Skeptics and Antiseptics

by Nick Norlen

Philosophy

When Temple University philosophy professor Miriam Solomon presents "The Social Epistemology of Medical Consensus Conferences" on March 19, she'll be speaking to a roomful of skeptics. The event is hosted by the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), an organization dedicated to debunking pseudo-science with the real thing. But according to PhACT's Web site, they're coming with open minds: "Contrary to popular opinion, skeptics are not knee-jerk naysayers. We don't prejudge issues, we simply ask to see the evidence." Evidence is exactly what's insisted upon by epistemology, the philosophical equivalent of that little kid who keeps asking "why" until one parent sends him to the other. Never satisfied with the answer "just because," investigating an issue this way is a painful process, but it's necessary to get to the bottom of things, especially when they're as important as our health care. The National Institutes of Health routinely "organizes major conferences that produce evidence-based consensus statements addressing controversial issues in medicine important to health care providers, patients, and the general public." Solomon will detail the procedures by which these statements are constructed and whether they're worth your time. In the past, PhACT has turned its attention on health issues, such as "therapeutic touch," the new trend in nursing, and what constitutes a cure for a disease. Turn on your skeptical sonar and prepare to be enlightened. Just don't let anyone convince you that pet psychics aren't totally legit.

"The Social Epistemology of Medical Consensus Conferences" with Miriam Solomon, Sat., March 19, 2 p.m., free, Community College of Philadelphia, 17th and Spring Garden sts., www.phact.org.