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PAUL KURTZ in MEMORIAM Paul Kurtz, Philosopher, Humanist Leader, and Founder of the Modern Skeptical Movement, Dies at Eighty-Six TOM FLYNN
Jan Feb 13 2_SI new design masters 11/29/12 11:26 AM Page 5 [ PAUL KURTZ IN MEMORIAM Paul Kurtz, Philosopher, Humanist Leader, and Founder of the Modern Skeptical Movement, Dies at Eighty-Six TOM FLYNN Paul Kurtz, founder and longtime chair At NYU Kurtz studied philosophy of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, under Sidney Hook, who had himself the Council for Secular Humanism, and been a protégé of the pragmatist philoso- the Center for Inquiry, died at the age pher John Dewey. The philosophy of of eighty-six on October 20, 2012. He Dewey and Hook, arguably the greatest was one of the most influential figures American thinkers in the humanist tra- in the humanist and skeptical move- dition, would deeply in fluence Kurtz’s ments from the late 1960s through the thought and activism. Kurtz graduated first decade of the twenty-first century. from NYU in 1948 and earned his PhD Among his best-known creations are in philosophy at Columbia University in the skeptics’ magazine SKEPTICAL IN- 1952. QUIRER, the secular humanist magazine Free Inquiry, and the independent pub- Academic Career lisher Prometheus Books. Kurtz taught philosophy at Trinity Col- Jonathan Kurtz, Paul’s son, told SI that lege from 1952 to 1959. He joined the his father had a “‘joyous’ last day, joking, faculty at Union College from 1961 to laughing, etc. He then died suddenly to- 1965; during this period he was also a ward bedtime. There was no suffering.” A visiting lecturer at the New School for joint CFI/CSI/CSH statement marked Social Research. -
Translation Ellehumanist Ur S
. ! se rv ic e e a m n p d a t p hy a r t i c i a p l a tr t i u o is n m ility um h – e t h ic a l d e v e l o p m e n t peace and ice l just cia so critical thinking responsibility s gl s ob e al awaren e n vironmental ism ، American Humanist Association: www.americanhumanist.org Humanist Manifesto: www.americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/manifesto3/ The Ten Commitments: www.humanistcommitments.org Effective Altruism: https://www.effectivealtruism.org Camp Quest: www.campquest.org Foundation Beyond Belief: https://foundationbeyondbelief.org Oasis: www.networkoasis.org Sunday Assembly: www.sundayassembly.com Unitarian Universalist Association: www.UUA.org Center For Inquiry: www.centerforinquiry.org Freedom From Religion Foundation: www.ffrf.org American Ethical Union: www.aeu.org Secular Student Alliance: www.secularstudents.org Skeptic Society: https://www.skeptic.com Black Non-Believers www.blacknonbelievers.com Hispanic American Freethinkers: http://hafree.org Freethought Society: www.ftsociety.org Friendly Atheist: www.friendlyatheist.patheos.com Thinking Atheist: www.thethinkingatheist.com American Atheists: www.atheists.org Annabelle & Aiden Book Series: www.annabelleandaiden.com Stardust Book Series: www.stardustscience.com Society for Humanistic Judaism: www.shj.org Openly Secular: www.openlysecular.org Secular Coalition: www.secular.org Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science: www.tieseducation.org Richard Dawkins Foundation: www.richarddawkins.net Humanists International: www.humanists.international Humanist Community -
Humanism in America Today
Humanism Humanism in America Today Humanism in America Today Summary: Writers and public figures with large audiences have contributed to the increasing popularity of atheism and Humanism in the United States. Thousands of people attended the 2012 Reason Rally, demonstrating the rise of atheism as a political movement, yet many atheists and Humanists experience marginalization within American culture and the challenge of translating a mostly intellectual doctrine into a social movement. On a rainy day in March of 2012, roughly 20,000 people from all parts of the Humanist, atheist, and freethinking movements converged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. They gathered to celebrate secular values, dispel stereotypes about secular people, and support secular equality. Sponsored by twenty of the country’s