What tickles your funny bone?

2010-04-07T16:38:12Z

I think it's about time we had a place to post skeptically-related items that make us smile :)

Here's one to start us off, an old but good Onion story.

Is there a proof of Telekinesis or Psychokinesis? Is it real?

2010-07-18T12:46:46Z

Is there a proof of Telekinesis or Psychokinesis? Is it real? I dont believe it because i dont have any scientific proof and it is never seen on TV or big screens

What is missing in the world of skeptical podcasting/blogging?

2010-03-31T17:24:44Z

What subjects, topics, themes or approaches are not been sufficiently explored in the world of skeptical media?

Wikifying this for back and forth discussion.

Do skeptics have a religion?

2010-07-26T17:27:16Z

Do skeptics have a religion or believe in religion?

The Burka ban - an ethical dilemma for sceptical thought?

2010-01-26T10:57:28Z

Big news this morning here in France - looks like Sarko is going to follow up the ban in schools with a full ban of the burka and niqab in public places.

There are several arguments. Sarko and the UMP argue that the burka is contrary to the Republic's principles and the Declaration of the rights of man and the citizen. Socialists say that it would be impossible to enforce upon the estimated 1,900 burka wearers in France. Doom-mongers say it might be the spark that ignites the powder-keg that is France's neglected and discriminated-against 5m strong Muslim population - Europe's largest.

A naturally conservative way of thinking has seen a lot of support for the ban, and the UMP's wording has been compelling - that displays of radical religious practice ought to be outlawed and individuals barred from citizenship. Scientology, for example, has long been outlawed as a 'cult' in France, its promotion and practice are punishable by law. I find that general attitude hard to disagree with - although I'm highly suspicious of the motives at times.

On the other hand, I would suggest that stigmatising people is not a very clever way to discourage radical religion, and also that, quite frankly, who cares what people wear? What if I want to wear a burka tomorrow? Does it really degrade women?

Mormonism - What is the evidence for Jesus' travels in America?

2010-07-09T14:50:31Z

Mormonism, which I am only aware of through the book America Unchained by Dave Gorman, is not a religion I've ever really come across. (I do feel suitably ignorant).

I have read a few things about how this started, but I feel I need some solid answers to the following questions:

1) How did Jesus get to America in 400AD and what was he doing between 30AD and 400AD?

2) Does the gold breastplate exist?

3) Were the translated 1835 Michael Chandler parchments claiming to be the word of God really a funeral listing of Judea and where are they now?

I guess I know the answers to all these questions, but is there any evidence for Joseph Smith's claims or is the whole thing are inexplicable as Scientology?

What is determinism?

2010-04-04T17:57:38Z

From Wikipedia:

Determinism is the view that every event, including human cognition, behavior, decision, and action, is causally determined by an unbroken chain of prior occurrences.1 Determinists believe the universe is fully governed by causal laws resulting in only one possible state at any point in time. With numerous historical debates, many varieties and philosophical positions on the subject of determinism exist, most prominently the debate involving compatibilism and incompatibilism. Determinism should not be confused with predeterminism, which specifically factors the existence of God into its tenets.

Is there evidence for/against? Is it possible to have evidence for/against? Is it a rational position to accept/deny determinism? What is the impact of quantum mechanics on determinism, such as the "randomness" of spacial behavior at the quantum level, quantum foam?

Is recycling worth it?

2010-04-25T00:47:29Z

Whilst looking frustratedly at the recycling piling up in my garage, waiting for me to deliver it to the center since the pick-up service in our neighborhood is so stringent that trying to fit within their requirements is pointless, I wondered - how effective has recycling been at protecting the environment, ie. reducing the amount of garbage that can be dumped where it might cause harm, increasing processing efficiency to reduce carbon footprint, energy usage, emission release, or other harmful results of producing consumer goods? Is it really worth the time and trouble we take to participate, or are we fooling ourselves with feel-good notions of self-righteousness? Is it more or less effective depending on location, collection/processing method, type of material, etc.?

Skeptic Exchange to CLOSE DOWN! Help save it!

2010-07-11T10:34:52Z

How To Help

To help save Skeptic Exchange please visit Area 51 and:

Follow the "Skeptic Exchange" proposal (you can use your Skeptic Exchange login)
Ask an "on topic" question (you are quite welcome to copy and paste question from here)
Ask an "off topic" (this helps define the site and prevents it becoming too generalised)
Spread the word! We need at least 60 followers to save the site!!! Click on the share link over at Area 51.

