2001-4-skeptikko

Magazine Overview

Title: SKEPTIKKO
Issue: 4/2001 (Numero 51)
Date: December 31, 2001
Publisher: Skepsis Ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish

This issue of Skeptikko magazine, a publication focused on skepticism and critical inquiry, features a diverse range of articles tackling pseudoscience, cultural practices, and scientific debates. The cover story presents a provocative conspiracy theory linked to the September 11th attacks, while the editorial and other articles delve into topics such as the existence of extraterrestrial life, the controversial resurgence of astrology, and the harmful practice of female genital mutilation.

Editorial: Dangerous Beliefs

The editorial, titled "Vaarallisia uskomuksia" (Dangerous Beliefs), written by Risto K. Järvinen, powerfully addresses the severe consequences of harmful beliefs, using female genital mutilation (FGM) as a primary example. Järvinen recounts a disturbing video of FGM, highlighting the immense physical and psychological trauma inflicted upon young girls. He criticizes the justifications for FGM, which are often rooted in misconceptions about fertility, purity, and religious or cultural tradition, rather than actual religious requirements. The practice, prevalent in North Africa and other regions, involves the mutilation of female genitalia, often performed in unhygienic conditions with crude instruments, leading to numerous complications such as hemorrhage, infection, urinary problems, infertility, and psychological distress. Järvinen emphasizes that FGM is not a religious mandate but a cultural practice that affects millions of girls annually. He quotes writer Leena Krohn, arguing against hiding behind terms like 'culture' or 'tradition' to excuse inhumane practices, and calls for patient education and awareness campaigns to combat such harmful traditions.

Article: Is There Life in the Universe?

This article, based on a lecture by Professor Esko Valtaoja, explores the question of extraterrestrial life. Valtaoja, a professor of astronomy, discusses the growing scientific interest in astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth. He notes that while no definitive evidence of extraterrestrial life has been found, our understanding of the universe and the conditions required for life has significantly advanced. Valtaoja posits that life is likely abundant in the universe, but intelligent life may be exceedingly rare, possibly emerging only shortly before a planet's demise due to the immense difficulty of its development. He uses analogies, such as comparing the Sun to an orange and Earth to a yogurt cup, to illustrate the vastness of cosmic time and the brief window for intelligent life's existence. The article also touches upon the possibility of life in extreme environments on Earth, like deep-sea hydrothermal vents and beneath the ice crusts of moons like Europa, suggesting that similar conditions might exist on other celestial bodies.

Article: Esko Valtaoja Wins Tieto-Finlandia Prize

This piece highlights Professor Esko Valtaoja's Tieto-Finlandia award for his book "Kotona maailmankaikkeudessa" (At Home in the Universe). The prize committee praised the book for its engaging dialogue with the reader, its innovative presentation of astronomy and biology, and its bold engagement with existential questions. The review quotes the publisher, Ursa, describing the book's exploration of the universe's structure, the possibility of life elsewhere, and the scientific discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of the cosmos. It also mentions the book's accessible style, making complex topics understandable to a broad audience.

Article: Every Tenth UFO Sighting Remains Unexplained

Lasse Ahonen, a UFO researcher, discusses the study of UFO phenomena in this article. He states that while the term 'UFO' itself is broad and often misused, the phenomenon of unexplained aerial observations exists. Ahonen compares UFO research to studying stars, where direct observation of the object is impossible, but the phenomenon can be studied. He cautions against relying solely on photographic or video evidence due to advancements in digital manipulation. Ahonen notes that while many sightings can be explained by natural phenomena, secret aircraft, or psychological factors, approximately 10% remain without a clear explanation. He emphasizes that the study of UFOs is primarily a hobby in Finland, with no dedicated university positions. Ahonen also touches upon the commercialization of UFO topics, suggesting that if it were a lucrative business, more people would be involved.

Article: Astrology Returns to Sorbonne

This article reports on the controversial return of astrology to Sorbonne University after a 335-year absence, following the acceptance of Elisabeth Teissier's doctoral thesis. Teissier, known for being President François Mitterrand's astrologer, presented a thesis that, according to the article, is written in a style that mimics academic discourse but is filled with relativist philosophy and questionable scientific connections. The thesis reportedly argues that science is opening up to astrology, citing concepts from chaos theory and quantum mechanics. The article highlights the scandal this has caused, with Nobel laureates protesting and academics scrutinizing the work to refute its claims. It suggests that the thesis's acceptance might be influenced by the academic climate that favors postmodern relativism and the desire to establish astrology as a legitimate field of study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards pseudoscientific claims, paranormal phenomena, and unsubstantiated beliefs. It champions scientific inquiry, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking. The articles in this issue collectively advocate for a rational approach to understanding the world, challenging claims that lack empirical support, whether they pertain to UFOs, astrology, or harmful cultural practices. The editorial strongly condemns practices like female genital mutilation, framing them as dangerous consequences of misguided beliefs that must be confronted through education and awareness.

