Clear Thinking and the Forces of Unreason

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Clear Thinking and the Forces of Unreason COMMENTARY Clear Thinking and the Forces of Unreason KENDRICK FRAZIER here is a new need for rational- still a dangerous world out there, but about. We no longer can indulge such ity and reason—as well as their warnings had fallen on mostly distractions. courage and resoluteness—in deaf ears. We were too distracted with I think in the short term at least we T living the good life. Now, suddenly, no are going to see less nonsense. Psychic defense of freedom and democracy and the highest values of civilization. Since one is distracted. abilities failed to warn us of the September 11 the world has changed, Much the same could be said for rJiose September 11 attacks, and now it and a previous pop culture of superfi- of us toiling on behalf of science and rea- should be clear to all but the most com- ciality, self-absorption, self-indulgence, son and scientific skepticism. Paul Kurtz mitted or muddle-headed that such and self-satisfaction has gone out the and CSICOP and many others in the powers just don't exist. The attacks were window with it. A several-decades skeptical movement have regularly been soon followed by bogus Nostradamus period of relative innocence and chided over die years for even raising the "predictions" and other inevitable clap- naivete' has ended. Things are serious possibility that forces of unreason could trap, but those were quickly countered now, and we need all our wits about us. actually threaten our modern democratic by anti-hoax, urban legend Web sites Intelligence and wisdom are called for. world, dial opponents of reason, ratio- and frequent media stories debunking Clear thinking is in; fuzzy thinking is nality, critical diinking, freedom, toler- the BS and giving the true facts. The out—it is dangerous to all. We have ance, openness, learning, and personal new real world has less tolerance for pre- seen evil, and there was nothing human and intellectual dignity might tense. When die first anthrax attacks abstract about it. We must face it. We actually gain such a foodiold as to be a came, people turned to modern medi- suddenly need to know more than what threat to us all. I don't think anyone is cine, not unfounded remedies. As Bob the latest pop celebrity is wearing, or saying that anymore. Park of die American Physical Society who has the fastest computer chip, or We have long advocated not just pointed out in his "What's New" elec- who's got the latest great idea for good science but an open, scientific out- tronic newsletter, "Fortunately those instantaneous dot.com riches. We need look—a viewpoint that values an open- exposed to anthrax are being diagnosed to know about the world around us. mindedness to new ideas, a determina- and treated with the very latest scientific We need to understand history, geogra- tion to let facts and evidence rather than medicine. They are not being treated phy, culture, international politics, lan- wishes and preconceptions and ideology with homeopathy, acupuncture, touch guages that virtually no one in the West shape our judgments, skepticism toward therapy, magnets, reflexology, crystals, speaks, and, yes, religion too. We sud- assertions unsupported by good evi- chelation, craniosacral therapy, echi- denly need to know a lot about micro- dence, wide open debate and communi- nacea, aromatherapy, or yohimbe bark. biology and how to combat the spread cation and publication, and the applica- And no one is complaining." of agents of biological warfare. tion of critical analysis and judgment at Yes, shameless promoters emerged Learning and reading are suddenly in. every step of the process. claiming that certain herbal remedies, Those involved in national security and Much of what we have critiqued has even homeopathy, might help against arms control had long been saying it is come under the rubric of the paranor- anthrax. Yeah, sure! I will give those mal, of fringe science, of pseudo- claims credence when the first person Kendrick Frazier is Editor of the science, of bogus science. Science is my with a confirmed diagnosis of anthrax SKEPTICAL INQUIRER. This essay was passion, and all diese represent anti-sci- rejects any application of antibiotics and adapted from remarks in acceptance of the ence or counter-science manifestations insists on taking herbs or homeopathy, as CSICOP In Praise of Reason Award, that confuse, taint, misdirect, delude, riie only treatment, instead of (not in Center for Inquiry conference, Atlanta, distract us all—but the believers most addition to) modern antibiotics. That's Nov. 9-11,2001. of all—from what the