Skeptical Inquirer EDITOR'S NOTE THE MAGA21NI (Ol SCIINCI AND MASON EDITOR Kendrick Frazier EDITORIAL BOARD The Skepticism of Inclusion James E. Alcock Barry Beyerstein Thomas Casten s we near the turn of the millennium, the modern skeptical movement has an Martin Gardner opportunity to broaden its outreach and appeal. Ray Hyman A Lawrence Jones How? Here arc some suggestions: Philip J. Klass • Take every opportunity to show that science (and the critical inquiry that is a Paul Kurtz Joe Nickell key part of it) is fun, interesting, positive, challenging, provocative, life-changing, civ Lee Nisbet ilization-advancing, awe-inspiring. Amardeo Sarma • Show that science is open to all new ideas, actively welcomes new evidence and Bela Scheiber Eugenie Scott explanatory theories, and loves overturning previously held precepts. It can be revo CONSULTING EDITORS lutionary. Scientists, in fact, arc happiest when they are lucky enough to be partici Robert A. Baker pating in a true scientific revolution. The only criterion: All new evidence must Susan J. Blackmore John R. Cole repeatedly be subjected to, and pass, rigorous testing. Kenneth L. Feder • Emphasize the positive that skepticism is common sense in action; in addition C. E. M. Hansel E. C. Krupp to its crucial role in science, it is a necessary part of everyday life that we all use and Scott O. Lilienfeld embrace. It is not elitist. To the contrary, it is the most democratic of attributes. We David F. Marks all have it and can put it into action on our own behalf. When we kick the tires, check James E. Oberg Robert Sheaffer the cash register tape, question ads and commercials, criticize our politicians, we are David E. Thomas using native skepticism. Skepticism is self-protective consumerism. Richard Wiseman MANAGING EDITOR • Forego educational tests fot participation. Ph.D.s play a major role in science Benjamin Radford and in skeptical inquiry, but higher degrees arc hardly a requirement to be skeptical. ART DIRECTOR Anyone can participate. The people I've known with me most common sense are Chris Kolasny those in highly practical occupations such as farmers, ranchers, plumbers, mechanics, PRODUCTION Kristen Kowalski builders, pilots, engineers. Wishful thinking plays little role in these fields. Paul Loynes • Forego religious tests. Scientists and skeptics include religious people as well as CARTOONIST atheists, and every form, degree, and level of belief or disbelief in between. There are Rob Pudim WEB PAGE DESIGNER many strong views and opinions about such matters, but they arc personal. That's not Patrick Fitzgerald what science is about. PUBLISHER'S REPRESENTATIVE • Welcome young people to the quest. If dinosaurs, animals, space, and astron Barry Karr omy are ways of exciting young people about learning about the natural world, skep CORPORATE COUNSEL tical inquiry can likewise be used to stimulate young people's critical thinking to go Brenton N. VerPloeg along with their innate curiosity and sense of wonder, which should be everlastingly ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Sandra Lesniak treasured. FISCAL OFFICER • Welcome more women. Everything possible should be done to involve more Diana Picciano women in science and skepticism. Women have long been equal participants with CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER men in all phases of education and professional life, and science and die skeptical James Kimberly ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT movement needs the intelligence, enthusiasm, ideas, experience, and insights of Anthony C. Battaglia everyone. Minorities also need more encouragement. CHIEF DATA OFFICER • Welcome the activities of skeptical groups at all levels. CSICOP and the Richard Seymour FULFILLMENT MANAGER SKEPTICAL INQUIRER have helped foster local and regional groups throughout the Michael Cione United States and all over the world. They are independent, and all have their own STAFF personalities and different ways of doing things. That diversity should be welcomed, Jodi Chapman Allison Cossitt and the wonderful strength and freshness they bring to die skeptical movement cap Matthew Nisbet italized upon. Paul Paulin Etienne Rios The skeptical movement can draw strength from our natural love of discovery, Ranjit Sandhu people's positive attitudes toward science, the liberating and revolutionary aspects of Sharon Sikora science, and the welcome involvement of people from widely varying backgrounds Kathy Vaughn Vance Vigrass and viewpoints. The skepticism of inclusion can bring new strength, vigor, and fresh Dana Walpole ness to the skeptical movement. INQUIRY MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Thomas Flynn DIRECTOR OF UBRARIES Timothy S. Binga
The SKEPTICAL INQUIRE* is the official 'X272 journal of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. a~~ an international organization.
4 March/April 1999 SKEPTICAL INQUIRER