the limitations of diagnostic tests, where a high number of tests can lead to false positives, causing unnecessary anxiety and costs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around critical thinking, scientific evidence, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims and popular misconceptions. The magazine's editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based approaches in medicine and health care, advocating for rational decision-making over superstition or unsubstantiated beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations of human perception and cognition, as well as the scientific basis for medical treatments and technological risks.

Title: Skeptikko
Issue: 2/1999
Date: 1999
Character: A Finnish skeptical magazine that critically examines paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and societal phenomena.

Articles

"Tietoa aivojen toiminnasta" (Information on Brain Function)

This article discusses the potential of magnetic stimulation for treating central nervous system diseases. It explains that by repeatedly activating nerve cells, their interconnections can be strengthened, which could be revolutionary for conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS). The method might also help in diagnosing and assessing nerve damage, and in planning rehabilitation for stroke and spinal cord injuries. Furthermore, it could be used to study the effectiveness of drug treatments by observing their immediate effects on the brain. The article also touches upon the use of magnetic stimulation to help patients with severe depression, particularly those with underactive left frontal lobes. This method is presented as a painless alternative to electroshock therapy, which is described as painful and potentially causing memory loss.

"Viestejä haudan takaa" (Messages from Beyond the Grave)

This piece focuses on psychic James van Praagh, a prominent figure in the US psychic market who claims to channel messages from the deceased. The article, written from a skeptical viewpoint by Michael Shermer, analyzes van Praagh's methods, categorizing them as cold, warm, and hot reading. Cold reading involves asking numerous questions and making general or specific statements to elicit information from the client about deceased loved ones. Warm reading uses intuition and knowledge of common causes of death. Hot reading involves obtaining information beforehand, possibly through producers or researchers. The article highlights instances where van Praagh's claims were allegedly fed to him by show producers. It also mentions the use of psychic methods in cases involving financial gain, such as receiving inheritances from grieving families.

"Iloiseth kasvot Marsissa" (Joyful Faces on Mars)

This short article addresses the phenomenon of the 'Mars faces'. It explains that images from the Mars Global Surveyor revealed that the so-called faces on Mars were actually natural geological formations, specifically a mountainous area, whose appearance was distorted by lighting conditions and the lower resolution of earlier probe images. The article also mentions another set of 'faces' found in a crater, which appear to be smiling, and questions why these have not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny or conspiracy theories as the original 'Mars faces'.

"Horoskooppi Skeptikoille" (Horoscope for Skeptics)

This section presents a satirical horoscope designed for skeptics. Instead of predicting the future, it offers advice framed in a skeptical context, such as maintaining good relationships, preparing for change, trusting evidence-based arguments, and considering financial realities.

"Ennusta kohtalosi" (Predict Your Fate)

This is a humorous and instructional piece on how skeptics can create their own 'accurate' predictions. It provides a template with four columns of phrases that can be combined to form seemingly meaningful, yet ultimately arbitrary, 'predictions'. The method involves selecting phrases from each column to construct sentences, implying that the process itself is more about wordplay than genuine foresight.

"Viimeisiä aikoja odotellessa" (Waiting for the Last Times)

This extensive article examines the concept of the apocalypse and end-of-the-world prophecies. It begins by discussing Nostradamus and his enduring influence on predictions about the future, including the year 2000. The author then delves into various historical and contemporary theories about global catastrophes, citing authors like Desiderius Papp, Charles Galton Darwin, Theo Löbsack, Francis Fukuyama, Jeremy Rifkin, Peter Ward, and John Leslie. The article categorizes potential doomsday scenarios into those dependent on human actions (nuclear war, environmental destruction) and those independent of human control (asteroid impacts, volcanic eruptions). It also explores 'philosophical risks' such as religious extremism and ethical relativism. The piece references biblical prophecies, particularly from the Book of Revelation, describing apocalyptic events and divine judgment. Finally, it discusses Brandon Carter's 'Doomsday Argument,' which suggests that current generations might be among the last humans to exist, and the idea that the end of the world is a possibility that cannot be entirely dismissed.

"Steiner ennusti uuden ajan alkua" (Steiner Predicted the Beginning of a New Era)

This article explores the predictions of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy. Steiner believed that before the turn of the millennium, humanity would enter a new evolutionary phase characterized by widespread clairvoyance and a deeper understanding of the spiritual world. He envisioned a new language that would allow moral principles to be directly experienced. Steiner also proposed a unique interpretation of Jesus Christ, suggesting that the figure of Jesus was inhabited by two distinct souls: one ordinary mortal, and another, a higher spiritual being, which entered him at his baptism. This interpretation aimed to reconcile Steiner's spiritual cosmology with the Christian narrative.