real world is all die criterion we must hold that claim to. 6 2 March/April 2002 SKEPTICAL INQUIRER COMMENTARY So 1 think we now have, if only for a and the skeptical/evaluative aspects of nificant. Both are widely referenced in short time, a new era of no-nonsense. science and keep them together, as they scientific and scholarly publications as People know they have no choice but to should be. well as the popular media. CSICOP's confront the real world directly, on its And now I'll add two more that I media outreach efforts provide responsi- own terms. There is no escape into a didn't mention in those essays: ble, authoritative scientific infotmation trivial, pretend world of nonexistent • Fight, critique, and examine at all and experts to media worldwide. woo-woo. levels, but stay high-minded; keep the The controversy and media and pub- moral high ground. Paul Kurtz has exem- lic interest that accompanied our found- * * » plified that, and it must be continued. ing still surround almost everything we I also want to offer a few words about the • We must do everything possible to do. I believe that maintaining close ties future of scientific skepticism and what find and identify the next generation of to the values of science and scientific might be called the modern skeptical leaders of the skeptical movement— inquiry has guided us through and movement. We celebrated our twenty- bright, curious, intelligent, concerned around the worst thickets and pitfalls. fifth anniversary this year. We are far young men and women knowledgeable In my view, our reputation for com- from perfect and we have occasionally about science and skepticism, con- mitment to scientific skepticism, reason made mistakes, but I think CSICOP and cerned about unreason wherever it and rationality, critical thinking, and the many scientists, psychologists, schol- exists, and full of energy and determi- scientific integrity is stronger than ever. ars, writers, and investigators worldwide nation to do all they can, in their own That serves us well. It serves science who make up the movement have done, way, and able to communicate their well. And serves the public well. all in all, a remarkable job of defending passion to the broader public in all the As we find ourselves in the early stages science and scientific inquiry. They have diverse ways now available. I know of a period of human history riddled with critically examined virtually every impor- many such people (some are working fearful new perils we hoped we would tant case asserting powers or forces right now at or with CSICOP), but we never have to face, our battles for clear, "unknown to science." They have helped need more, and they need encourage- realistic thinking and against the forces of educate the public and the media about ment from all of us. unreason—wherever they manifest them- what good science is all about. And they The influence of both CSICOP and selves—are more important and more rel- have helped keep alive, amid a media-dri- the SKEPTICAL INQUIRER has been sig- evant today than ever before. ven frenzy of uncritical popular accep- tance of oudandish nonsense plus post- modernist-driven obscurantism in too many parts of academia, the true scien- CENTER FOR INQUIRY tific spirit toward claims of knowledge. In my own twenty-fifth anniversary Institute essays in the SKEPTICAL INQUIRER this The Center for Inquiry Institute announces the inauguration of an innova- past year (May/June and July August tive new summer school at its main campus, featuring two-week courses, 2001), I made a number of recommen- weekend cultural tours, and practicum experience. Undergraduate credit dations for how to keep scientific skep- is available through State University of New York (Empire State College). ticism strong, vital, and relevant for the Scholarships for undergraduates are available. twenty-first century. I'll mention only a few here: courses in: also offered: • Continually emphasize what we are • critical thinking skeptic's toolbox for: honesty, integrity, good science, philosophy of naturalism University of Oregon, clear thinking, intelligence, scientific lit- Center for Inquiry Eugene eracy, science education, open scientific Amherst, New York August 15-18,2002 inquiry. Jury 14-28, 2002 • Always strive to bring a scientific viewpoint—even an imaginative scientific viewpoint—to skepticism. Keep ourselves 7 close to science. Science is exciting, intel- CENTER FOB INQUIRY '6-636-4869 *223 lectually stimulating, interesting, popular Institute with the public, and all that can carry over to skeptical investigation. © ww.centerfo •iMatll • Treasure the imaginative/creative 6 4 March/April 2002 SKEPTICAL INQUIRER .