major secular organizations, the Reason Rally featured live music and remarks from academics, bloggers, student activists, media personalities, comedians, and two members of Congress, including Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), the first openly atheistic member of Congress. The Reason Rally is evidence of a growing energy and excitement among atheists in America. This new visibility of secularism was inspired in part by the “New Atheists”—including authors such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens—who have pushed the discussion of the potentially dangerous aspects of religion to the forefront of the public discussion. More people than ever are turning away from traditional religious faith, with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reporting that, as of 2014, some 20% of the US population identify as “unaffiliated.” This is particularly true of the rising millennial generation, which has increasingly come to view institutional and traditional religion as associated with conservative social views such as opposition to gay marriage, and is therefore much more skeptical of the role of religion in public life than their parents and grandparents. -
The Enf Ield 'Poltergeist' This Morning's Revisit of the Classic Case Provokes Further Thoughts
The Enf ield 'Poltergeist' This Morning's revisit of the classic case provokes further thoughts AT THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY, I appeared on This Morning to talk highly resistant to disbelieving witnesses. Playfair himself wrote that"... about the Enfield 'poltergeist' with Guy Lyon Playfair (writer of This paranormal events only took place in the presence of people who House is Haunted) and Janet Winter. The producers were very pleased believed them to be possible"3 In fact, it's hard to avoid wondering that they had an appearance by the woman who had been the eleven- whether the agents of the peculiar occurrences at Enfield were simply year-old at the centre of the events in the late 70s, but were extremely refusing to play to tough crowds. concerned about her resilience and sought an assurance from me that In her piece, Ms. Barrington makes the point that "Janet has consis- I could keep it generalised and unconfrontational, which I was happy to tently resisted the fame and fortune that would certainly come her way do. When I met Janet in the Green Room, I have to say I found her if she were now to claim that she had faked all her phenomena." While extremely likeable and every bit as nervous as I had been warned. She true, that carries the implicit assumption that fame and fortune are the has previously been quite publicity-averse and, fair enough, most peo- objects of Janet's desire. Having been a witness to her demeanour at a ple would find going on the telly very nerve-wracking indeed. -
WILDLIFE APOCALYPSE How Myths and Superstitions Drive Animal Extinction
CBS Paranormal Segment | Changelings | UFO Conspiracies | Balles Award | ‘Flying Friar’ | Fake News Vol. 42 No. 4 | July/August 2018 the Magazine for Science and Reason WILDLIFE APOCALYPSE How Myths and Superstitions Drive Animal Extinction Skepticism Reloaded Cell Phones, Cancer, and Chance Lotus Birth Fad Speed Reading: Fact or Fiction? Skepticism and Literature Published by the Center for Inquiry with the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry Response to Flood Creationists Committee for Skeptical Inquiry www.csicop.orgwww.csicop.org Robyn E. Blumner, President and CEO Joe Nickell, Senior Research Fellow Benjamin Radford, Research Fellow Bar ry Karr, Ex ec u tive Di rect or Massimo Polidoro, Research Fellow Richard Wiseman, Research Fellow Fellows James E. Al cock,* psy chol o gist, York Univ., Kevin Folta, molecular biologist, professor and Law rence Kusche, sci ence writer Mas si mo Pol id oro, sci ence writer; au thor; Tor on to chair of Horticultural Sciences Department, Le on Le der man, emer i tus di rect or, Fer mi lab; ex ec u tive di rect or of CI CAP, It a ly Mar cia An gell, MD, former ed i tor-in-chief, University of Florida. No bel lau re ate in phys ics James L. Powell, geochemist, author, ex- New Eng land Jour nal of Med i cine Barbara Forrest, professor of philosophy, SE Stephan Lewandowsky, psychologist, School ecutive director, National Physical Science Kimball Atwood IV, MD, physician; author; Louisiana Univ. of Experimental Psychology and Cabot Insti- Consortium Newton, MA An drew Fra knoi, astronomer, University of tute, Univ. of Bristol, UK Anthony R. -