Why is Skeptic Exchange closing down?

The entire "knowledge exchange" concept was a beta and always in flux. The people behind the software have done an excellent job and have allowed Skeptic Exchange to expand and grow.

However they offer this service for free and it has become unsustainable. There for they want to move all the popular sites (Skeptic Exchange being one of those) to a better dedicated service. However we need to prove the usefulness of this site by following it on the Area 51 site.

Is there a convincing argument for free will?

2010-05-12T17:34:26Z

It is generally (although not universally) accepted that people have "free will", which I would define (off the cuff) as possessing the ability to make decisions that are not mandated consequences of the immediate preceding physical states of one's body and environment, nor random chance, nor some combination of the two.

Interestingly, proponents of free will include many religious people who nevertheless accept that the universe is exactly how it was created to be at any given moment, and populated with individuals who were created to do exactly as they do at any given moment, with an overarching but obscured 'plan' in place that controls or defines all of existence from the very beginning to the very outcome.

How would you define "free will"? Are there cogent arguments in favor of free will, or are they all forms of Arguments from Consequences of Belief? Does a lack of free will imply determinism, or vice versa? Does free will require a supernatural mind or soul? Can the presence or absence of free will be tested scientifically, and if so what does the research so far show? What are some of the implications of having, or lacking, free will?

Are Dark Matter and Energy Evidence for the Existence of God?

2010-05-01T19:06:47Z

Put on your critical-thinking caps and try this thought experiment on for size. Sorry about the mixed metaphors. :)

Often persons who are critical-thinking and religious argue the deist position: God set everything in motion and stood back. Some contend God not only created the universe and the rules according to which the universe operates, but is the universe and/or the rules.

Dark matter explains why the galaxies have not flown apart. The missing mass needed for Einstein's gravity to slow the accelerated expansion of the universe.

Dark energy is the explanation given to account for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Without dark energy, the universe would have collapsed in upon itself long ago.

However, we do not know what either of these are. We have yet to directly detect dark matter and dark energy, yet most astronomers and physicists are convinced of their existence.

What is the difference between the concept of a god or gods and these? Do the religious apologists not argue similarly that god is unseen, yet has a direct, ongoing affect upon the universe? Does this not allow god back into the universe in an effective form beyond our understanding? Are dark matter and dark energy not two sides of the same god-coin? Are they not the push-pull, the yin-yang, the balance that continually creates and sustains all that is?

I look forward to your thoughts.

Does the Evolutionary Theory "Supernormal Stimuli Theory" Effectively Argue for a Ban on Vices?

2010-05-16T17:12:01Z

Before continuing, I encourage you to listen to the most recent For Good Reason podcast featuring Deirdre Barrett, an evolutionary psychologist. Barrett argues supernormal stimuli cause exaggerated responses to evolved instincts "designed" (her and DJ Grothe's words, not mine) to respond to the same types of stimuli. Supernormal stimuli are more intense versions of stimuli which were important in our evolutionary past. At that time our ancestors would have instinctively responded to these stimuli. Now we still react to the same stimuli; however the stimuli are either more intense, or more frequent.

Take high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt foods, for example. Barrett points out the relative scarcity of these when humanoids were hunter-gatherers compared to the present. We, she contends, still are primed to seek these foods and respond similarly. Unfortunately, though, these foods are supernormally abundant and supernormally rich in fat, sugar, and salt. And although we no longer need to consume these foods every time they are available, we are still driven to do so instinctively.

She makes the same point about sex with pornography being the supernormal stimuli. Barrett, is not making a moral judgment, but points out the drive for sexual satisfaction may interfere with normal relationships.

Eventually Barrett contends we should consider banning trans fats...etc. Her point is, these are such strong stimuli, the pose a threat.

I take issue not with the science Barrett offers; and I admit, I have not read her book, and defer to anyone who has. However, I take issue with a great deal of what she said in the podcast:

By banning products and advertisements that illicit the supernormal stimulus response, are we not undermining democracy?
Barrett sells human intelligence short. The irony is, she can see the problem with supernormal stimuli, yet her call for a ban suggests she does not extend that same cognitive ability to others.
Though she does (when pressed by Grothe) agree humans are capable of being skeptical of and thinking rationally about these supernormal stimuli, she still suggests a ban or taxing heavily as opposed to education.
Barrett ties our ability to be skeptical and rational to our large neocortex, however, she does not tie it at all to evolution. The only mention of evolution is in terms of the instincts we evolved as hunter-gatherers. I am sure, if asked, she would say our brains evolved. I find it curious, though, it does not come out in the formulation of her thesis.
Why did Grothe not press Barrett more?