Recommended publications
  • Btg Hm Draft1 12-7-05 ID
    No. 207 “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). March 2006 Insufficient Design by Henry M. Morris* The modern Intelligent Design movement their dates for Earth’s age are incon- (ID) has been making substantial pro- sistent with scripture (too old).3 gress in recent years, at least in terms of The editor even entitled his diatribe “Twi- public interest. As one evolutionist re- light for the Enlightenment?” cently warned his colleagues: Similar alarmist articles have been The success of the ID movement to published in numerous other science jour- date is terrifying. In at least 40 states, nals and also in many popular magazines ID is being considered as an addi- (such as Newsweek) and local papers. Our tion to the required science curricu- own San Diego Union Tribune in a lum in public schools.1 lengthy lead editorial for November 21, The “terrified” author of this observation 2005, called Intelligent Design “Voodoo is Professor of Anthropology at Pennsyl- Science” in the editorial title. The lan- vania State University. He says he is be- guage seems inflammatory just about ing stalked by ID advocates! everywhere. Now I know that I and my colleagues One writer becomes unreasonably are being stalked with careful and virulent in his latest editorial. deadly deliberation. I fear my days The “Intelligent Design” movement are numbered unless I act soon and is the most pernicious pseudoscience effectively. If you are reading this, of our time.
    [Show full text]
  • With Professor Phil Zuckerman
    4 The Secular Circular Newsletter of the Humanist Society of Santa Barbara www.SBHumanists.org FEBRUARY 2015 February Program: Jennifer Ouellette Me, Myself and Why: What Science Has to Say About Who We Are and How We Got That Way As diverse as people appear to be, all of our genes and brains are nearly identical. In Me, Myself, and Why, Jennifer Ouellette dives into the miniscule ranges of variation to understand just what sets us apart. She draws on cutting edge research in genetics, neuroscience, and psychology enlivened as always with her signature sense of humor-to explore the mysteries of human identity and behavior. Jennifer is the author of four popular science books, including Me, Myself and Why: Searching for the Science of Self (2014). She specializes in physics and many related topics, with particular emphasis on how science intersects with popular culture, as well as science communication and outreach. Ouellette is the former director of the Science & Entertainment Exchange, an initiative of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) designed to connect entertainment industry professionals with top scientists and engineers to help the creators of television shows, films, video games, and other productions incorporate science into their work. She is also a prolific blogger, maintaining a blog at Scientific American called Cocktail Party Physics, where she and other female contributors chat about the latest science news. When: Saturday, February 21st, 2015 Where: Patio Room, Vista del Monte (Park ONLY in spaces marked "VDM".) Time: Meet at 2:30pm for socializing and light refreshments provided by HSSB. Program begins at 3:00 pm Cost: $2 members/$5 non-members Dinner: Vista del Monte.
    [Show full text]
  • Exuberant Champion of the New Enlightenment Paul Kurtz and The
    Jan Feb 13 2_SI new design masters 11/29/12 11:26 AM Page 14 Exuberant Champion of the New Enlightenment KENDRICK FRAZIER countries around the globe. From the beginning he was deeply knowledgeable about, and directly in - volved in, scientific-based skeptical in - quiry. This energized our committee and SI as well. He had more energy and enthusiasm than three people. His output of writing was prodigious. He was overwhelmingly positive and optimistic. And courageous. And something else—exuberant. It was such a pleasure to be his colleague. Paul was my mentor and my friend. He brought me into CSICOP (now CSI). He strongly supported me and SI. He granted us editorial autonomy, pub - A young CSICOP chairman Paul Kurtz, lower right, watches a younger Ken Frazier, then still editor of Science News but about to become editor of SI, speak at first CSICOP meeting in August 1977 in New York City. licly. When controversy came, as it often did, he always encouraged me. He felt Paul kurtz had a broad and clear vision aggressive. He always emphasized the that if you are not creating some contro - for a return to enlightenment values— positive. versy, you are not doing things right. And reason, scientific thinking, and reliance on By his own example of thoughtful he practiced his own humanist values. human thought, not authority or super - philosophical discourse and open- He was kind to me and my family in naturalism, for our ethical values and re - minded critical inquiry and by the caliber ways no one will ever know.
