TBS Report Online

Magazine Overview

Title: TBS Report Online
Issue: Vol. 16 - No. 4
Date: Spring 2004

This issue of TBS Report Online details the significant merger between the Tampa Bay Skeptics (TBS) and the Center For Inquiry-Florida (CFI-FL). The publication also delves into the definition of a skeptic and explores the nature of belief, deception, and rational inquiry.

TBS Merges with Center For Inquiry-Florida

The lead article announces the successful completion of merger negotiations between Tampa Bay Skeptics and Center For Inquiry-Florida, effective January 12, 2004. This merger signifies TBS becoming an official affiliate of CSICOP, the premier skeptical organization globally. Barry Karr, Executive Director of both CSICOP and Center For Inquiry-International, was instrumental in these discussions.

Center For Inquiry-International and its Wings

The Center For Inquiry-International operates with two primary divisions: the skeptical wing, represented by CSICOP (publisher of Skeptical Inquirer magazine), and the humanist wing, represented by the Council for Secular Humanism (CSH) (publisher of Free Inquiry magazine). Paul Kurtz founded CSICOP in 1976 and later helped establish CSH. In 1995, Kurtz consolidated these under the Center For Inquiry model to address both scientific and ethical/religious skepticism from its headquarters in Amherst, New York.

Center For Inquiry-Florida

CFI-Florida, established just over a year prior to this publication, is the local branch of CFI-International. Similar to other CFI branches, CFI-FL will encompass multiple 'wings,' with TBS fulfilling the role analogous to CSICOP's function. While CFI-FL will address moral, ethical, and religious/humanist issues, TBS will maintain its focus on scientific skepticism.

Tampa Bay Skeptics' Future Role

Despite the merger, TBS will continue to exist as a separately incorporated entity, functioning as a 'Special Interest Group' of CFI-Florida. Bookkeeping and finances will be centralized, but TBS will maintain its mission of promoting rational inquiry and challenging purported psychics. Members can continue paying for TBS membership or subscribe to the TBS Report, with a slight increase in the TBS membership fee from $13 to $15. Full membership in CFI-FL is available for $45. TBS will continue its quarterly meetings, and its website will eventually be relocated to the CFI site. The TBS '$1,000 Challenge' remains active for anyone claiming paranormal abilities.

Skepticism vs. Secular Humanism

The article clarifies that while secular humanism deals with ethics and moral values, these are not the primary focus of CSICOP or the TBS Special Interest Group. TBS members are not required to be atheists or secular humanists, but the group will challenge claims that present themselves as factual, especially those with pseudoscientific underpinnings.

Advantage: TBS

By merging with CFI-Florida, TBS gains official affiliation with CSICOP and its esteemed tradition, which includes luminaries like Carl Sagan, Stephen Jay Gould, James Randi, Martin Gardner, Phillip Klass, and Richard Dawkins. This affiliation is expected to enhance TBS's presence and influence within the state.

So Just What Is a "Skeptic" Anyway?

Authored by Valerie Grey, this article explores the definition and characteristics of a skeptic. A skeptic is presented as someone who requires proof for extraordinary claims and is not afraid to ask for it. The article distinguishes between ordinary claims (like owning a goat in a backyard) and extraordinary ones (like owning a unicorn).

Defining Extraordinary Claims

Grey uses the example of a unicorn to illustrate an extraordinary claim. While not biologically impossible, the lack of documented sightings and the biological requirements for a species make it highly improbable. A skeptic would demand rigorous proof, including expert examination and testing (e.g., DNA analysis), rather than accepting a mere photograph or anecdotal evidence.

The Art of Deception and Gullibility

The article highlights how people often employ various tactics to avoid providing proof or to mislead others. These tactics include making excuses, limiting access to the claimed phenomenon, and invoking emotional appeals. Grey points out that people are often gullible and can be easily fooled, especially by those who are deliberately deceptive for personal gain. The article touches upon the prevalence of lying, both innocent and malicious, and how it serves various self-serving motives, from financial gain to manipulation.

Wishful Thinking vs. Reality-Based Thinking

Grey contrasts wishful thinking with reality-based thinking, using Anne Frank's optimistic diary entry versus her stepsister Eva Schloss's stark recollection of the Holocaust as examples. A skeptic, by definition, engages in reality-based thinking and does not readily offer the benefit of the doubt to unsubstantiated extraordinary claims.

Snippets

This section includes a brief report on recent brain imaging studies from the University of Michigan, UCLA, and Princeton. These studies, published in *Science* and *Neuroimaging*, suggest that the belief in a placebo's effectiveness can alter neural circuits, leading to genuine pain reduction. Psychologist Tor Wagner noted that physical changes in the brain correspond to reported symptom changes in patients who received a placebo cream.

A Warm Welcome From CFI-International

This section, likely an editorial or welcome message from CFI-International, expresses enthusiasm for the merger. It acknowledges TBS's long-standing role in promoting rationality and common sense in the Tampa Bay area and globally. The article reiterates the mission of CFI-International and its various programs, including CSICOP and CSH, as leading resources for the inquiry community. The establishment of a CFI branch in Tampa Bay is seen as a strategic move to combine resources and expertise to combat pseudoscience and superstition while promoting science and freedom of inquiry. It emphasizes that while CFI aims to unite secular humanists, skeptics, and philosophical naturalists, TBS members do not need to embrace all aspects of CFI's mission to be active participants. TBS will continue its operations as a Special Interest Group, publishing its newsletter, serving the media, and maintaining its website, while benefiting from the economies of scale offered by the Center.

TBS/CFI in the Media

This brief section notes media appearances by key figures. Paul Kurtz appeared on Kathy Fountain's 'Your Turn' show on February 20. Gary Posner was interviewed by The Record (New Jersey) on February 18 for an article on medical prayer studies, scheduled for publication in March.

Letter to the Editor

Peter Collins, Manager of the Forensic Psychiatry Unit at the Ontario Provincial Police, writes to commend the websites of TBS and the editor. He highlights their usefulness in assisting police agencies dealing with psychics attempting to interfere in homicide investigations. Collins recounts a case involving a woman with false memories who also claimed psychic abilities related to past homicides. He mentions his past consultations with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and presentations to the Florida Sex Crimes Investigators Association in Tampa and Orlando.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of skepticism, rational inquiry, and scientific methodology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical thinking and the debunking of pseudoscience and unsubstantiated claims. The merger with CFI-Florida is presented as a strategic move to strengthen the collective voice against irrationality. The definition of a skeptic emphasizes the importance of evidence and proof, contrasting it with gullibility and wishful thinking. The publication advocates for a fact-based approach to understanding the world and highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations like CSICOP and CFI in this pursuit.