"Aaveita metsästämässä" (Hunting Ghosts)

This article discusses the ongoing efforts to find scientific evidence for ghosts. It highlights the optimism of some researchers, like those at New Scientist, who believe that technological advancements in detecting phenomena like electromagnetic fields and temperature variations will eventually provide proof of ghosts. The article also presents a skeptical view, noting that many claims of paranormal activity can be explained by natural phenomena or misinterpretations. It mentions specific individuals who hunt ghosts, such as Randy Liebeck, Dave Oester, and Lordi Auerbach, and their theories about ghosts being distinct entities or energy-based consciousness. The piece concludes by suggesting that while scientific investigation of these phenomena is ongoing, the existence of a parallel reality inhabited by spirits remains unproven.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and unsubstantiated beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of scientific evidence, logical reasoning, and critical analysis. Recurring themes include the debunking of popular myths and phenomena (like psychic abilities, UFO sightings, and apocalyptic prophecies), the promotion of scientific literacy, and the examination of societal trends from a rational perspective. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based understanding and against unfounded speculation or belief systems that lack empirical support.

This issue of Skeptikko (Issue 2/1999) is a Finnish magazine focused on skepticism, critical thinking, and the scientific examination of various phenomena. It features articles on UFO sightings, critiques of neuroscience and philosophy, discussions on creationism versus evolution, and explorations of parapsychology.

UFOs and Skepticism in Joensuu

The issue reports on a public event in Joensuu organized by Skepsis, featuring UFO researcher Marko Repo and physicist Pertti Pääkkönen. Repo emphasized that UFO researchers do not start with preconceived theories and highlighted the challenges of amateur-driven research. Pääkkönen provided context on the vastness of space and the Drake equation. The event included a discussion with skeptics and believers, and was deemed a success.

Local UFO reports from Northern Karelia were presented, with most cases being explained as weather balloons or border guard activities, though a few remained unexplained due to lack of evidence.

Regional Skepticism Activities

The magazine details activities of local Skepsis chapters. The Keski-Suomen skeptikot (Central Finland skeptics) organized discussions on the newspaper Kunnonsuomalainen's coverage and the 'Huuhaa' award, noting that the newspaper's articles have become more balanced. They also held a discussion on probabilities and improbabilities, touching on numerology and probability games. The group plans to continue its public lectures and smaller discussions in the fall.

The Tampere chapter of Skepsis is initiating its regional activities, planning public lectures and discussions. They also discussed circulating skeptical and pseudoscientific literature and organizing reading groups.

Critiques of Neuroscience and Philosophy

Jyri Puhakainen's book 'Persoonan kieltäjät' (The Deniers of Personhood) is critically reviewed. Puhakainen, a philosopher, argues that neuroscience's understanding of humans is a major intellectual hoax and a conspiracy to replace ethical discussions with scientific jargon for control. The reviewer finds Puhakainen's critique lacking in specific scientific engagement, noting it relies more on general philosophical arguments and newspaper reports than on detailed analysis of scientific publications. The book is described as a philosophical pamphlet rather than a rigorous scientific or philosophical work.

Another review discusses Matti Bergström's book 'Politiikan aivot' (The Brain of Politics). Bergström, a neuroscientist, posits that politicians have a deficit in 'brain value capacity' which they compensate for with public attention. The reviewer criticizes the book as a loose pamphlet lacking sources and clear argumentation, suggesting Bergström misunderstands political science and the concept of values.

Creationism vs. Evolution

The magazine addresses the ongoing debate about teaching creationism alongside evolution in schools, particularly in Arkansas, USA. A group called Parents for Objective Science and History (POSH) advocates for creationism. In response, skeptics formed Families for Learning Accurate Theories (FLAT) and sarcastically proposed teaching literal interpretations of the Bible, such as the Earth having four corners and pi being exactly 3, to highlight the absurdity of equating religious texts with scientific education.

Parapsychology and Pseudoscience

An article discusses the 'decline effect' and 'psi missing' in parapsychology. These terms describe the tendency for statistical results in parapsychological experiments to decrease over time ('decline effect') or for results to be worse than chance ('psi missing'). The article suggests these phenomena might be explained by experimental psychology, such as subject fatigue or experimenter bias, rather than genuine paranormal activity.

Another piece examines sociobiology, defending it as a controversial but not pseudoscientific theory, in response to a previous article in Skeptikko.

Other Topics

Charles Mackay's 'Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds' is recommended as essential reading for skeptics, covering historical delusions like alchemy, fortune-telling, and financial manias. The review notes its relevance to understanding economic bubbles.

The Seti@home project is highlighted, an initiative that allows individuals to contribute their computer's processing power to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

An article discusses potential health risks associated with high-voltage power lines, concluding that studies have not found a link to leukemia. However, it notes that children who moved frequently were more likely to develop leukemia, suggesting possible links to immune system changes.