    [Show full text]
  • Exuberant Champion of the New Enlightenment
    Jan Feb 13 2_SI new design masters 11/29/12 11:26 AM Page 14 Exuberant Champion of the New Enlightenment KENDRICK FRAZIER countries around the globe. From the beginning he was deeply knowledgeable about, and directly in- volved in, scientific-based skeptical in- quiry. This energized our committee and SI as well. He had more energy and enthusiasm than three people. His output of writing was prodigious. He was overwhelmingly positive and optimistic. And courageous. And something else—exuberant. It was such a pleasure to be his colleague. Paul was my mentor and my friend. He brought me into CSICOP (now CSI). He strongly supported me and SI. A young CSICOP chairman Paul Kurtz, lower right, watches a younger Ken Frazier, then still editor ofScience He granted us editorial autonomy, pub- News but about to become editor of SI, speak at first CSICOP meeting in August 1977 in New York City. licly. When controversy came, as it often did, he always encouraged me. He felt Paul Kurtz had a broad and clear vision aggressive. He always emphasized the that if you are not creating some contro- for a return to Enlightenment values— positive. versy, you are not doing things right. And reason, scientific thinking, and reliance on By his own example of thoughtful he practiced his own humanist values. human thought, not authority or super- philosophical discourse and open- He was kind to me and my family in naturalism, for our ethical values and re- minded critical inquiry and by the caliber ways no one will ever know. sponsibilities to each other.
    [Show full text]
  • Center for Inquiry Institute Launches Three-Year Academic Program
    CSICOP MEWS Center for Inquiry Institute Launches Three-Year Academic Program JOE NICKELL program of intensive education founded by him, CSICOP and the Oxford at Oxford University, England, in skepticism and rationalism has Council for Secular Humanism. The and a Center for Inquiry-Moscow is Abeen successfully launched by Institute began as the sponsor of an forthcoming in Russia. Each center will the Center for Inquiry Institute, an edu- informal series of seminars and work- have a research library, the one at die cational institution co-sponsored by the shops. Although these were popular and international headquarters already Committee for the Scientific fulfilled their purpose, fJicy presented approaching some 20,000 volumes, in Investigation of Claims of the Para- only a first step toward a more ambi- addition to periodicals. The interna- normal (CSICOP), publisher of the tious goal: a permanent program that tional headquarters also has a nearby SKEPTICAL INQUIRER, and die Council confers on its graduates a certificate of residence for visiting scholars. for Secular Humanism, publisher of proficiency, ensuring that the bearer has In addition, an international faculty Free Inquiry magazine. In addition to undergone rigorous training and exami- has been appointed, its members being increasing public awareness of the need nation over a broad range of studies. chosen for their diverse interests and dis- for critical thinking across the spectrum This new goal has involved building tinguished professional training, as well of human concerns, and providing spe- a permanent home for the Institute— as the level of respect their scholarship cific courses in that regard, the goal of the new Center for Inquiry—Inter- has earned over the years.
    [Show full text]
  • Where Do We Go from Here? Has Classic Skepticism Run Its Course? by Daniel Loxton, 2007
    Where Do We Go From here? Has classic skepticism run its course? by Daniel Loxton, 2007 antasy and sci-fi fans may recall an Emmy organizations to whom media could turn; they Award-nominated musical episode of the television published an extensive body of literature probing Fseries Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in which the heroes the validity of pseudoscientific assertions; they sadly sing lyrics posing the key existential question: engaged in watchdog activism; they tracked the evolution of claims and contributed to the scientific The battle’s done, and we kinda won understanding of belief and anomalous experience. So we sound our victory cheer. Where do we go from here?1 This took no small effort. Skeptical leaders like Randi, Kurtz and Shermer have racked up heroic mileage, and Looking around the skeptics movement over the no shortage of bumps and bruises along the way. And, for last few years, it’s seemed to me that everyone some skeptical trailblazers, at long last, the battle’s finally is asking this same question. I’d like to suggest done. Some of the early titans, like Martin Gardener, have an answer: we should return to basics. retired. Others, like Asimov and Sagan, have passed away. When skeptics first organized, the landscape was in some Still others are just sick of this crap. ways very different. Pseudoscientific fads that have since faded back somewhat into the fringe — from Uri Geller to After all, in a world where Peter Popoff can once again flying saucers to Von Däniken’s ancient astronauts — were make a sweet fortune performing miracles — Popoff, for then sweeping the culture.
