trentmkelly/rationalwiki huggingface dataset:
Alpha waves

[[File:Eeg alpha.svg|thumb|right|250px|Alpha waves, as read by an EEG over the course of one second]]{{pseudoscience}}
'''Alpha Waves''' are electric neural oscillations in the human brain, that can be recorded by EEG. They indicate a lack of visual processing and a lack of focus.<ref>[http://www.skepdic.com/alphawaves.html The Skeptic's Dictionary - alpha waves]</ref> In [[hypnosis]], [[meditation]], and other "altered states", these brain waves are seen as beneficial and desirable, despite evidence that they occur mostly under unpleasant or un-relaxed conditions, as an indicator of a loss of visual processing.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20021017171518/http:/www.monroeinstitute.org/research/alpha-binaural-beat.html</ref>

== Woo ==

Alpha waves have also been used in [[Handwave|handwaving]] proofs by [[medical woo]] and [[brainwave woo]] practitioners.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20050408155609/http:/www.appledrugs.com/WeightLoss.htm</ref> There is no evidence to support that alpha waves assist in the regeneration of the body while asleep, or that they are in any way beneficial to thought. In fact, the lack of focus they indicate would seem to indicate the contrary.

There are also [[new age]] claims that inducing a [[Schumann Resonance]] at alpha wave frequency -- presumably by having everyone on the planet meditate at the same time -- will heal mother Earth and bring about peace and harmony and stuff.

You can, however, control a computer with your alpha waves, if the computer has apparatus for detecting them.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060328004948/http://www.sciamdigital.com/index.cfm?fa=Products.ViewIssuePreview&ARTICLEID_CHAR=BF1E4528-72A7-4488-BCC7-E3E00536D2E Controlling Computers with Neural Signals from ''Scientific American Magazine'', Oct. 1996]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{stub|woo}}
[[Category:Woo]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience]]

Categories: Woo, Pseudoscience
Altruism

{{philosophy}}
{{cquote|We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone.<br>Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.|||Orson Welles}}

'''Altruism''' is a somewhat nebulous concept that involves "doing something for someone (or thing) else without being motivated to gain something for oneself".  The idea has evolved over thousands of years as a [[social]] strategy when "every man for himself" didn't pan out so well. At least in social species like [[human]]s, there is some reason to believe that altruism may be the key to an advanced society.<ref>[http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/01/is-sharing-the-key-to-advanced-society/ Is Sharing the Key to an Advanced Society?], The Raw Story</ref> [[Social democracy|We'll let you figure out the implications of that idea]].

Some may also say that altruism in humans happens because you sincerely want others to be happy whether you feel good about it or not.  After all, people do {{wpl|Category:Emergency workers killed in the September 11 attacks|give up their lives on behalf of others|.}}

Cynically, the very act of "selflessly giving" is ''prima facie'' selfish in the sense that it makes one feel like a really awesome [[Christ]]-like helping/healing person (going along the lines of "if you're not getting ''something'' out of altruism, then why are you doing it"). Just because you ''received'' the feeling of awesomeness does not mean that that was your motivation, but let's be real, you wouldn't do it if you didn't get ''some'' validation, even if only internal.

Outside of deeply-felt [[Christianity|Christian]] [[charity]], altruism is usually [[Reciprocal altruism|genetically beneficial anyway]].

Kin selection is an evolutionary strategy observed in humans in which they favor the reproduction and success of their close relatives and people that look like them; altruism is sometimes caused by a subconscious [[racism]].<ref>[[Wikipedia:Altruism#Evolutionary explanations]]</ref>

==Further reading==
*''Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior'' Christopher Boehm (Harvard University)
==See also==
*[[The Ant and the Peacock]]
*[[Auguste Comte]]
*[[Effective altruism]]
*[[Ethical altruism]]
*[[Morality]]
*[[Objectivism]], for a philosophy which gives this concept (and generally speaking, the rest of the human race) the finger and celebrates [[Greed|selfishness]] instead.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{stub|culture}}

[[Category:Anthropology]]

Categories: Anthropology
America

{{fork}}
*The '''Americas''', or simply '''America''', which is a pair of continents joined by a narrow isthmus, located between Europe and Africa to their east and Asia and [[Australia]] to their West. As such, it faces the Atlantic Ocean to the West and the Pacific to the East.
*[[North America]]
*[[Central America]]
*[[South America]]
*[[Latin America]]
*[[Native American]]
*The [[United States|United States of America]], commonly referred to simply as America, the sole superpower extant, although [[China]] is catching up rapidly.
*The [[Confederate States of America]]... you almost pulled it off, Rebels! But don't worry; [[racism]] is still alive and well in the U.S.
American Association of Christian Schools

{{christianity}}
The '''American Association of Christian Schools''' is an association of [[young Earth creationist]] schools, and they provide membership to [[creationist]] schools. The AACS has an extensive lobbying program in [[Washington DC]]. They accredit schools but they are not recognized by the US Department of Education. They also are associated with [[Bob Jones University|BJU Press]]. 

