Where Do We Go from Here? Has Classic Skepticism Run Its Course? by Daniel Loxton, 2007
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The Amazing Meeting 5
The Amazing Meeting 5 Per Johan Råsmark James Randi är känd för de flesta skeptiker. Det finns knappast någon som inte vid något till- fälle i en diskussion nämnt hans utmaning, där den som kan visa upp en paranormal förmåga under kontrollerbara former kan få $ 1 000 000. För knappt ett år sedan var vi nära att förlora honom då han drabbades av en allvarlig hjärtattack, men tack vare modern medicinsk veten- skap överlevde han. Den 18 januari 2007 var han så närvarande när det femte ”The Amazing Meeting” (TMA) inleddes i Las Vegas. Dessa möten, av vilka det första hölls i Florida och de övriga har varit i Las Vegas, arrangeras av ”James Randi Educational Foundation” (JREF). Denna gång hölls konferensen på Riviera eftersom Stardust där man varit de två senaste åren håller på att för- vandlas till enbart ”dust” i den ständiga omvandlingen av staden. Konferensen har hela tiden ökat i popularitet och detta år tyckte drygt 800 personer att det var värt att resa till ett kallt Las Vegas. Enligt arrangörerna gör detta konferensen till världens största någonsin för skeptiker och det ska också vara den med procentuellt sett flest kvinnor och flest ungdomar. (För att vara sunt skeptisk vill jag påpeka att jag inte har kontrollerat de uppgifterna.) Temat för årets möte var ”Skepticism and the Media”, något som inte alla talarna höll sig till eftersom det är en stor konferens, men som kunde ses på antalet mediepersonligheter bland de inbjudna gästerna. Att man inte helt höll sig till konferensens tema märktes redan den första dagen som inled- des med två workshops. -
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. -
When Entertainment Meets Science: Summit Boosts Innovative Education JAMES UNDERDOWN
SI May June 11 CUT_SI new design masters 3/25/11 10:01 AM Page 5 [ NEWS AND COMMENT When Entertainment Meets Science: Summit Boosts Innovative Education JAMES UNDERDOWN Can the entertainment media, with their formidable skills, help educate young people about science? That was just one of the hopes as the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) hosted the unusual Summit on Science, En ter - tainment, and Education at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, Cal- ifornia, on February 4, 2011. The all-day symposium featured a top- shelf lineup of speakers from all over the United States on the status and direction of science education today. Each of its From left: Superstring theorist Brian Greene, writer/director/producer Jerry Zucker, and educator Tyler Johnstone three categories (science, entertainment, discuss ways to attract students to the world of science. and education) was well represented by in- novators in their respective fields with rel- her students to testify how they are drawn tainment who need help with content. evant knowledge and experience. toward science. In this day and age of Thanks to a $225,000 grant from the From the world of science, luminaries myriad distractions, catching the eye of Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, such as Ralph Cicerone, NAS president; students is more of a challenge than ever. the Ex change “is seeking proposals to es- Sean B. Carroll, biologist; and Charles But the program didn’t begin and end tablish collaborative partnerships among Vest, president of the National Academy with a group of experts bemoaning the scientists, entertainment industry profes- of Engineering and president emeritus of failures of the education system and sionals, and educators to develop educa- the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pointing fingers at Hollywood schlock tional products or services that effectively were present. -
Scientific Report on Bial Fellowship 36/08 Theoretical Background
Scientific Report on Bial Fellowship 36/08 Theoretical background and study overview In sympathetic magical belief, objects are deemed to possess an affinity of power through their resemblance or connection to individuals by the ‘Law of Similarity’ (Frazer, 1922). Early belief in these laws underpin folk herbal remedies, alchemy and voodoo witchcraft, but also trigger magical notions in modern scientifically literate adults (e.g. Rozin & Nemeroff, 1990). One of the most dramatic examples of belief in sympathetic magic is the concern that damage to a representation can somehow harm the real-world person or object it is representing (Behrand, 2003). In our pilot studies, we have demonstrated that adults who do not think that they will be upset by cutting up a photograph of their childhood sentimental object will show significantly elevated arousal as measured by their galvanic skin response. Following the destruction they reported no awareness of increased arousal. This suggests that there may be latent emotional responses to perceived destruction that are suppressed. We predict that this reflects suppression of amygdala fear activation by inhibitory dorsal-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPC) networks. The rationale for this frontal inhibitory effect is the recent demonstration that activation of the DLPC and anterior cingulate is associated with unwanted prejudicial responses to Black faces by White participants (Richeson et al, 2003; Cunningham et al, 2004). These studies on prejudice are consistent with the idea that it is possible to control spontaneously activated negative attitudes. The current body of work examined whether the same network might be implicated in sympathetic magical reasoning. Sixty-seventy percent of Western children form a strong emotional attachment to a specific toy which they then treat as invaluable and irreplaceable (Lehman et al., 1995). -
