Skeptical Inquirer is published by the Committee for Scientific Investigation into Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), an organization founded by Martin Gardner (
Did Adam and Eve Have Navels? ) and James “The Amazing” Randi.
This magazine focuses on debunking paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. It does so in a scholarly, and often entertaining manner. Each issue is packed with articles investigating such subjects as dowsing, ESP, remote viewing, UFO’s, Homeopathy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Crypto zoology, Recovered memories, magnetic healing, anti-gravity shields, and a variety of other absurd claims.It also deals with some claims from the barely respectable edge of science like
Time Travel However, the most useful feature of the magazine is the large amount of space it often spends combating Creationism and/or Intelligent Design.
SI is a great resource for anyone who wishes to refute the absurd and antiscientific claims made by these fundamentalist irrationalists.
John Edward (
Crossing Over) has also received much deserved attention in the pages of
Skeptical Inquirer. The magazine has devoted many articles to debunking the outrageous claims of this blatant charlatan.
SI is written from a scholarly perspective. It does not attempt to dumb down the writing style, as many of today’s periodicals do. If a subject requires formal, or technical language, or a large amount of statistical analysis, then the article on that subject will be difficult. I find this to be a welcome change from most magazines that I encounter. The editors realize that their target audience is well educated, and should not be talked down to. Unfortunately, this will lead many average people to disregard the magazine as dull, or overly complicated.
The magazine does inject the occasional stab of humor. Once in a while an article will appear that tickles the funny bone (one recent example was an article arguing that if life was designed, then we should sue the designer for malpractice).
Another wonderful feature is the review section. Each issues several important books are reviewed in depth. The books range from those covering the paranormal (fairies, ESP, communication with the dead), to those that address science, both real and fringe (A recent Issue covers Wolfram’s
A New Kind of Science).
SI also looks at skepticism in our culture. Recent issues have discussed skepticism in
South Park, and the Showtime series
Penn and Teller: BullSh**. These are fun little diversions that point the skeptical reader toward entertaining and informative television programs, books, etc. that will be of interest.
The Magazine is published bi-monthly, at has a cover price of $4.95 (every issue I have purchased has had the words “Introductory Price” next to the price. I assume that this cost point is offered on news stands to lure subscribers, who then pay a higher price). It is not always easy to find. Wal-Mart is not likely to stock it. I purchase my copy at Books A Million, but have also seen it in other large book stores.
In a world where we are surrounded by magazines devoted to Astrology, Celebrity gossip, Monster trucks, fashion, UFO’s, and other garbage,
Skeptical Inquirer is a breath of fresh air. It is intelligent, highly logical, and very timely.
SI is a much needed resource, and should be read by everyone who cares about the pursuit of reason, and the defeat of ignorance.
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