Title: Skeptikko
Issue: 4/2001
Date: April 2001
Publisher: Skepsis ry
Country: Finland
Language: Finnish

This issue of Skeptikko, a Finnish skeptical magazine, features several articles critical of pseudoscientific claims and unscientific practices, particularly focusing on the influence of astrology on political leaders and the critique of unverified health treatments.

The Sokal Affair: Postmodernism Under Scrutiny

The issue begins with an analysis of the "Sokal affair," where physics professor Alan Sokal exposed the perceived lack of scientific rigor in postmodernist scholarship. Sokal submitted a parodic article, "Transgressing the Boundaries: Towards a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity," to the journal *Social Text*. The article, filled with jargon and nonsensical arguments, was accepted and published, highlighting what Sokal saw as the journal's willingness to publish unscientific material if it aligned with postmodernist ideology. The article argues that this incident revealed the low standard of argumentation in some academic postmodernist circles and the dangers of relativism in science.

Presidents as Puppets: Astrology's Influence on Leaders

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the alleged influence of astrology on prominent political figures. The article "Presidentit sätkynukkeina" (Presidents as Puppets) details how French President Francois Mitterrand and US President Ronald Reagan were reportedly guided by astrologers. Elisabeth Teissier, an astrologer, claimed to be Mitterrand's secret advisor, predicting major world events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Similarly, Nancy Reagan is described as having relied heavily on astrologer Joan Quickley to manage her husband Ronald Reagan's schedule and ensure his success, even creating a private phone line for these consultations.

The article also touches upon the historical context of such beliefs, noting that Mitterrand, upon asking Teissier for Saddam Hussein's horoscope, was told Hussein's actions were influenced by similar astrological forces as Adolf Hitler's.

The 'Noughties Curse': A Skeptical Examination

Another prominent article, "Mikä ihmeen 'nolla-vuoden kirous'?" (What is the 'Noughties Curse'?), investigates the superstition surrounding US presidents elected in years ending in zero. The legend, supposedly originating from a curse by Tecumseh, claimed that these presidents would die in office. The article meticulously lists presidents elected in such years—William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, James Abram Garfield, William McKinley, Warren G. Harding, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Ronald Wilson Reagan—and their fates. While many did die in office, Ronald Reagan's survival after an assassination attempt in 1981 is presented as a potential break in the curse, though the article notes that George W. Bush, elected in 2000, is still under scrutiny.

Awards for Skepticism: Huuhaa and Sokrates Prizes

The magazine highlights Skepsis's annual awards. The "Huuhaa-palkinto" (Woo-woo Award) for 2001 was given to the *Allakka-liite*, a supplement to the *Aamulehti* newspaper, for its uncritical promotion of pseudoscientific animal care treatments in its "Hoidetaan lemmikkiä" (Let's Treat Our Pets) series. Skepsis criticizes the publication for presenting unproven therapies like reflexology, acupuncture, and herbal remedies without scientific evidence, and for potentially violating animal welfare laws by suggesting these over conventional veterinary care.

The "Sokrates-palkinto" (Socrates Award) was presented to the *Luku-Suomi* (Read-Finland) project, a national initiative aimed at improving reading and writing skills among schoolchildren. Skepsis recognized the project for promoting critical thinking and media literacy, essential skills in an information-saturated society where distinguishing factual information from pseudoscience is crucial.

Prayer Studies: A Critical Review

An article titled "Rukouksen teho: Kriittinen tarkastelu" (The Power of Prayer: A Critical Review) scrutinizes studies claiming therapeutic benefits from intercessory prayer. The authors critically examine research by R.C. Byrd and others, arguing that these studies are flawed in their design and interpretation. They point out methodological issues, such as the potential for bias when researchers are aware of the prayer groups, and question the statistical validity of the findings. The article suggests that the purported effects of prayer can be explained by psychological factors or methodological errors rather than supernatural intervention.