==Statement of faith==
{{cquote|

We believe that the [[Bible]], both the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s, was verbally inspired of God and is [[Biblical literalism|inerrant]] and is our only rule in matters of faith and practice. We believe in creation, not [[evolution]]; that man was created by the direct act of God and in the image of God. We believe that [[Adam and Eve]], in yielding to the temptation of [[Satan]], became fallen creatures. We believe that all men are born in sin. We believe in the Incarnation, the [[Virgin Birth]], and the Deity of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We believe in the vicarious and substitutional Atonement for the [[sin]]s of mankind by the shedding of His blood on the cross. We believe in the [[resurrection]] of His body from the tomb, His ascension to [[Heaven]], and that He is now our Advocate. We believe that He is personally coming again. We believe in His power to save men from sin. We believe in the necessity of the New Birth, and that this New Birth is through the regeneration of the [[Holy Spirit]]. We believe that salvation is by [[grace]] through [[faith]], plus nothing minus nothing, in the atoning blood of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We believe that this statement of faith is basic for Christian fellowship and that all [[born again]] men and women who sincerely accept it and are separated from the world of [[apostasy]] and sin can and should live together in peace, and that it is their Christian duty to promote harmony among the Believers.

We further believe in the Biblical doctrine of ecclesiastical separation, and therefore believe that churches and Christian schools should not be associated with, members of, or in accord with organizations or movements such as the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the modern [[charismatic movement]], or the [[ecumenical movement]].}}<ref>http://www.aacs.org/about-us/membership/statement-of-faith/</ref>

==Lobbying in Washington==
The association has an extensive [[lobbying]] program, as mentioned above. They advocate creationism, an [[anti-abortion]] stance and [[Family values|family "values"]]. Their goal is to protect "[[freedom]]s" for Christian schools.<ref>http://www.aacs.org/about-us/</ref> 

==External links==
*[http://www.aacs.org/ Official website]

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

[[Category:Creationism]]

Categories: Creationism
American Association of Nutritional Consultants

{{foodnav}}
The '''American Association of Nutritional Consultants''' (AANC) is an organisation which seeks to enhance the reputation of [[Nutritionist|nutritional and dietary consultants]] by consolidating them into a professional organization.

It offers examination and certification, or association membership which does not require an examination but requires the payment of the membership fee.  The organization also offers an insurance program.

Members include the [[UK]] television presenter and nutritionist [[Gillian McKeith]], Hettie, a deceased cat formerly belonging to science writer [[Ben Goldacre]], who purchased "certified professional membership" on Hettie's behalf for $60,<ref >[http://www.guardian.co.uk/life/badscience/story/0,12980,1315472,00.html Bad Science - Dr Gillian McKeith (PhD) continued]</ref> and Australian nutritionist Rosemary Stanton's late Old English Sheepdog.<ref>Rosemary Stanton, "[http://web.archive.org/web/20130328010546/http://www.skeptics.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/theskeptic/2000/4.pdf Nutrition: who can you believe?]" (PDF file)</ref>

This organization has been criticized by [[Quackwatch]] for selling membership certificates to unqualified individuals.<ref>[http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/Nonrecorg/aanc.html Quackwatch - AANC: Who and What Does It Represent?]</ref>

==See also==
*[[Nutritionist]]
*[[Quackery]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{stub|food woo}}{{foodbox}}

[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Food woo promoters]]

Categories: Organizations, Food woo promoters
American Center for Law and Justice

{{christianity}}{{pundits}}
The '''
Un-
American Center for 
Biblical
 Law and 
In
Justice (ACLJ)''' is a [[front group]] for the [[religious right]] law firm 
'''Christianist Assholes Subjugating Everyone'''
 '''Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism''', a company controlled by lawyer Jay Sekulow and his family. The ACLJ, which makes an incredibly dubious claim to be "[[Bullshit|one of the most prestigious law firms in the country]]",<ref>https://aclj.org/our-mission/about-aclj</ref><ref>https://aclj.org/jay-sekulow</ref> was founded by [[Pat Robertson]] in 1990 as an alternative to the [[American Civil Liberties Union]].<ref>[http://www.politicalresearch.org/2012/11/05/the-legal-arm-of-the-christian-right-inside-the-american-center-for-law-and-justice/#sthash.bZtpsEDA.dpbs Inside the American Center for Law and Justice]. politicalresearch.org. 5 November 2012.</ref> Using web technology and radio, they spew a [[Christian Zionism|pro-Israel]], [[conservative]], [[Fundamentalist Christianity|fundamentalist]] [[right wing]] agenda wrapped up in [[legalese]] to a mouth-watering audience of [[sheeple]].

