1999-3-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 3/99 (Numero 42)
Date: November 8, 1999
Publisher: Skepsis Ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish
ISSN: 0786-2571

This issue of Skeptikko, a Finnish skeptical magazine, features several articles exploring phenomena often associated with the paranormal, analyzed from a scientific and skeptical perspective.

Articles

Muukalainen makuuhuoneessa (Alien in the Bedroom)

This article, by Marketta Ollikainen, discusses hallucinations, particularly those experienced during the transition between sleep and wakefulness (hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations). It draws on the work of British psychologist Susan Blackmore, who experienced an out-of-body experience and levitation during a spiritualist session. The article explains that these experiences, while seeming paranormal, are likely related to the brain's control over involuntary bodily functions and sensory input. Dosentti Markku Partinen from the University of Helsinki's neuroscience department is quoted, explaining that these hallucinations can occur in healthy individuals but are more frequent and intense in people with narcolepsy. He notes that some narcoleptic patients have reported encounters with 'blue men' in their bedrooms, which were frightening but disappeared with appropriate treatment, indicating they were hallucinations. The article also touches upon the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in hallucinations, referencing theories by Hans Eysenck that link creativity and mental health to fluctuations in these chemicals. Partinen's research suggests that hallucinations are more common than previously believed, citing a 1996 study indicating that 37% of the population had experienced hypnagogic hallucinations and 12.5% had experienced hypnopompic ones. The article also speculates that research into hallucinations could shed light on UFO abduction experiences, noting cultural differences in reported phenomena.

Yläsalamat – valon tanssia taivaalla (Upper-Atmospheric Flashes – Dancing Light in the Sky)

Written by Tapio J. Tuomi, this article introduces the phenomenon of upper-atmospheric lightning, or 'yläsalamat', which are flashes occurring above thunderstorms. First observed scientifically about ten years prior to the publication date (1989), these phenomena were initially captured on video and later confirmed by space shuttle missions. The article details the history of their observation, starting with early eyewitness accounts and progressing to modern scientific documentation. It describes various types of upper-atmospheric flashes, including 'keijusalama' (sprite), 'kajosalama' (elf), 'sininen viuhkasalama' (blue jet), and 'gammapurkaus' (gamma-ray burst). The article explains that sprites are red, column-like flashes occurring at altitudes of 50-90 km, while elves are faint, expanding rings, and blue jets are upward-moving columns of light. The article delves into the scientific explanations for these phenomena, linking them to the electrical processes within thunderstorms. It discusses how positive ground lightning strikes can create strong electric fields in the mesosphere, leading to these luminous discharges. The article also mentions the challenges in studying these phenomena, as they are primarily visible at night, and explores the potential for future research using radio wave detection.

Jumalten henkäys – bioenergeettiset kentät uskomuslääkinnässä (Breath of the Gods – Bioenergetic Fields in Alternative Medicine)

This article, by Victor J. Stenger, reviews research on bioenergetic fields and their purported use in alternative medicine, referencing the work of Sergei Kolmakow. Stenger critically examines Kolmakow's research on healers' abilities and the registration of biosignals. The editorial section notes a dispute between Kolmakow and the magazine's contributors regarding the interpretation of his research. The article also mentions an upcoming seminar in Kuopio focusing on health advice from various religious and traditional sources, including Judaism, Indian traditions, and Sami beliefs, as well as the healing practices of Olavi Mäkelä.

Toimitukselta (From the Editor)

This section, written by Marketta Ollikainen, addresses the ongoing discussion and criticism surrounding Sergei Kolmakow's research on bioenergetic fields and Kirlian photography. Ollikainen acknowledges a potential misinterpretation of Kolmakow's work in a previous issue and states her intention to correct this. She also mentions Kolmakow's upcoming lecture in Helsinki and the Kuopio University's plan to research folk medicine with a significant funding request. The editor also touches upon the importance of local skeptical activism and encourages readers to engage critically with pseudoscientific claims.