Media Ethics and Journalistic Standards

The issue also includes a piece discussing a complaint filed against the newspaper *Keskisuomalainen* regarding a photograph used in an article about children's fire-walking practices. The complainant felt the photo portrayed her negatively. The article details the decision by the Council for Mass Media, which found that the newspaper had acted appropriately by using a photo provided by the event organizers and publishing the complainant's response, thus upholding good journalistic practice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko are the critical examination of pseudoscience, the debunking of unverified claims in areas like astrology and alternative medicine, and the promotion of scientific literacy and critical thinking. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and highlights the dangers of uncritical acceptance of information, particularly when it impacts public health and policy. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards claims lacking scientific validation and a commitment to promoting rational discourse.

This issue of Skeptikko, dated 4/2001, is a Finnish-language publication focusing on critical examination of paranormal claims and pseudoscientific theories. The magazine features articles by Irwin Tessman and Jack Tessman, professors of biology and physics respectively, along with contributions from other writers.

Prayer and Healing: A Skeptical Analysis

The lead article by Irwin Tessman and Jack Tessman critically analyzes studies on the effectiveness of intercessory prayer in cardiac care. They discuss the findings of R.C. Byrd and W.S. Harris, highlighting methodological issues and statistical interpretations. The authors argue that while Byrd found a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) favoring the prayer group, Harris's study did not replicate these findings, with a P-value of 0.29 for overall outcome. They point out that Harris's group showed a marginal effect (P=0.04) on one metric (MAHI-CCU scoring) but emphasize that using only this single, barely significant result while ignoring others with higher P-values is misleading. The authors contend that the probability of obtaining such a low P-value by chance alone, when multiple tests are conducted, is significant, suggesting that any observed effect is likely due to coincidence rather than prayer.

They also critique the methodology of Byrd's study, suggesting that blinding procedures could have been improved and that patients were not informed they were part of an experiment, which raises ethical concerns.

Urban Legends: Enduring Narratives

Another section, written by Veli Backman, explores the phenomenon of urban legends, or 'kaupunkitarinat' in Finnish. The article defines them as stories widely believed to be true but later proven false, often relying on fear or humor for their impact. Backman discusses how these legends spread, citing examples like the organ theft story and the punk rocker eating a ticket. He notes that while many urban legends are difficult to trace to their origins, they often tap into contemporary anxieties and technological advancements, such as microwave ovens or tanning beds.

The author expresses skepticism about many purported urban legends, including those about "drug stickers" and a specific type of Helsinki-based prowler, suggesting that the existence of such stories in popular media or folklore does not automatically validate them.

9/11 Conspiracy Theories and Nostradamus

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking conspiracy theories surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The article "USA:n terrori-iskut ennustettiin - jälkikäteen" (The USA's terror attacks were predicted - after the fact) examines numerological interpretations and alleged predictions. It highlights claims that the date 9/11, combined with the day of the year (245th), leads to the number 666. The article debunks these claims by pointing out factual errors, such as the incorrect day count for 9/11/2001. It also analyzes supposed connections to the number 11, including flight numbers and the number of letters in certain key phrases.

The article then addresses the alleged prophecies of Nostradamus, stating that the widely circulated verses about a "great King of Terror" and a "third big war" were fabricated. It points out that Nostradamus died in 1566, making it impossible for him to have predicted events in 1654 or the 9/11 attacks. The author labels these as hoaxes and attempts to manipulate people.

Further debunking occurs regarding a supposed "coded message" found in the Wingdings font, linked to flight number Q33 NY. The article states that no such flight existed and that the message was likely a fabrication. It also touches upon supposed 'devil' images appearing in WTC smoke photos, attributing them to pareidolia.

Reverse Speech: A Skeptical Examination

Another article, "Paholaisen riivaama virke" (The Devil-possessed sentence), by Risto K. Järvinen, critically examines the concept of "reverse speech" as promoted by David Oates. Oates claims that hidden messages are embedded in human speech, which can be revealed by playing recordings backward. The authors argue that there is no empirical evidence to support Oates's theories or the existence of reverse speech as a scientific phenomenon. They state that Oates's claims are unsubstantiated and that his company, Reverse Speech Enterprises, profits from these unproven ideas. The article emphasizes that the burden of proof lies with those making the extraordinary claims, and that no peer-reviewed studies have validated reverse speech.

Other Mentions

The magazine also includes a section titled "Bensaa liekkeihin" (Fuel to the flames), which discusses the role of Helsingin Sanomat's urban legend column in spreading such stories. It mentions a story about a lost purse in Tallinn and another about a punk rocker eating a ticket, both presented as urban legends.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko are the critical examination of paranormal phenomena, pseudoscientific claims, and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated beliefs with logical reasoning and scientific evidence. The magazine encourages readers to question extraordinary claims and to seek verifiable proof, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and the spread of unfounded narratives.