De Kruidenelixers Van Jan Smit Uit Veendam
K Nederlands Tijdschrift td tegen de NT Kwakzalverij JAARGANG 125 | 2014 | 4 Kackadorisprijs Jan Smit Zien en niet zien Het Nederlands Tijdschrift tegen de Kwakzalverij (v/h Actieblad, v/h Maandblad tegen de Kwakzalverij) is een uitgave van de Vereniging tegen de Kwakzalverij, vereniging tot evaluatie van alternatieve behandelmethoden en tot bestrijding van kwakzalverij ADVIESRAAD Prof. dr. J. A. den Boer, hoogleraar biologische psychiatrie Prof. dr. P. Borst, emeritus hoogleraar klinische biochemie Prof. dr. D. D. Breimer, emeritus hoogleraar farmacologie Prof. dr. W. M. J. Levelt, emeritus hoogleraar psycholinguïstiek Prof. dr. A. Rijnberk, emeritus hoogleraar interne geneeskunde gezelschapsdieren REDACTIE B. van Dien, [email protected] Aanleveren van kopij, maximaal 1500 woorden, in Word. Afbeeldingen dienen als aparte bestanden aangeleverd te worden, elektronische figuren tif- of jpeg-format, minimaal 600 pixels. De redactie behoudt zich het recht voor artikelen en brieven te redigeren en in te korten. De auteurs verlenen impliciet toestemming voor openbaarmaking van hun bijdrage in de elektroni- sche uitgave van het Nederlands Tijdschrift tegen de Kwakzalverij. Jaarabonnement: e 37,50 Losse nummers: e 9,50 ISSN: 1571-5469 Omslagtekening: VolZicht door Peter Welleman Vereniging tegen de Kwakzalverij opgericht 1 januari 1881 Correspondentieadres: Harmoniehof 65, 1071 TD Amsterdam tel: 0620616743, e-mail: [email protected] BESTUUR Voorzitter: mw. C. J. de Jong, anesthesiologe, Amsterdam Secretaris: prof. dr. F. S. A. M. van Dam, psycholoog, Amsterdam Penningmeester: drs. R. Giebels, econoom, Amsterdam LEDEN G. R. van den Berg, psychiater, Amsterdam Dr. M. J. ter Borg, MDL-arts, Veldhoven Dr. T. P. C. Dorlo, farmacoloog, Amsterdam Mr. Th. J. Douma, oud-advocaat, Leiden Prof. -
Defending Isagenix a Case Study in Flawed Thinking
SI Jan Feb 11 from home_SI new design masters 11/12/10 11:56 AM Page 41 Defending Isagenix A Case Study in Flawed Thinking Do those who comment on blogs even read the articles they are responding to? Here is a case study in emotional thinking, ad hominem arguments, logical fallacies, irrationality, and misinformation. HARRIET HALL he Internet is a wonderful medium for communicat- To illustrate, let’s look at some re- sponses to a piece I wrote about a ing ideas and information in a rapid, interactive way. weight-loss product called Isagenix, TMany online articles are followed by a section for which is sold through a multilevel mar- comments. Like so many things in this imperfect world, keting (MLM) scheme. To quote its website verbatim, “The Isagenix cleanse comments are a mixed blessing. They can enhance the ar- is unique because it not only removes ticle by correcting errors, adding further information, or impurities at the cellular level, it builds contributing useful thoughts to a productive discussion. the body up with incredible nutrition. Besides detoxing the body, Isagenix But all too often the comments section consists of emo- teaches people a wonderful lesson that tional outbursts, unwarranted personal attacks on the au- they don’t need to eat as much as they thor, logical fallacies, and misinformation. It provides are accustom [sic] to and eating healthy choices are really important and also a irrational and ignorant people with a soapbox from which lot of the food we are eating is nutri- to promote prejudices and false information. -
Opening Shots from the Center for Inquiry R ••••J3J1 \\\\\W