Other Sections

• Toimitukselta (Editorial): A brief note from the editor, Marketta Ollikainen, discussing the magazine's content and ongoing debates.
• Bara Normal: A short piece, likely a commentary or news item.
• Skeptikon tietolaari (Skeptic's Fact Box): A section providing factual information.
• Skeptikot verkossa (Skeptics Online): Information about online skeptical communities.
• Puheenjohtajan palsta (Chairman's Column): A message from the chairman of Skepsis.
• Lyhyet (Shorts): Brief news items or updates.
• Kirjat (Books): Reviews of books.
• Keskustelua (Discussion): A forum for reader feedback.
• Tulevia tapahtumia (Upcoming Events): Information on future events.
• English Summary: A summary of the magazine's content in English.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around the critical examination of paranormal claims, including hallucinations, UFOs, and alternative medicine, through a scientific lens. The magazine consistently promotes skepticism, critical thinking, and the importance of evidence-based explanations. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rationalism and aims to debunk pseudoscientific beliefs. There is a strong emphasis on educating the public, particularly younger generations, about scientific methodology and critical evaluation of information. The magazine also highlights the importance of local skeptical initiatives and encourages active participation in challenging unfounded claims within communities.

This issue of Skeptikko, dated 3/1999, is a Finnish publication focusing on critical examination of paranormal phenomena, alternative medicine, and scientific skepticism. The issue features articles on upper-atmospheric lightning, vitalism, bioenergetic fields, consciousness, and a review of a book.

Articles

Upper-Atmospheric Lightning Phenomena

The issue details various upper-atmospheric lightning phenomena, including sprites, elves, and blue jets. Sprites are described as brief, positive lightning discharges occurring above thunderstorms, appearing as red or blue flashes. Elves are faster, ring-shaped flashes. Blue jets are described as upward-moving streams of plasma. The article explains that these phenomena are caused by changes in the electrostatic field due to lightning discharges. It also touches upon gamma flashes, which are high-energy bursts detected from space, and their controversial nature. Ball lightning is also discussed as a mysterious atmospheric electrical phenomenon.

Vitalism and Bioenergetic Fields

Another section explores the concept of vitalism, the belief in a 'life force' or 'élan vital' that animates living organisms. The article traces the historical roots of this idea, mentioning terms like 'prana' and 'qi' from Eastern traditions, and 'psyche' and 'spiritus' from Western thought. It highlights that modern science does not recognize such a force. The concept of a 'bioenergetic field' is presented as a modern manifestation of vitalism, often used in alternative medicine. The article critically examines claims related to bioenergetic fields, including their purported effects on health and their connection to concepts like 'auras' and Kirlian photography. It debunks Kirlian photography as a corona discharge effect, not evidence of a life force. The scientific perspective is that these concepts lack empirical evidence and contradict established physics.

Consciousness and Skepticism

A significant part of the magazine is dedicated to consciousness, featuring an interview with psychologist Susan Blackmore. Blackmore discusses her journey from parapsychology to skepticism, prompted by her research and a personal out-of-body experience. She recounts her experience of leaving her body and traveling vast distances, attributing it to a combination of drug effects, extreme fatigue, and the nature of altered states of consciousness, particularly the tunnel experience. She emphasizes the difficulty in explaining consciousness purely through current neuroscience but notes progress in understanding the brain's role in subjective experiences. Blackmore also discusses her research into memes, cultural units of transmission, as developed by Richard Dawkins.

Book Review: 'Vuoden 2000 käsikirja'

The issue includes a review of Juhani Mäkelä's book 'Vuoden 2000 käsikirja' (The 2000 Handbook). The reviewer describes the book as a collection of satirical essays or 'pakinoita' that humorously critique contemporary Finnish society, media, religion, and future-oriented predictions. The reviewer notes the book's witty observations on topics like the possibility of Elvis being alive and the perceived hype around future trends, questioning whether the book itself might be considered 'huuhaata' (nonsense) given its meta-commentary on the future of nonsense.

Scientific Rigor and Alternative Medicine

Throughout the articles, there is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, statistical significance, and the need for empirical evidence. The magazine advocates for higher standards of proof for claims made in alternative medicine and parapsychology, contrasting them with the stringent requirements in fields like particle physics. The authors express concern about the misapplication of scientific terms, such as 'quantum,' in pseudoscientific contexts and call for a more critical approach to unsubstantiated claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards paranormal claims and alternative medicine, a commitment to scientific methodology, and an exploration of consciousness from a neuroscientific and psychological perspective. The editorial stance is clearly critical of pseudoscience and vitalistic concepts, advocating for evidence-based explanations and rigorous scientific inquiry. The magazine aims to educate its readers about scientific principles and to debunk unfounded beliefs.