This issue of Skeptikko (4/2001) critically examines several topics, primarily focusing on the pseudoscience of 'reverse speech,' the historical context of mathematics, and an evaluation of Rudolf Steiner's work.

Reverse Speech: A Critical Analysis

The article by Tom Byrne and Matthew Normand thoroughly debunks the theory of 'reverse speech,' popularized by David Oates. They argue that the concept of backward speech containing hidden messages is scientifically unfounded. The analysis begins by referencing studies by Newbrook and Curtain (1998) and a review by Susan Brombacher, who found Oates' theories difficult to prove and potentially motivated by financial gain. The authors agree with Brombacher's assessment.

They explain that backward speech is inherently nonsensical, as human language is a complex evolutionary product. Empirical tests, such as those by Vokey and Reid (1985), show that individuals cannot understand backward speech unless prompted. The authors liken the phenomenon to auditory pareidolia, where people perceive meaningful patterns in random noise, citing B.F. Skinner's experiments with a verbal summator in the 1930s. In Skinner's setup, random vocal sounds were played backward, and participants reported hearing coherent messages, often influenced by their expectations.

Oates' method involves playing backward speech segments that listeners can 'recognize' as meaningful, especially when guided. However, the authors contend that these perceived messages are akin to the random sounds from Skinner's machine – phonetic fragments that sound like words but lack coherent structure. They suggest that listeners project familiar phrases onto these sounds, especially if they expect to hear them.

Newbrook and Curtain's experiment, where participants tried to identify backward speech segments from Oates' recordings, yielded unsurprising results: participants were more successful when told what to listen for. This is compared to seeing shapes in clouds – the observer's expectation influences perception.

The article highlights the potential dangers of reverse speech. Oates claims it reveals 'truth,' but the authors argue this is a dangerous assertion. They point out that Oates' courses train individuals to become 'experts' in reverse speech analysis, charging significant fees. These 'experts' can then testify in court, interpreting backward audio recordings. The authors express concern that judges and juries have no way to verify this information, and the 'truth' derived from subjective interpretation of random sounds can lead to severe miscarriages of justice.

Furthermore, the article notes that Oates' training aims to prepare students for therapeutic roles, which the authors deem unethical given the questionable basis of reverse speech. They draw a parallel to 'facilitated communication,' another unscientific method that led to false accusations and legal battles.

History of Mathematics: Pythagoras

The second major section, authored by Matias Päätaalo, examines the historical origins of the Pythagorean theorem. It states that historical records indicate Pythagorean triangles were known as early as 4000 years before Pythagoras' birth, with applications in Chinese, Indian, and Egyptian mathematics, and particularly in ancient Babylonia.

Pythagoras, described as an enigmatic figure, was born in Tyre around 569 BCE. He traveled extensively, studying in Miletus with Thales and Anaximander, then to Egypt, and eventually to Babylonia. In Babylonia, he encountered various cultures and discussed mathematical problems. He later fled to Croton in Magna Graecia, where he founded a school.

The article suggests that Pythagoras' theorem was not his original invention but rather something he encountered and possibly introduced to Greece. While he might have been the first to prove that the theorem applied to all right-angled triangles, the concept itself was known much earlier. The authors mention that Egyptians already understood right angles. The narrative of Pythagoras sacrificing 100 bulls to celebrate his discovery is questioned as possibly apocryphal.

Pythagoras and his followers, the Pythagoreans, formed a secret society with religious and philosophical beliefs, including metempsychosis (transmigration of souls) and vegetarianism. They are credited with developing concepts like irrational numbers. However, the article notes that little documentation of their mathematical proofs has survived, and Proclus' accounts are considered by some scholars to be of questionable critical rigor.

Cantor, in 1904, suggested that the Pythagorean theorem was borrowed from Egypt, and that mathematical science existed 4000 years prior, with the theorem known in India, China, and Babylonia before reaching Egypt and then Greece.

The article concludes that regardless of its origin, the Pythagorean theorem has left a lasting impact on mathematics and human thought. An anecdote is shared about Karl Friedrich Gauss proposing to plant vegetation on Mars in a giant Pythagorean triangle as a sign of life.

Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy

The third section, by Risto K. Järvinen, offers a critique of an assessment of Rudolf Steiner's work by Dosentti Heikki Ervasti. Järvinen argues that Ervasti's critique is overly critical and fear-based, failing to engage with Steiner's ideas in a balanced manner.

