Humanism uncontaminated. (letters to the editor).

To promote humanism as a philosophy, completely separate from supernaturalism and devoted to scientific methods, should preclude from publication and dissemination claims that a "god spot" has been identified in the human brain when a certain region is stimulated electrically. I refer to the Richard H. Nethe article, "The Demystification of Islam," in the November/December 2002 issue of the Humanist.

Even though a "god spot" has been suggested by some researchers who dared to claim such nonsense, the most appropriate conclusion is that past learning or experiences are known to influence what a subject perceives when a specific brain site is stimulated. And whether a god or a monster or other idea is perceived, past learning or exposure (and possibly even an inherited trait such as pure-tone talent in music) would be the only plausible explanations. Thus delusions, falsehoods, "Falwellisms," distortions, truth, or fantasy may be perceived, but any "god" idea must first be learned. Far more significantly, that idea should be recognized as a human fabrication or bit of imagination, which I would challenge any scientist, the pope, or member of the clergy to distinguish from delusion. Obviously also, any "god spot," if not related to past learning, should be demonstrated in utero, in newborns, and especially on or in the genes and chromosomes of human ova and spermatozoa.

David S. Summers, M.D.
Neurologist
Erie, PA