This issue of Skeptikko magazine, dated 3/1999, features a prominent interview with psychologist Susan Blackmore and editor Michael Shermer. The magazine's cover poses a provocative question about the perceived 'meanness' of skeptics. The issue delves into various topics including skepticism, evolutionary psychology, memetics, hypnosis, and the nature of belief.

Interview with Susan Blackmore and Michael Shermer

The core of the issue is an extensive interview covering several key areas:

Skepticism and Personal Stance

Blackmore discusses her reasons for stepping back from leadership roles in skeptical organizations, citing practical and ideological factors. She expresses a dislike for the division between believers and non-believers and the tendency of some organizations to assert they possess the absolute truth. While she acknowledges that some experimental results regarding ESP appear statistically significant, her personal experience leads her to remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for a clear explanation of how ESP could function before accepting it. She contrasts this with her strong skepticism towards astrology, for which she sees no valid evidence.

Hypnosis

Blackmore reflects on hypnosis, noting that it has been studied since the founding of the SPR in 1882 but remains poorly understood. Her view shifted after witnessing a stage hypnosis performance where participants appeared to be in a deeply altered state, seemingly unaware of their surroundings and acting solely on suggestion. She now believes hypnosis can involve a modified state of consciousness, challenging her previous stance. She also touches upon the debate around mentalists like Kreskin offering money for demonstrations, arguing that social pressure can elicit unusual behavior without necessarily involving hypnosis.

Evolutionary Psychology

The interview explores evolutionary psychology, a topic recently featured in Skeptic magazine. Blackmore finds it an exciting field that helps answer fundamental questions about human nature, such as 'why are we here?' and 'why do we behave the way we do?'. She agrees with the idea that evolutionary theories can explain human behavior, including differences between sexes, aggression, and emotions. However, she cautions against unfounded speculation and emphasizes the need for empirical evidence. She aligns herself with the 'fundamentalist' Darwinian view, represented by Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett, over the 'pluralist' approach of Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, believing the former better captures the power and logic of evolutionary theory. She specifically criticizes Gould's view that evolution does not inherently involve progress.

Memetics

Blackmore introduces the concept of memes, cultural replicators analogous to genes, as discussed by Richard Dawkins. She explains that memes are ideas, skills, tunes, stories, and other cultural elements that are copied from person to person through imitation. She believes that both genes and memes are essential to the evolutionary algorithm, contributing to the development of human nature and culture. Genes shaped our brains and bodies, while memes have shaped our minds. She emphasizes that memes are not confined to brains but exist in various forms of cultural artifacts. She views memetics as a crucial step in understanding the transfer of information within human culture and sees it as a potentially powerful tool for explaining human behavior and cultural phenomena.

She clarifies that memes are not necessarily 'good' or 'bad' like viruses, nor is the analogy to genes perfect, as memes do not have a cellular basis or phenotype. However, she argues that both are active replicators. She sees memetics as a significant development for psychology and other social sciences, offering a new lens through which to understand complex human behaviors and cultural patterns.

Other Topics

The interview also touches upon the lack of women in skepticism, the nature of consciousness, and the role of language in shaping our perception of self. Blackmore suggests that while she doesn't deny the existence of consciousness, she believes it is a product of brain activity and ceases to exist upon death. She also discusses the concept of 'just-so stories' in evolutionary psychology and the difficulty in empirically verifying or refuting the idea of an afterlife.

Skeptikko's Q&A Section

This section addresses common questions posed to skeptics:

• Why are skeptics perceived as mean? The answer emphasizes that skepticism involves critical examination of claims and ideas, not personal attacks. The goal is to advance understanding and prevent the spread of misinformation, even if it challenges deeply held beliefs.
• Why can't people believe in the supernatural for comfort? Skeptics do not seek to deny people comfort but advocate for building worldviews on reliable evidence rather than wishful thinking. The focus is on evaluating claims based on their merit, not their emotional appeal.
• Why oppose folk remedies? Skeptics question the efficacy of remedies lacking scientific evidence. While acknowledging the historical use of folk remedies, they stress the need for rigorous testing to ensure effectiveness and safety, similar to modern medicine.
• Do skeptics deny human spirituality? Blackmore defines spirituality as related to consciousness and subjective experience, which she believes is a product of the brain. She does not deny the existence of consciousness but believes it ends with death. She distinguishes this from the concept of an immortal soul, which she considers a matter of faith beyond empirical verification.
• How do skeptics view precognition? Skeptics find no reliable evidence for precognition, citing the failure of psychics' predictions to materialize and the lack of warnings for significant events like Princess Diana's death.