Järvinen acknowledges Steiner's multifaceted contributions to architecture, education, and various fields like agriculture and medicine. He defends Steiner's approach to biodynamic farming, stating that it is based on astrological principles and a holistic understanding of natural dynamics, not just mundane agricultural practices. Järvinen points to numerous scientific studies that have investigated Steiner's methods, suggesting that while Steiner himself may not have conducted all the experimental verification, the scientific community has indeed explored and documented his ideas.

He mentions Steiner's prediction about 'mad cow disease' related to specific feeding practices, implying that Steiner's insights were ahead of their time. Järvinen criticizes Ervasti for focusing on what he perceives as the 'free creation of the human spirit' without fully exploring its implications or acknowledging the possibility of error.

Miscellaneous Short Articles

The issue also includes several short, often humorous, pieces:

• "Uskomatonta muttei totta..." (Unbelievable but not true...): This section presents a collection of dubious or fabricated 'facts' found on the internet, sourced from a site called 'Brains Trust.' Examples include claims about fuel additives being a plot to sell bicycles, Neil Armstrong's quote about the moon being a 'giant leek,' computers slowing down due to programmed obsolescence, a secret Chinese space program landing on the moon, a government joke so funny it's deadly, and the invention of the chainsaw by a Danish accountant who died en route to the patent office.

• "Halla iski, miksi allah?" (Hail struck, why allah?): This is a headline for a piece that appears to be a commentary or observation, possibly related to the cover image which depicts a stylized crop circle or similar pattern.

• "Tiesitkö että..." (Did you know that...): This section lists several more 'facts,' including claims about fuel pollution being a conspiracy, the moon being a vegetable (a 'giant leek'), computers having built-in obsolescence, a Russian plan to cover the ozone hole with plastic, Walt Disney being murdered by a Mickey Mouse impersonator, a German invisibility device that disappeared, Saturn's rings being space debris, VHS tapes being edible, Steven Seagal's acting prowess leading to his marginalization, red cars being faster due to aerodynamics, Jupiter's atmosphere causing explosions, Pi increasing over time, and Orwell's pig character being named 'Binladen' in early drafts.

• "Liian usein Steinerin arvostelut ovat olleet kritiikittömän kriittisiä ja perusteet pelon ilmauksia" (Too often Steiner's critiques have been uncritically critical and based on expressions of fear): This is the title of the article by Risto K. Järvinen, discussed above.

• "Vähän nähnyt luulee paljon" (He who has seen little thinks much): A proverb used within Järvinen's article on Steiner.

• "Steiner tiesi hullun lehmän taudin" (Steiner knew about mad cow disease): Another section title within Järvinen's article.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko are skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims, a commitment to critical thinking and evidence-based analysis, and a historical perspective on scientific and mathematical concepts. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific rigor and against the uncritical acceptance of unsubstantiated theories, particularly those with potential societal implications like reverse speech. The magazine aims to debunk popular myths and present a rational viewpoint on various phenomena, from paranormal claims to historical interpretations of scientific discoveries.

This issue of Skeptikko (4/2001) delves into critical examinations of anthroposophy, skepticism, and various controversial topics, including vaccinations and alleged predictions of diseases. The magazine features a mix of opinion pieces, reviews, and factual discussions, reflecting its commitment to rational inquiry and the scientific method.

Keskustelua: Anthroposophy's Critique and the Religious Atheism of Skepticism

Tapio Kangasniemi's article, "Anthroposofian kritiikki ja skeptisismin uskonnollinen ateismi" (Critique of Anthroposophy and the Religious Atheism of Skepticism), responds to an earlier article by Heikki Ervasti. Kangasniemi argues that while Ervasti's critique of anthroposophy's pseudoscientific worldview is valid, it overlooks significant research from a Christian perspective. He points to works by Osmo Tiililä (1937) and Paavo Hiltunen (1990) that critically analyze Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy, noting that these authors, despite being Christian, offer substantial scientific insights. Kangasniemi also mentions medical doctors Pekka Reinikainen and Marja Rantanen, who have written about anthroposophy's "quack medicine." Kangasniemi suggests that skeptics, in their pursuit of scientific objectivity, sometimes exhibit a form of "religious fanaticism" where they dismiss research from those with religious beliefs, labeling it "inconvenient" for their skeptical stance. He concludes that while he agrees with Ervasti that anthroposophy is pseudoscience and cult-like occultism, he believes a more comprehensive and unbiased approach is needed in scientific discourse.