Another health-related piece reports on a case where a woman suffered severe liver damage from a natural product called Chaparral, leading to its sales ban.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes critical thinking and scientific scrutiny. It challenges pseudoscientific claims, philosophical overreach in science, and the conflation of religion with science education. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and the scientific method, actively debunking claims that lack empirical support. There is a strong emphasis on regional skeptical activities and promoting open discussion about these topics.

Title: Skeptikko
Issue: 2/1999
Volume: 34
Date: 1999
Publisher: Skepsis ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish

This issue of Skeptikko magazine, a publication of the Finnish skeptical organization Skepsis ry, features a range of articles and information relevant to skepticism, science, and critical thinking.

Articles and Content

Sociobiology and its Controversies

The issue opens with an article by Timo Kaitaro addressing the controversial field of sociobiology. Kaitaro acknowledges potential misunderstandings in his previous writing and clarifies the distinction between sociobiology concerning insects or apes and its application to humans, which he finds problematic. He cites biologists like Francois Jacob and Stephen Jay Gould who have also raised concerns. Kaitaro highlights the danger of using sociobiological findings to justify existing social roles, particularly regarding gender, likening it to justifying unhealthy eating habits based on biological predispositions. He also touches upon the Oedipus complex, agreeing with Freud's critics that the theory's biological basis is likely flawed and that cultural and social norms play a significant role in incest avoidance, beyond any innate biological mechanisms.

Psychic Treatment and New Age

Raija Hukkanen's article, "Psychic Treatment and Training in the Spirit of New Age," discusses the similarities between various communities offering psychic treatment and training and religious cults. She notes that participants often become isolated and dependent, facing potential economic and sexual exploitation. Hukkanen points out that while the market for such therapies is large, they often lack official supervision. Citing psychiatrist Raija Hukkanen, the article suggests that encounter sensitivity training, popular in the 1960s and 70s, combined elements of Eastern philosophy and religious thinking, but its positive effects were often temporary, with some participants experiencing harmful or confusing outcomes.

Photoreading and the Human Mind

An article by Jukka Hyönä, "Photoreading – Making Erroneous Analogues of the Functions of the Human Mind," critically examines the technique of photoreading. Advertised as a speed-reading method enabling a reader to process a page per second, it is based on the idea that the reader's focus is slightly shifted, allowing perception of the entire page. Hyönä, a psychology researcher, argues that this technique relies on flawed analogies of how the human mind works. He contends that photoreading incorrectly assumes the eye functions like a camera lens and that written text is transmitted as a picture. Hyönä emphasizes that reading involves identifying words, and without this identification, comprehension is impossible. He also notes that the way the mind processes information from pictures differs from how it processes linguistic information, which is conveyed through abstract signs, phonemes, letters, and words.

Magnetic Fields and Health Hazards

"Are Magnetic Fields a Health Hazard?" by Marketta Ollikainen, discusses concerns raised in Espoo, Finland, regarding a high-voltage power line near a school. While there is no evidence that these magnetic fields pose a health hazard, the beliefs persist. Neurophysicist Risto Ilmoniemi explains that the effects of these fields on atoms and molecules are understood, but no mechanism has been found for such weak, low-density fields to significantly impact cell functions. He contrasts these fields with those used in magnetic brain stimulation, which are much stronger but proven safe. Ilmoniemi finds it ethically questionable for the city to spend significant funds on undergrounding the power line while potentially reducing grants for education.

Skepsis Organization and Events

The magazine provides extensive information about Skepsis ry, the Finnish skeptical organization. It details the organization's founding in 1987, its mission to promote objective scientific investigation of paranormal claims, and its collaboration with international skeptical organizations like CSICOP. The article outlines Skepsis's statutes, which include promoting research, maintaining a network of interested individuals, publishing articles and bibliographies on paranormal claims, and organizing meetings and conferences. The organization is politically, ideologically, and religiously unaffiliated. Membership details and subscription information for the Skeptikko magazine are provided, along with contact information for the organization's board, regional contacts, and scientific advisory board.

Upcoming events for Skepsis in Helsinki and Jyväskylä are listed, covering topics such as creationism vs. geology, the future of healthcare, and the concept of the end of the world. A book review or advertisement for "Paholaisen asianajajan paluu" (The Devil's Advocate Returns), a book published by Ursa and Skepsis, is also featured, highlighting its critical examination of superstition and pseudoscience by Finnish scientists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and the debunking of pseudoscience and paranormal claims. The magazine consistently promotes a rational and evidence-based approach to understanding phenomena, challenging unsubstantiated beliefs and questionable practices. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and against the uncritical acceptance of claims that lack empirical support. The articles aim to educate the public about the scientific consensus on various topics and to expose the flaws in pseudoscientific reasoning and methodologies.