Skeptikko's Online Forum

The issue highlights the Skeptikko discussion forum, which has gained a significant user base. The forum has implemented moderation to reduce disruptive behavior and maintain a constructive environment. Topics covered include paranormal phenomena, UFOs, alternative therapies, and graphology. The use of pseudonyms is permitted to encourage participation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and a scientific approach to understanding the world. It actively debunks pseudoscience and paranormal claims while engaging with complex topics like evolutionary psychology and memetics from a skeptical perspective. The editorial stance is one of promoting rational inquiry and challenging unsubstantiated beliefs, while respecting individual freedom of belief as long as it does not harm others or promote misinformation.

This issue of Skeptikko, dated 3/1999, is a Finnish magazine focused on skepticism and critical examination of paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and alternative beliefs. The issue features a range of articles, reviews, and columns, reflecting the magazine's commitment to rational inquiry.

Chairman's Column: Skeptical News

Jukka Häkkinen, the chairman of Skepsis RY, opens the magazine with a column addressing member inquiries about the board's activities. He notes that the board's work is not overly hectic due to a small number of active members and invites members to share their ideas for improving the organization. Häkkinen also reports on Skepsis's participation in the 'Hengen ja tiedon messut' (Spirit and Knowledge Fair) in Helsinki, where they engaged with the public about pseudoscientific trends. He observes that the fair, while a good platform for networking, lacked new and exciting content.

Skepsis T-shirt Project

The magazine highlights the successful launch of Skepsis's long-planned T-shirt project, initiated by board member Göran Törnwall. A competition for the T-shirt slogan received over a hundred entries. The winning slogan, 'Sapere aude!' (Dare to think!), was suggested by emerita professor Liisa Rantalaiho, known for her work in labor and gender studies and her involvement with the Portti magazine's short story competition.

Scientific Advisory Board Expansion

Skepsis is expanding its scientific advisory board. Dosentti Marjaana Lindeman-Viitasalo from the University of Helsinki's psychology department has been accepted as a member. Lindeman-Viitasalo is a recognized researcher of paranormal beliefs and edited the book 'Todennäköiset harhat' (Probable Illusions).

Debunking the 'Hornet Pilot Encounters UFO in Lapland' Hoax

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking a widely circulated internet rumor about a Finnish Air Force Hornet pilot encountering a UFO in Lapland. The article, written by Sampo Puoskari, a researcher from the Tiede ja UFOt (Science and UFOs research group), details how the claim, originating from a phone call to a paranormal hotline, was investigated. Investigations with the Finnish Air Force and Lapland Air Base revealed that no such incident was reported. Furthermore, it was confirmed that Hornets were not stationed in Lapland at the time of the alleged sighting (March 31, 1997), and the aircraft models mentioned were incorrect. Air Force officials, including Commander Colonel Sippo Ryynänen and Major Kalevi Reiman, stated that such an event would have been officially documented and that the story was entirely baseless, likely originating from a 'ghost pilot' or a hoax. The article also notes that the spread of such unfounded rumors harms the credibility of serious UFO research.

Tiede ja UFOt - Tutkimusryhmä (Science and UFOs Research Group)

This section provides an overview of the Tiede ja UFOt research group, describing it as a critical, interdisciplinary team of researchers focused on the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. The group emphasizes that UFOs are not a matter of faith but a scientific and societal challenge. They have analyzed the report by physicist Peter A. Sturrock and investigated other cases, such as the Nivala UFO incident. The group consists of 12 members with diverse expertise and operates independently, aiming to foster interaction with the scientific community.

SETI@home Project Exceeds Expectations

An article by Jukka Häkkinen reports on the SETI@home project, which uses home computers to analyze radio telescope data for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence. The project has surpassed its initial user estimates, reaching over a million participants by August 14th, with Ed Bradburn being the millionth user.

Aboriginal Hoax from Australia

Another article by Jukka Häkkinen discusses the phenomenon of fictional narratives being presented as documentaries, citing Carlos Castaneda and Whitley Strieber as examples. It focuses on Marlo Morgan's book, 'Viesti oikeiden ihmisten maailmasta' (Message from the World of True People), which was exposed as a fabrication after Aboriginal people pointed out that the described tribe and customs were non-existent. Morgan's subsequent book is also noted as not being factual, though its style has not improved.