Keskustelua: Vaccinations and Herod

Juhani Salo, DI, contributes an article titled "Rokotukset lapsille kuin Herodes" (Vaccinations for Children Like Herod), which critically examines the common practice of childhood vaccinations. Salo questions the prevailing view that childhood diseases and their vaccinations are solely negative. He posits that childhood illnesses might serve as a natural tool for calibrating a child's body and soul, aiding in the integration of the physical form with the developing personality. Salo shares an anecdote about his daughter's experience with childhood diseases, where her artistic expression flourished during illness, indicating a significant inner change. He expresses concern that widespread vaccination deprives children of this developmental process. Salo criticizes the decision-making process for vaccinations, suggesting it is often based on weak assumptions, with only a few annual complication reports being insufficient evidence. He draws a parallel to the biblical story of Herod, questioning whether the practice of eradicating childhood diseases from children is a modern-day echo of Herod's infanticide. Salo notes the increasing number of children requiring psychiatric care and suggests that the medicalization of children is an attempt to address this, but it may not be the solution. He concludes that as a natural scientist, he cannot endorse vaccinations without seeing robust research on their effects on children's physical and spiritual development.

Keskustelua: Did Steiner Predict Mad Cow Disease?

An article titled "Ennustiko Steiner hullun lehmän taudin?" (Did Steiner Predict Mad Cow Disease?) by Risto Selin investigates a claim made by Professor Reijo Wilenius on the TV program MOT. Wilenius stated that Rudolf Steiner predicted in 1923 that cows would contract mad cow disease if fed their own waste. The article presents an excerpt from Steiner's lectures on "Health and Illness," which discusses the hypothetical scenario of an ox becoming a meat-eater. Steiner suggests that if an ox were to consume meat, it would not produce flesh but rather harmful substances like uric acid and urates. These substances, he claims, have a specific affinity for the nervous system and brain, leading the ox to "go crazy" and become wild. The article implies that this hypothetical scenario, while not directly about mad cow disease, touches upon the idea of unnatural diets leading to detrimental effects in animals. The excerpt is attributed to The Anthroposophic Press, NY, 1983.

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

This section announces the re-release of the book "Paholaisen asianajajan paluu," a skeptical encyclopedia published by Skepsis and Ursa in 1997. The book, described as a "guidebook for skeptics," features articles by Finnish scientists who critically examine superstition and pseudoscientific theories. The review highlights that the first edition, published in 1989, was recognized as a "book of the year" for its scientific rigor. It also mentions a Estonian translation available in Helsinki.

Skepsis Merchandise and Membership

This issue includes advertisements for Skepsis merchandise, specifically a t-shirt with the Skepsis logo, available for purchase at events or via mail order. It also provides detailed information on how to join Skepsis ry as a member or subscribe to the Skeptikko magazine. The membership fee for 2001 is 120 Finnish Marks (mk), which includes a subscription to the magazine. A reduced fee of 60 mk is available for those under 20 years old. Magazine subscriptions alone cost 140 mk per year. The page includes a membership application form and contact details for Anna-Liisa Räihä, who handles membership and subscriptions.

About Skepsis ry

A section dedicated to Skepsis ry explains that it is a Finnish association of skeptics founded in 1987, modeled after the US-based CSICOP. Skepsis ry aims to promote objective and unbiased scientific investigation of paranormal claims, maintain a network of interested individuals, publish articles and bibliographies on paranormal phenomena, and organize meetings and conferences. The organization is politically, ideologically, and religiously unaffiliated. It publishes the Skeptikko magazine four times a year.

Skepsis ry's Scientific Advisory Board

A comprehensive list of the members of Skepsis ry's scientific advisory board is provided, featuring numerous professors and researchers from various academic fields, indicating the organization's commitment to scientific rigor.

Skepsis's Challenge

Skepsis announces a challenge offering 10,000 Euros to anyone who can produce a paranormal phenomenon under controlled conditions. The challenge is supported by Dr. Hannu Karttunen and magician Iiro Seppänen, with provisions for humanoid participants and human contacts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptikko revolve around critical thinking, scientific methodology, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims and paranormal phenomena. The magazine consistently advocates for evidence-based reasoning and challenges beliefs that lack empirical support. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to educate the public about the importance of scientific literacy and to counter the spread of misinformation and unfounded beliefs. The articles often engage with alternative viewpoints, such as anthroposophy and alternative medicine, but always from a critical and analytical perspective, seeking to ground discussions in scientific evidence and rational argument.