    [Show full text]
  • Ann Druyan Talks About Science
    THE SKEPTIC'S DICTIONARY • BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA ON EVOLUTION • GHOST TOWN CURSE * • • Ann Druyan Talks About Science. Religion, Wonder, Awe...and Carl Sagan Art and Science (Larry) King of the Paranormal Intelligent Design * « Neither Intelligent Sylvia Browne Nor Designed Nor Designed TV Psychic Fellowship Sidesteps of the Rings lest Challenges UFO Rings and Fairy Rings Published by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal THE COMMITTEE FOR THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION off Claims off the Paranormal AT THE CENTER FOR INQUIRY-INTERNATIONAL (ADJACENT TO THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO) • AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION Paul Kurtz, Chairman; professor emeritus of philosophy. State University of New York at Buffalo Barry Karr, Executive Director Joe Nickell, Senior Research Fellow Massimo Polidoro. Research Fellow Richard Wiseman, Research Fellow Lee Nisbet, Special Projects Director FELLOWS James E. Alcock,* psychologist, York Univ., Toronto Saul Green. PhD. biochemist, president of ZOL James E. Oberg. science writer Jerry Andrus, magician and inventor, Albany, Consultants, New York, NY Irmgard Oepen, professor of medicine (retired), Oregon Susan Haack, Cooper Senior Scholar in Arts Marburg, Germany Marcia Angell, M.D.. former editor-in-chief, New and Sciences, prof, of philosophy. University Loren Pankratz, psychologist, Oregon Health England Journal of Medicine of Miami Sciences Univ. Robert A. Baker, psychologist, Univ. of Kentucky C. E. M. Hansel, psychologist, Univ. of Wales John Paulos. mathematician, Temple Univ. Stephen Barrett, M.D., psychiatrist, author, Al Hibbs, scientist. Jet Propulsion Laboratory Steven Pinker, cognitive scientist. MIT consumer advocate, Allentown, Pa. Douglas Hofstadter, professor of human Massimo Polidoro, science writer, author, execu­ Barry Beyerstein,* biopsychologist, Simon Fraser understanding and cognitive science, tive director CICAP, Italy Univ.
    [Show full text]
  • Psychic Experiences Explained
    SKEPTICAL INQUIRER Vol. 16PSYCHI No. 4 C EXPERIENCES EXPLAINED The Scientist's Skepticism The Paranormal's Popularity Self-Help Books/Ghost Lights Published by the Commute Investigation of Claims of the PParanormaa an l THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER (ISSN 0194-6730) is the official journal of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, an international organization. Editor Kendrick Frazier. Editorial Board James E. Alcock, Martin Gardner, Ray Hyman, Philip J. Klass, Paul Kurtz. Consulting Editors Isaac Asimov, William Sims Bainbridge, John R. Cole, Kenneth L. Feder, C. E. M. Hansel, E. C. Krupp, David F. Marks, Andrew Neher, James E. Oberg, Robert Sheaffer, Steven N. Shore. Managing Editor Doris Hawley Doyle. Contributing Editor Lys Ann Shore. Business Manager Mary Rose Hays. Assistant Business Manager Sandra Lesniak Chief Data Officer Richard Seymour. Computer Assistant Michael Cione. Production Paul E. Loynes. Audio Technician Vance Vigrass. Librarian, Ranjit Sandhu. Staff Leland Harrington, Jonathan Jiras, Atfreda Pidgeon, Kathy Reeves, Elizabeth Begley (Albuquerque). Cartoonist Rob Pudim. The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal Paul Kurtz, Chairman; professor emeritus of philosophy, State University of New York at Buffalo. Barry Karr, Executive Director and Public Relations Director. Lee Nisbet, Special Projects Director. Fellows of the Committee James E. Alcock, psychologist, York Univ., Toronto; Isaac Asimov, biochemist, author; Robert A. Baker, psychologist, Univ. of Kentucky; Barry Beyerstein, biopsychologist, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Irving Biederman, psychologist, University of Minnesota; Susan Blackmore, psychologist, Brain Perception Laboratory, University of Bristol, England; Henri Broch, physicist, University of Nice, France; Vern Bullough, Distinguished Professor, State University of New York; Mario Bunge, philosopher, McGill University; John R.