False Information on Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer Risk

This article critically examines the research of Robert P. Liburdy, who claimed to have found links between electromagnetic fields and cancer, particularly childhood leukemia. The article highlights that Liburdy's findings have been questioned, and an investigation by the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) concluded that he had intentionally falsified and fabricated data. Despite admitting to some errors in reporting, Liburdy denied deliberate falsification, citing financial constraints that prevented him from mounting a proper defense.

Cortisone in Chinese Creams

An article by Sami Tertri reports on a concerning trend where British patients with chronic skin conditions are replacing prescribed corticosteroid creams with Chinese herbal remedies. London dermatologists discovered that nine out of eleven analyzed herbal creams contained dexamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, often in much higher concentrations than prescribed for adults and even children. The patients were unaware of the corticosteroid content, and the creams were marketed as natural and side-effect-free. The article also mentions potential liver damage associated with these products and calls for better control over therapeutic products.

Sokos Hoax in Joensuu

This brief note mentions a 'hoax' event at the Sokos department store in Joensuu during the 'Joen yötä' festival, which offered various alternative practices like clairvoyance, astrology, and Feng Shui.

Skeptical TV Series Coming

An article discusses the potential for a skeptical television series in the US. It notes that while paranormal shows are abundant, skeptical programming has struggled to find funding. However, the article suggests that the saturation of paranormal content might create an opening for a more critical approach, with Michael Shermer reportedly involved in a pilot for Fox.

Evolution Theory Marginalized in Kansas School Curricula

This article reports on a decision in Kansas, USA, to remove evolution theory and the Big Bang from the science curriculum. The author criticizes this move as a step backward in scientific education, quoting Steven Jay Gould's dismay at the decision. The article also mentions attempts by creationists to introduce intelligent design into the curriculum, which were unsuccessful.

Skepsis Challenge

This section details Skepsis's challenges for producing paranormal phenomena. A 10,000 mk prize is offered for anyone who can demonstrate a paranormal event under controlled conditions. A similar amount is offered as a humanoid stipend. The challenge sum can be tripled if a paranormal event is produced successfully, with Hannu Karttunen and Iiro Seppänen pledging to contribute to the prize.

Book Review: 'Psychology of Superstition' by Stuart A. Vyse

This review discusses Stuart A. Vyse's book, 'Believing in magic. The psychology of superstition.' The reviewer notes that Vyse explores superstition as a psychological coping mechanism that helps humans deal with uncertainty and lack of control. The book examines the psychological processes behind superstitions, using numerous anecdotal examples, such as those of athletes like Björn Borg and Wade Boggs. The reviewer finds Vyse's approach to be engaging, though it notes that the book focuses on individual psychological processes rather than societal or group phenomena. The review also points out that while Vyse presents interesting examples, the book is not a rigorous scientific study and relies heavily on anecdotes. The reviewer questions the reliability of the color-based personality test described in the book and criticizes the tendency to explain away contradictory evidence.

Book Review: 'Psychology of Color-Type Mysticism' by Sylvi-Sanni Manninen

This review critically analyzes Sylvi-Sanni Manninen's book, which categorizes people into 'color-types' and 'form-types.' The reviewer finds the book's methodology questionable, arguing that it relies on anecdotal evidence rather than robust scientific research. The book's color test is described as unreliable, with results varying significantly. The reviewer also criticizes the book's tendency to interpret contradictory evidence in favor of its theory and its simplistic explanations for relationship failures based on color-type compatibility. While acknowledging the book's potential to provoke thought on topics like conformity and individuality, the reviewer concludes that it lacks scientific rigor and should not be treated as a research report.

Book Review: 'Believing in Belief: A Philosophy of Religion' by Gianni Vattimo

This review discusses Gianni Vattimo's book, 'Uskon että uskon' (I Believe that I Believe). The reviewer describes Vattimo's work as a personal philosophical exploration of faith and religion, particularly within the context of Western Christian heritage. Vattimo argues for a return to faith in a secularized world, suggesting that religion offers guidance in complex modern issues. The reviewer finds Vattimo's perspective unique and thought-provoking, noting his honest engagement with his own beliefs. However, the reviewer also points out that Vattimo's focus on Christianity might be seen as narrow, and his explanations for the perceived superiority of Christianity over other forms of irrationalism are not fully convincing. The review praises the translator's work and the inclusion of a glossary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around critical thinking, the debunking of pseudoscience and hoaxes, and the psychological underpinnings of belief systems. The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical stance, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based reasoning and scientific methodology. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims, paranormal phenomena, and alternative medicine when not supported by rigorous scientific evidence. The magazine actively promotes critical evaluation of information, whether it originates from the internet, alternative health circles, or even academic research that may be flawed or misrepresented.

