Homeopathetic logic

It's so cute when homeopaths try to talk all sciency. This web page tries to offer responses to common challenges to homeopathy.

Here's the challenge...

Argument #3: There is no scientific proof from placebo controlled human trials that homeopathy is effective therefore homeopathic remedies are nothing but a placebo.

And the response...

Rebuttal #3: Placebos are by far the best studied medicines. Their benefits have been evaluated and proven in every placebo controlled study ever conducted. Placebos definitely have an effect; in fact they have become the standard by which all pharmaceutical are compared. ...

How can you test the efficacy of a placebo in a placebo-controlled study? It's like saying you can fly by pulling up on your bootstraps.

But let's not lose sight of the most glaring issue. To quote the Homeopathy Evidence Check from the British House of Commons,

In our view, the systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclusively demonstrate that homeopathic products perform no better than placebos.

Free hotel

I just booked my hotel for the conference ICIAM. What a bargain! Here's the confirmation page.


Indeed, I had to enter my VISA number to pay $0. Hmm... somehow this seems too good to be true. I'll wait a bit, and then call to confirm the reservation.

Reverse Speech: Hear what you want to hear

That's the title of my latest SkepticNorth blog post. Check it out.

Thanks to my sister's band, The Rotten, for the picture of Jan, their lead singer.