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. -
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. -
From the Editor Skep Ti Cal Inq Uir E R™ the MAG a ZINE for SCI ENCE and REA SON
SI Sept/Oct pgs_SI MJ 2010 7/23/10 12:41 PM Page 4 From the Editor Skep ti cal In quir e r™ THE MAG A ZINE FOR SCI ENCE AND REA SON ED I TOR Kend rick Fra zi er ED I TO RI AL BOARD James E. Al cock Martin Gardner and the Skeptical Movement Today Thom as Cas ten Ray Hy man Joe Nick ell Am ar deo Sar ma artin Gardner’s passing and the latest successful skeptic’s conference are both causes for Benjamin Wolozin Mreflection on where the skeptical movement Gardner helped found stands now. CON SULT ING ED I TORS I begin these comments as I depart The Amazing Meeting 8 (TAM8), the James Randi Sus an J. Black more Ken neth L. Fed er Educational Foundation’s big skeptics conference in Las Vegas. Martin Gardner’s legacy was much Barry Karr in evidence, and indeed Gardner received a moving tribute from Randi at the beginning of a late- E. C. Krupp Scott O. Lil i en feld afternoon panel on the origin of the skeptics movement. Randi, Ray Hyman, and Paul Kurtz— Da vid F. Marks three giants who, with Gardner, were present at the beginning—and I talked about the events that Jay M. Pasachoff Eu ge nie Scott led to the creation of CSICOP (now our Committee for Skeptical Inquiry) in 1976. Ray’s, Randi’s, Rich ard Wis e man and Paul’s reminiscences also lead off this special Martin Gardner Tribute Issue of the SKEPTICAL CON TRIB UT ING ED I TORS INQUIRER , pp. -
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. -
Jennifer Forester, Faculty Mentor
Pics or It Didn’t Happen: Sexist Hyperskepticism in the Modern Skeptical Movement Author: Jennifer Forester, Faculty Mentor: Clark Pomerleau, Ph.D., Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences Department and College Affiliation: Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences Pics or It Didn’t Happen 2 Bio: Jennifer Forester graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in English with a specialization in writing and rhetoric. Jennifer was a member of the Honors College. She presented her research at University Scholars Day in April 19, 2013. She is proud of her service in the United States Marine Corps where she was a Corporal (Bandsman, Armorer) in Cherry Point, North Carolina. She is a mother of two brilliant, if often unruly, children. Her current plan is to find gainful employment, but promises that she will eventually return to college and obtain her doctorate in rhetoric with a particular focus on the ways that rhetorical studies can be applied to social justice. Pics or It Didn’t Happen 3 Abstract: In the skeptical community, there is an ongoing conflict over what—if any—actions are necessary to make the movement more welcoming to the growing numbers of women in its ranks. This conflict has brought a great deal of antifeminist sentiment to the surface, to include rape and death threats against prominent women who speak affirmatively on feminist issues within organized skepticism. The origins of this problem can be found in the grounding of skeptical dialogue on the superiority of a traditionally masculinized ideal of science and reason, which excludes the feminized personal narratives that serve as evidence for mistreatment of women within the community. -
Canadian Atheist: Set XVI
1 2 In-Sight Publishing 3 Canadian Atheist: Set XVI 4 IN-SIGHT PUBLISHING Publisher since 2014 Published and distributed by In-Sight Publishing Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada www.in-sightjournal.com Copyright © 2020 by Scott Douglas Jacobsen In-Sight Publishing established in 2014 as a not-for-profit alternative to the large commercial publishing houses who dominate the publishing industry. In-Sight Publishing operates in independent and public interests rather than in dependent and private ones, and remains committed to publishing innovative projects for free or low-cost while electronic and easily accessible for public domain consumption within communal, cultural, educational, moral, personal, scientific, and social values, sometimes or even often, deemed insufficient drivers based on understandable profit objectives. Thank you for the download of this ebook, your consumption, effort, interest, and time support independent and public publishing purposed for the encouragement and support of academic inquiry, creativity, diverse voices, freedom of expression, independent thought, intellectual freedom, and novel ideas. © 2014-2020 by Scott Douglas Jacobsen. All rights reserved. Original appearance in Canadian Atheist. Not a member or members of In-Sight Publishing, 2020 This first edition published in 2020 No parts of this collection may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized, in any form, or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented or created, which includes photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher or the individual co-author(s) or place of publication of individual articles. Independent Cataloguing-in-Publication Data No official catalogue record for this book, as an independent endeavour. -
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. -
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.