While touting itself as defenders of the [[First Amendment]], their caseload defends only [[Christian]] interests that throw the [[Establishment Clause]] entirely out the window.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{stub|political pundits}}

[[Category:Anti-abortion activists]]
[[Category:Conservative deceit]]
[[Category:Homophobia]]
[[Category:Islamophobia]]
[[Category:Misnomers]]
[[Category:Right-wing activists]]

Categories: Anti-abortion activists, Conservative deceit, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Misnomers, Right-wing activists
American Decency Association

[[File:Ada logo.jpg|thumb|right|165px|ADA logo]]
{{Homophobia}}
{{cquote|GCB continues to degrade Christianity and blaspheme our Lord. It’s vital that we send a message now to ABC and corporate America that millions of people of faith will not support companies that openly ridicule their beliefs. |||<ref>[http://www.americandecency.org/ American Decency, Marking the difference between the holy and the profane…]</ref> }}

'''American Decency Association''' (ADA) is an extreme cultural conservative [[Christian fundamentalist]] group in the [[United States]].

==Crusade against "indecency"==
Founded in 1999 by Bill Johnson, a former elementary school teacher and member of [[American Family Association]], the organization views itself as a crusader against anything "indecent"; that includes ''Maxim'', lingerie, [[gay]]s, [[lesbian]]s, dance groups, [[abortion]] clinics, swimsuits, and [[pornography]] (but not certain questionable-at-''best'' parts of the [[Bible]], oddly… such as [[Lot]]'s daughters' drugging and [[Incest|having sex with their father]] in [[Genesis]]). Like most wingnuts, their view on what constitutes "pornography" is much more prudish than most Americans'.

In the words of its founder Bill Johnson, "[[NoFap|Pornography does destroy.]] [[PIDOOMA|How can anyone deny that?]] Yet, there are certainly those that do deny that."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150417110626/http://www.americandecency.org/full_article.php?article_no=1189 American Decency: Pornography does destroy. How can anyone deny that?]</ref>

Like the American Family Association, they call on members to flood companies that they target with complaints. They'll even write a whiny email for you!<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140917045741/http://www.americandecency.org/take_action_form.php?message=168 Example of strongly worded email]</ref> The ADA also wants members to boycott the products of targeted firms.{{more}}

The ADA also tried to get on [[Google]]'s case in July 2012 about their "Legalize Love" campaign and had the 
total lack of self-awareness
 gall to whine about how they should "just make their product and stay out the [[culture war]]". After all, that's the proper job description for the [[Wingnut|wingnut brigade]], isn't it?<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20120723002144/http://freethoughtblogs.com/dispatches/2012/07/20/american-decency-association-doesnt-heart-google</ref>

==See also==
*[[Americans for Truth About Homosexuality]]
*[[Br3aking Porn]]
*[[Gay rights]]

==External links==
*[http://www.americandecency.org/ Official webs(h)ite]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Anti-abortion activists]]
[[Category:Fundamentalist Christian organizations]]
[[Category:Homophobia]]
[[Category:Misnomers]]
[[Category:Porn]]
[[Category:Purity culture]]
[[Category:Sexism]]
[[Category:We're on a mission from God]]
[[Category:Webshites]]

Categories: Anti-abortion activists, Fundamentalist Christian organizations, Homophobia, Misnomers, Porn, Purity culture, Sexism, We're on a mission from God, Webshites
American Freedom Coalition

{{uspolitics}}
The '''American Freedom Coalition''' was created in 1987 as a [[conservative]] interest group, taking all the same stands as the [[religious right]] (on [[abortion]], [[pornography]], opposition to the [[environmentalism|environmental movement]], strong national defense and militant anti-[[Communism]], etc.). 

However, according to AFC's president Robert Grant, the AFC was founded because of the "inability of the [[christian right]] to achieve its agenda" and its "fragmentation and its failure to build coalitions with its philosophical allies from other communities." Translation: the religious right wouldn't let the [[Unification Church|Moonies]] play in their clubhouse, so they started their own.