Anyway, there are other things that bothered me about this interview; listen to it yourself, maybe you'll find more, or maybe you'll disagree with me. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the podcast, and recommend it.

Let me know what you think.

Is being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender unnatural?

2010-01-23T21:50:40Z

A favorite argument of conservatives and even moderates against LGBT culture and acceptance is that same-sex partnerships or gender reassignment are unnatural. Is this the case? Feel free to address examples in nature, requirement of surgery or medication, effects on society, historical bases, etc. This is an issue on which extensive information is available I am sure.

Chinese Birth Charts

2010-07-08T13:28:17Z

A friend of mine recently became pregnant one of the more woo things she has come out with is Chinese Birth Charts.

On the admittedly tiny data set of 5 the chart was 100% accurate.

I in no way believe this can be 90% accurate as some claims make out. But I'd like to see some studies.

Can any one please point me to studies/papers that prove one way or another.

What are the Consequences of Species Extinction & Biodiversity Loss?

2010-06-06T11:23:33Z

Research indicates increasing rates of extinction of animal species (most research focuses on fauna), although there is no agreed upon best method to gauge the rate.

Questions this Raises:

What is causing this increase?
What are the consequences of this increase?
How are animal extinction rates tied to other environmental and ecological factors?
What can humanity do to slow or reverse extinction rates?
What responsibility does humanity have to slow or reverse extinction rates?

Can we infer anything about existence before the universe emerged?

2010-05-31T18:47:42Z

Does physics/cosmology allow us to infer anything about what existed before the universe emerged? If yes, then what? If not, then might it ever be possible? Is 'before' even an appropriate term to use, or perhaps are we just considering the existence of anything 'outside of' or 'other than' the universe?

Was DDT as dangerous as common wisdom would have us believe?

2010-06-10T03:36:05Z

Ask "anyone" and you'll hear that DDT was responsible for countless deformed children, failed pregnancies, and other awful consequences. I have heard mention more than once how terrible it is that DDT is currently used in third world countries as a pesticide.

Is DDT still used now? Was/is it really 'that bad', proportional to other causes of mortality/deformity? Was/is it responsible for so many terrible reproductive outcomes? Is there any context to the use of the substance (sprayed on people as a fumigant vs. on crops as a pesticide for example), or is it just an incredibly dangerous chemical that should never have been employed and should not be now? Is it more harmful than other pesticides and comparable chemicals used today?

Design a Skeptic Exchange Logo!

2010-04-08T22:34:07Z

RJ indicated before that SE will need a new logo at some point, so why wait? If you have an idea, post it here!

How much did Washington know about the the attack on Pearl Harbor before it happened?

2010-02-10T08:10:38Z

According to Wikipedia: "Allegations have been made by conspiracy theorists and former armed forces personnel that some members of the Roosevelt administration had advance knowledge of the attack, but purposefully ignored it in order to gain public and Congressional support for America entering the war on the side of the British Empire and her allies."

It sort of seems like there is something to this conspiracy theory (in its weaker form) but a combination of forces prevented appropriate communication between Washington and Hawaii, even right up until the attack.

How do we weigh the various evidence? Has enough information been declassified to reach a satisfying conclusion? Are there any good skeptical articles that sort of summarize this subject?

Should You Fear Your Sofa, Baby Stroller and Nursing Pillow?

2010-01-18T17:31:38Z

A posted article on Think|Atheist tells parents to be terrified of our baby equipment. Is there any truth to this? Should we be as concerned as the article claims?

In 1972, California passed legislation requiring flammability standards for upholstered furniture and baby products like high chairs, strollers and nursing pillows. Manufacturers met these new standards by using inexpensive, toxic and untested flame retardant chemicals. These flame retardants contained hazardous halogenated chemicals similar to PCB's and Dioxins, two of the most toxic classes of chemicals, Untested in humans, these brominated and chlorinated flame retardants can cause cancer, birth defects, neurological and reproductive or endocrine disruption in every animal species studied. As a result, one state's law has become the de facto standard for the country and poses a serious threat to everyone in the nation. Californians, in fact, have earned the dubious honor of having the highest amount of toxic flame retardant chemicals in their bodies of any people on the planet.

Are Insects Sentient Beings?