    [Show full text]
  • Curriculum Vitae Steven Pinker Department of Psychology Harvard University William James Hall 970 33 Kirkland St., Cambridge, MA
    Curriculum Vitae Steven Pinker Department of Psychology Harvard University William James Hall 970 33 Kirkland St., Cambridge, MA 02l38 Office: 617-495-0831 pinker at wjh period Harvard period edu Web site: http://www.stevenpinker.com Twitter: @sapinker ORCID ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2319-4085 Biographical Information Born September 18, 1954, Montreal, Canada U. S. Citizen Education Doctor of Philosophy (Experimental Psychology), Harvard University, 1979. Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honors in Psychology), McGill University, 1976. Diploma of College Studies, Dawson College, 1973. Academic Positions 2008-2013 Harvard College Professor, Harvard University 2003- Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology, Harvard University 2000-2003 Peter de Florez Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1994-99 Director, McDonnell-Pew Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at MIT 1989-2000 Professor, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1985-94 Co-Director, Center for Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1985-89 Associate Professor, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1982-85 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1981-82 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Stanford University 1980-81 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Harvard University 1979-80 Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Page 1 of 39 Honors and Awards General:
    [Show full text]
  • Dossier: Martin Gardner
    Dossier Adiós a Martin Gardner Ferrán Tarrasa Blanes l pasado 23 de mayo, la triste noticia de la muerte de sabe más sobre menos. Martin Gardner escribió con brillantez Martin Gardner me llegó a través de un correo electró- sobre matemáticas, lógica, filosofía, religión, literatura, relati- Enico en la lista de socios de ARP-SAPC, donde se vidad, mecánica cuántica, magia y, por supuesto, enlazaba un comentario que James Randi publicaba en su pseudociencia. blog. Martin Gardner había muerto el día anterior a la edad de A pesar de no recordar con claridad cuándo y cómo empecé 96 años. a leer a Martin Gardner, sí que recuerdo perfectamente cómo Para todos los miembros de la comunidad escéptica esa era devoraba con asombro sus artículos sobre temas tan vario- una noticia que nos llenaba de pesar. En mi caso, Martin pintos como códigos cifrados, las paradojas del infinito, ℵ0 y Gardner era el tercero de un grupo de autores, junto a los ya ℵ1, las curvas que llenan el espacio y los fractales, ð, e, desaparecidos Isaac Asimov y Carl Sagan, que, de muy joven, cicloides y braquistocronas, espirales, paseos aleatorios, me llevaron a admirar la ciencia y la razón y, al mismo números primos, topología, las coincidencias asombrosas que tiempo, me introdujeron en el escepticismo científico. no lo son tanto (lo asombroso sería que no hubiera coinciden- No recuerdo con claridad cuando compré (o más bien pedí cias asombrosas), los viajes a planilandia y a la cuarta que me compraran), mi primer libro de Martin Gardner, ni dimensión, magia e ilusionismo, o el arte de M.