News Opening Shots from the Center for Inquiry A milestone in the 19-year history of Center for Inquiry—shared by the the Committee for the Scientific Council for Democratic and Secular Investigation of Claims of the Humanism—features a library com Paranormal was the grand opening plex for 50,000 volumes, offices, and June 9, 1995, of the new Center for meeting/seminar rooms. Many notable Inquiry building near the State speakers offered congratulations to the University of New York at Buffalo organization for meeting this ambi campus in Amherst, New York. The tious goal. Author, entertainer, and media pioneer Steve Allen co-chaired the "Price of Before the Center for Inquiry's dramatic Reason" campaign and gave a special Nobel Laureate Herbert Hauptman scalloped windows, a capacity crowd performance to celebrate the opening. lectured on "Defending Reason in an hears 77me Science Editor Emeritus Leon He also delighted attendees with droll Irrational World." Jaroff extol the virtues of critical thinking. remarks after cutting the ribbon to open the new Center for Inquiry. Center for Inquiry-West Opens in Los Angeles July 7, 1995. marked yet another stage in the I expansion of CSICOP's outreach. Entertainer I Steve Allen joined CSICOP Chair Paul Kurtz, [ Executive Director Barry Karr, Senior Research Fellow Joe Nickell, and many others to dedicate CSICOP's new Los Angeles r ••••J3J1 \\\\\W branch office, the Center for Inquiry-West. CFI-West will serve as a regional office I for the states of California, Oregon. I Washington, and Nevada. Most important, it will offer new and more direct access to the nation's media centers in the Los Angeles area. -
Red Internacional Escéptica
RED INTERNACIONAL ESCÉPTICA EUROPA European Council of Skeptical Organizations pour I’Etude des Phenomenes Paranormaux.Mer- PORTUGAL: CEPO; Contacto: Ludwig Krippahl, Praceta Pero (ECSO). Presidente:Amardeo Sarma.Arheilger Weg 11, lin Gerin. RGE/A2 38050 Grenoble Cedex. Union Ra- Escobar, N 2 R/c Dto 2675-599 Odivelas. Correo-e: 64380 Rossdorf.Alemania. Fax: +49 6154 695022.Tel.: tionaliste. Contacto: Jean-Paul Krivine. 14, Rue de l’E- [email protected] +49 6154 695023. Correo-e: [email protected]. cole Polytechnique. 75005 París. REINO UNIDO: Association for Skeptical Enquiry ALEMANIA: Society for the Scientific Investigation of HUNGRÍA: Hungarian Skeptics.Gyula Bencze.Termes- (ASKE),P.O. Box 5994 Ripley DE5 3XL. Fax.: +44 114 Para-Science (GWUP).Presidente:Amardeo Sarma.Ar- zet Vilaga. PO Box 25. Budapest 8, 1444. Fax: 011- 221 7319. Correo-e.: [email protected]. The Skep- heilger Weg 11, 64380 Rossdorf.Tel.: +49-6154695021. 3611187506. tical Inquirer: Representante: Michael J. Hutchinson. 10 Fax: +49-6154695022. Correo-e.: [email protected]. IRLANDA: Irish Skeptics.Contacto: Peter O’Hara. St. Jose- Crescent View. Loughton. Essex 1G10 4PZ. Correo-e.: BÉLGICA: Committee Para. Presidente: J. Dommanget. ph’s Hospital, Limerick. [email protected]. ‘The Skeptic Magazine’: Editores: Observatoire Royal de Belgique.Avenue Circulaire 3. B- ITALIA: Comitato Italiano per il Controllo delle Toby Howard y Steve Donnelly. PO Box 475. Manchester 1180 Brussels. SKEPP.Secretario:W. Betz. Laarbeeklaan Affermazioni sul Paranormale (CICAP). Contacto: M60 2TH. Correo-e.: [email protected]. 103. B1090 Brussels. Fax: 32-2-4774701. Massimo Polidoro, editor Scienza & Paranormale.PO Box REPÚBLICA CHECA: Czech Club of Skeptics.Contac- ESTONIA: Contacto: Indrek Rohtmets. -
Qanon • 75 Years of the Bomb • Vaccine History • Raising
SQANON • K75 YEARS OF ETHE BOMB P• VACCINE HISTORYT • RAISINGI CTHE DEAD? Extraordinary Claims, Revolutionary Ideas & the Promotion of Science—Vol.25Science—Vol.25 No.4No.4 2020 $6.95 USA and Canada www.skeptic.com • WHAT IS QANON? • HOW QANON RECYCLES CENTURIES-OLD CONSPIRACY BELIEFS • HOW QANON HURTS THEIR OWN CAUSE • QANON IN CONSPIRATORIAL CONTEXT watch or listen for free Hear leading scientists, scholars, and thinkers discuss the most important issues of our time. Hosted by Michael Shermer. #146 Dr. DonalD Prothero— # 130 Dr. DeBra Soh—the end # 113 Dave ruBIn— # 106 Dr. DanIel ChIrot— Weird earth: Debunking Strange of Gender: Debunking the Myths Don’t Burn this Book: you Say you Want a revolution? Ideas about our Planet about Sex & Identity in our Society thinking for yourself in an radical Idealism and its tragic age of unreason Consequences #145 GreG lukIanoff—Mighty # 129 Dr. Mona Sue WeISSMark Ira: the aClu’s controversial involve- —the Science of Diversity # 112 ann Druyan—Cosmos: # 105 Dr. DIana PaSulka— ment in the Skokie case of 1977. Possible Worlds. how science and american Cosmic: ufos, # 128 MIChael ShellenBerGer civilization grew up together religion, and technology #144 Dr. aGuStIn fuenteS— —apocalypse never: Why environ- Why We Believe: evolution and the mental alarmism hurts us all human Way of Being # 127 Dr. WIllIaM Perry and #143 Dr. nICholaS ChrIStakIS— toM CollIna—the Button: the apollo’s arrow: the Profound and new nuclear arms race and Presi- enduring Impact of Coronavirus on dential Power from truman to trump the Way We live # 126 Sarah SColeS—they are #142 Dr. -