2009-12-30T04:19:01Z

...To any extent, at least. Science seems to hold that a creature like a bee, for example, with a tiny, million-neurone brain, should be little more than a simple bundle of mechanisms than encourage it to perform life's neccesary tasks. I see something more complex in bees, ants, cockroaches and spiders (and probably countless other insects) that suggests to me that they, being heavily reliant on sight and touch, perhaps are sentient or 'conscious' of their existence. Is there any further evidence for this? Do they feel pain? Can they die from stress? Should we treat insects with some degree of the care we might treat a mammal or bird?

Is polygamy bad?

2010-05-31T18:44:21Z

What would be the secular arguments against permitting legally-binding polygamy in the same way as traditional marriage is a legal contract (or for, apart from allowing social freedom)?

Seven languages of love

2010-06-02T00:35:04Z

I have been trying to find evidence for the book by this name but i can't find this. Does anyone know if there is any evidence whatsoever for it?

www.5lovelanguages.com Dr. Gary Chapman reveals how different people express love in different ways. What speaks volumes to you may be meaningless to your spouse. But here, at last, is the key to understanding each other's needs. Learn the right language, and soon you'll know the profound satisfaction of being able to express your love and - feeling truly loved in return. - ISBN-10: 1881273156 - ISBN-13: 978-1881273158 http://www.amazon.com/Five-Love-Languages-Heartfelt-Commitment/dp/1881273156

Was the formation of Israel a "good thing"?

2010-06-13T18:50:35Z

Helen Thomas, long-time veteran of the White House Press Corp, was booted out recently in the wake of her comments regarding Israelis in Palestine who, in her words, should "get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to Poland, Germany, and America (comments, Ms. Thomas' response, questions over double standards, a contextual defense of her position, and for for spirited denunciations of the comments just google).

This got me thinking: has the formation of the nation of Israel been a "good thing"?

This could be answered from the perspective of Jews, Palestinians, other interested Middle Eastern and worldwide nations and groups, from an ethical or practical perspective, from arguments about how the formation occurred, UN involvement, and Xionist terrorism, to current pro-Palestinian terrorism. I am curious what the different possible positions are, and what evidence or reasoning there is to support them.

For example, has the formation of Israel, and their arming with nuclear weapons, helped return Jewish people to their cultural home and provided a refuge and bulwark against another potential Holocaust, or has it destabilized an entire region and promoted the rise of anti-Semitic extremism and led to Israeli oppression of others and preemptive or over-reactive warfare with other nations? What would the world look like, how would the Jewish experience be different, if Israel had not been established? Do the actions of both Israeli's and Palestinians speak to a desire for compromise and peace, or do they show a real desire for warfare that will claim complete victory for one side only? To what extent do short-term political issues get in the way of a long-term strategy for peace?

I think there are many facets to this complicated issue and they are important to understand from a factual perspective. I'm hoping the skillful skeptics here can help that along, although I'm sure many entire books have been written on these issues.

Are daily multivitamins useful?

2009-12-20T15:28:09Z

What's the current medical consensus on daily multivitamins? Are they effective for kids? For adults?

Is there any evidence to support ancient astronaut theories?

2009-10-25T08:14:04Z

Ancient astronaut theories propose that extraterrestrials have visited Earth in the past and have originated or developed human religion, culture and/or technology.

Is there any evidence to support such theories?

Good arguments for Swine flu jab

2009-10-15T17:32:24Z

What is the best argument to convince someone who is 'at risk', i.e:

Individuals aged six months to 65 years with underlying health problems and the immuno-supressed, which includes chemotherapy patients

Pregnant women

Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems

Individuals aged over 65 with health problems

(Swine flu jabs starting next week — BBC)

that the vaccination is a good idea. I'm especially interested in convincing a pregnant friend of mine.

Migranes and dehydration

2010-05-17T13:08:50Z

I recently heard that "most headaches and migraines are caused by dehydration" i can not find any research on pro or con on this claim. Can anyone help?

Did Jesus exist?

2010-02-01T22:04:41Z

What is the historical evidence for/against the existence of a person called Jesus of Nazareth around the purported time that he is supposed to have existed, and/or how supportive is the evidence of the (admittedly contradictory) "accounts" as written in the gospels of the Christian bible.

What is biocentrism, and is it a scientific theory?

2010-05-26T20:46:46Z

I stumbled across this term reading a Huffington Post article. What is biocentrism, and is it pure philosophy or does it have a scientific basis, or potential for scientific testing? Is it really a possible explanation for why we haven't encountered manifest signs of alien life yet?

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