This issue of Skeptikko magazine, number 3/1999, delves into various topics related to skepticism, psychology, and the scientific investigation of unusual claims. The cover prominently features the book "Paholaisen asianajajan paluu" (The Devil's Advocate Returns), highlighting its availability and its critical stance on superstition.

Articles and Reviews

The Psychology of Superstition

Jukka Häkkinen reviews a book on the psychological background of superstition, emphasizing that the reasons for superstitious behavior are complex and multifaceted. He cautions against simplistic generalizations about the intelligence or personality of superstitious individuals, noting that even intelligent people can resort to superstition under stress or when feeling a loss of control.

Civil Ceremonies: 'Perheen omat juhlat'

Anneli Aurejärvi-Karjalainen's book, "Perheen omat juhlat" (Family's Own Celebrations), is reviewed. The book offers models for civil ceremonies, from weddings to funerals, removing religious elements while acknowledging the historical roots of traditions like placing flowers on graves and throwing rice at weddings. It provides practical guidance for organizing celebrations and is suitable for those who wish to maintain traditional practices with a secular approach.

'Väärin sammutettu?' (Wrongly Extinguished?)

Ilpo V. Salmi writes a critical piece reflecting on the history and reception of 'sensitivity training' and 'encounter groups' in Finland, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. He contrasts these with modern self-help trends, arguing that the earlier methods, rooted in social psychology and human relations, were more about developing self-confidence and interpersonal skills, whereas some modern approaches focus solely on productivity. Salmi criticizes the moralizing and sometimes uninformed reactions from professionals who lacked practical experience with these groups. He also touches upon the issue of cult-like therapy groups and the need for research into manipulative organizations.

Alien in Your Bedroom

Marketta Ollikainen discusses hallucinations, citing a British study indicating a significant percentage of the population experiences hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations. These experiences can include vivid imagery, such as blue men invading rooms or the sensation of levitating. While sometimes linked to neurological conditions, they can also occur in healthy individuals.

High-Altitude Lightning

Tapio J. Tuomi reports on the phenomenon of high-altitude lightning, flashes observed above thunderclouds. These were first detected with sensitive video equipment and have since been confirmed by space shuttle reports. The article briefly lists the four types: sprite, red sprite, elf, blue jet, and gamma-ray burst.

Memes

Risto Selin introduces memetics, a concept introduced by Richard Dawkins, which studies the spread of cultural elements (memes) like melodies, thoughts, and fashion, analogous to gene transmission. Selin notes the complexity of communication and culture but acknowledges the appeal of memetics within the scientific community.

Skepsis ry Activities and Information

Events

The magazine lists upcoming events organized by Skepsis ry in various cities across Finland, including Helsinki, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. These events cover topics such as the future of healthcare, nature and skepticism, paranormal claims, and potential health risks associated with power lines and mobile phones.

Membership and Subscriptions

Information is provided on how to become a member of Skepsis ry, including membership fees and benefits (which include a subscription to Skeptikko magazine). Details are also given for subscribing to the magazine separately. The application form is available online.

Skepsis ry's Mission and Structure

A detailed explanation of Skepsis ry's purpose and principles is presented, aligning with the goals of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP). The organization aims to promote objective scientific research into paranormal claims, maintain a network of interested individuals, publish relevant articles and bibliographies, and organize meetings and conferences. Skepsis ry is politically, ideologically, and religiously unaffiliated and is a member of the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies.

The issue also lists the members of Skepsis ry's board and its scientific advisory board, as well as regional contact persons. Contact information for membership and subscriptions is provided.

Publications

Information is given about the availability of the book "Paholaisen asianajajan paluu" (The Devil's Advocate Returns), a guide for skeptics published by Ursa and Skepsis ry. Additionally, Skepsis ry offers its own branded t-shirts for sale.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skeptikko reinforces the magazine's commitment to critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the debunking of pseudoscience and paranormal claims. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and objective investigation, as demonstrated by the selection of articles and the organization's stated principles. Recurring themes include the psychological underpinnings of belief, the historical context of traditions, and the importance of clear communication and scientific literacy in understanding complex phenomena.