    [Show full text]
  • ROBERT T. PENNOCK, PH.D. Michigan State University Curriculum Vitae (August 13, 2019)
    ROBERT T. PENNOCK, PH.D. Michigan State University Curriculum Vitae (August 13, 2019) OFFICE: HOME: 919 E. Shaw Lane, Rm. E35 227 Clarendon Rd. East Lansing, MI 48825-1107 East Lansing MI 48823 (517) 432-7701 (517) 324-9994 E-mail: [email protected] WEB: <www.msu.edu/~pennock5> CURRENT APPOINTMENTS: • Michigan State University. University Distinguished Professor. (2019 – present). - History, Philosophy & Sociology of Science. Lyman Briggs College. - Philosophy. Department of Philosophy. - Computer Science, Department of Computer Science & Engineering - Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Behavior (EEBB) Graduate Program. - Associate Faculty, Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences. PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS: • Michigan State University. Professor. (2005 – 2019) • University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research. Visiting Scholar (2014 – 2018) • American Association for the Advancement of Science. Visiting Scholar (2015) • Duke University, National Evolutionary Synthesis Center. Sabbatical Fellow (2008) • Michigan State University. Associate Professor (2000 – 2005) • The College of New Jersey. Assistant Professor of Philosophy. (1999 – 2000) • The University of Texas at Austin, Assistant Professor of Philosophy. (1991 – 1999) • Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences (P.G.S.S.), Faculty member. Carnegie-Mellon University (Summers, 1987-1991) EDUCATION: • B.A. w/ Honors, Biology/Philosophy, Earlham College, 1980. • Ph.D., History & Philosophy of Science. University of Pittsburgh, 1991. “Causally Licensed Inference and the Confirmation Relation.” Advisor: Wesley Salmon Committee: John Earman, Clark Glymour, Kenneth Schaffner, Herbert Simon Robert T. Pennock, Curriculum Vitae Page 2 ACADEMIC AWARDS / HONORS: • International Society for Artificial Life Education & Outreach Award as lead for Avida-ED. 2017. • MSU Phi Kappa Phi Excellence Award in Interdisciplinary Scholarship. For Avida-ED Project.
    [Show full text]
  • Skeptical Inquirer CSICOP in CHINA
    the Skeptical Inquirer CSICOP IN CHINA Testing China's Psychics The Appeal of the Occult Hypnosis and Reincarnation Pitfalls of Deception • Continental Drift Health Quackery • Psychic Crimebusting Vol. XII No. 4 / Summer 1988 $6.00 Published by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal THE SKEPTICAL INQUIRER is the official journal of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. Editor Kendrick Frazier. Editorial Board James E. Alcock, Martin Gardner, Ray Hyman, Philip J. Klass, Paul Kurtz, James Randi. Consulting Editors Isaac Asimov, William Sims Bainbridge, John R. Cole, Kenneth L. Feder, C. E. M. Hansel, E. C. Krupp, David F. Marks, Andrew Neher, James E. Oberg, Robert Sheaffer, Steven N. Shore. Managing Editor Doris Hawley Doyle. Public Relations Director Barry Karr. Business Manager Mary Rose Hays. Assistant Editor Andrea Szalanski. Art Kathy Kostek Systems Programmer Richard Seymour. Typesetting Paul E. Loynes, Don Stoltman. Audio Technician Vance Vigrass. Librarian, Ranjit Sandhu. Staff Michael Cione, Donald Crutchfield, Crystal Folts, Leland Harrington, Laura Muench, Erin O'Hare, Alfreda Pidgeon, Kathy Reeves. Cartoonist Rob Pudim. The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal Paul Kurtz, Chairman; philosopher, State University of New York at Buffalo. Lee Nisbet, Special Projects Director. Mark Plummer, Executive Director. Fellows of the Committee James E. Alcock, psychologist, York Univ., Toronto; Eduardo Amaldi, physicist, University of Rome, Italy. Isaac Asimov, biochemist, author; Irving Biederman, psychologist, University of Minnesota; Susan Blackmore, psycholo­ gist, Brain Perception Laboratory, University of Bristol, England; Brand Blanshard, philosopher, Yale; Mario Bunge, philosopher, McGill University; Bette Chambers, A.H.A.; John R.
    [Show full text]