Lobby Groups the Australian Skeptics
Lobby Groups The Australian Skeptics ( www.skeptics.com.au ) is a confederation of groups around Australia that advocate for the government's immunisation policy. Subscribers of this confederation refer to all individuals questioning vaccines as "anti-vaxers". This is a misrepresentation of many consumers speaking against the number of vaccines we are now using. Many consumers want choice (without ties to financial entitlements and childcare places or employment) in the number of vaccines we use. I have provided information below on the Australian Skeptics to help consumers understand the context in which information on vaccination is being presented to the public. The Australian Skeptics The Australian Skeptics claim to investigate paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. Representatives of the Australian Skeptics use the media and websites to influence public opinion on scientific issues. Subscribers of the Skeptics come from a variety of professions and backgrounds and they publish articles in a non-peer reviewed journal called The Skeptic. In 2009 a complaint was made against the Australian Vaccination Network (AVN), by a Skeptic subscriber, Ken McLeod, a retired air-traffic controller. Details of this complaint are listed below. The Australian Skeptics provided him with the Thornett award and $1,000 for his efforts in complaining about this consumer group (the AVN) to the NSW Health Care Complaints Committee (HCCC). The Complaint made against the AVN: In 2009, a subscriber of the Canberra Skeptics, Ken McLeod, made a complaint to the NSW Healthcare Complaints Committee (HCCC) about the AVN - consumers who are concerned about the number of vaccines being recommended by the Australian government. -
Skepticism 2.0
Skepticism 2.0 D.J. GROTHE hen Carl Sagan, James Randi, Paul Kurtz, Martin from CSICOP’s own magazine subscriber lists. Groups were Gardner, Ray Hyman, and others came together formed in the Washington, DC, and Los Angeles regions and W in the mid-1970s to form the Committee for the in a number of other cities around the U.S. and abroad. A Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Para normal (CSICOP, movement, not merely a magazine, was beginning to form. now CSI), did they plan on starting a worldwide grassroots In recent years, new developments in technology and soci- critical-thinking movement? Did they craft a plan to deputize ety have allowed this skeptical movement to reach out in new everyday people to speak out in their communities about the directions, sometimes departing from tested ways of advancing prevailing nonsensical ideas of the day? Did they envision the skeptical outlook that have worked in the past. This is the young people meeting up regularly to be skeptical together, as next generation of skepticism. This is Skepticism 2.0. in the growing Skeptics in the Pub events in cities across North America and around the world? New Media for New Audiences Often citing inspiration from the founders of CSI, an “aver- age Joe” skeptical citizen, possibly without special training or background in skepticism and with the help of only a computer connected to the Internet, can reach out to an audience that the skeptical magazines and organizations never would have reached I doubt it. These men had the laudable ambition to orga- nize leading think ers and social critics to respond authorita- tively to growing trends of credulity in society: increased belief in the power of psychics, the phenomenon of Uri Geller, UFO beliefs, ancient astronaut theories, popular belief in ghost hauntings and channeling, faith healers and religious charla- tans, and the like.