The American Freedom Coalition is, essentially, a political front group for the [[Unification Church]].  More conventional evangelical [[Christian]] figures are also closely associated with them, notably Robert Grant of Christian Voice.

During [[Oliver North]]'s legal troubles in 1987-88, the AFC put together a fundraising effort to raise funds for North's legal defense and the Nicaraguan Contras. The AFC is closely associated with another Moon front group, CAUSA International (founded 1980), which focused on the more specific issue of anti-Communist foreign policy and support for right-wing movements in Central America.

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

{{stub|United States politics}}

[[Category:Unification Church]]
[[Category:Political action groups]]
[[Category:Purity culture]]
[[Category:Misnomers]]

Categories: Unification Church, Political action groups, Purity culture, Misnomers
American Government: Institutions and Policies

{{books}}{{title-italics}}
'''''American Government: Institutions and Policies''''' ({{Isbn|0618556621}}) is a textbook, now in its eleventh edition, used to inform students on the workings of government and matters involved with it. 

The only trouble is that it was written by John Q. Wilson (a public administration scholar) and John J. DiIulio (a political scientist), both of whom are staunch [[conservative]]s (DiIulio even served on the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under former President [[George W. Bush]]). 

Though written from a seemingly neutral standpoint, biases and factual inaccuracies are seen in several places, on such topics as [[global warming]] and the separation of church and state. This was made clear to the general public in April 2008 when a [[New Jersey]] high school senior mentioned the book's slant to the Center for Inquiry. The Center's report,<ref>[http://www.centerforinquiry.net/uploads/attachments/CFI_Textbook_Critique.pdf Center for Inquiry report (pdf)]</ref> backed by scientists and legal scholars, was heavily critical, causing the book's publisher Houghton Mifflin and the College Board (as this book was being used in Advanced Placement classes) to review it. Wilson made a statement in an editorial, protesting that it wasn't [[Conservative bias|biased]] and falling back on the tired tactic that there [[argument from ignorance|wasn't enough evidence to support global warming's existence]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[category:books]]
[[category:propaganda]]
{{stub|books}}

Categories: books, propaganda
American Holistic Medical Association

{{Altmed|1}}
The '''American Holistic Medical Association''' is a band of [[bullshit]] artists who advocate for the non-vilification of their bullshit art. Unlike true medical associations who push for better treatments with [[empirical evidence]] and to regulate their professionals against hucksters, the AHMA prefers anyone and everyone who is a bullshit artist to join their ranks.

==Top 10 list==
{{cquote|Why should you join the AHMA? 

Our members say it best!  According to them, the "Top Ten Reasons" to join are: 

# Help patients/clients FIND you. AHMA's "Practitioner Finder' helps the public easily locate [[holistic medicine|holistic]] doctors/practitioners.
# Gain access to educational tools–free and discounted publications (medical journals, holistic newsprint), monthly newsletter, discounts on national conferences.
# Access tools to stay current with the latest and greatest in [[integrative medicine]].
# Tap into the power of the AHMA as a "meeting place". Connect with a diverse group of practitioners in the field of holistic health.
# Participate in/encourage research for holistic therapies.
# Join the only integrative medical association that acknowledges the spiritual dimension of humanity and the healing power of love.
# Learn how to make your practice holistic.
# Be part of the change in healthcare.
# Grow your voice.
# Join because of a deep belief that collective voices will effect a change.
|4=American Holistic Medical Association website|5=http://www.holisticmedicine.org/}}

==Join their ranks==
Anyone from a licensed physician who sells [[snake oil]] to someone who supports selling snake oil to patients who trust their physicians with their care can join the AHMA,<ref>American Holistic Medical Assocation online application. http://www.holisticmedicine.org/registernewmembers.cfm</ref> unlike true medical associations that require at least a medical student status to join.<ref>American Medical Association membership eligibility. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/membership/faqs/membership-eligibility.page</ref>

==Members==
* [[Karen Lawson]] &mdash; former president

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{altmedbox|1}}

[[Category:Pseudoscience promoting organizations]]

Categories: Pseudoscience promoting organizations
American Liberty University

'''American Liberty University''' (not to be confused with the [[Fundie school]] [[Liberty University]]) is a [[crank]] school in Newport Beach, [[California]] that teaches [[Alternative medicine]]. ALU is recognized by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education as a university, and is unaccredited. ALU is recognized by the American Dental Association, the Board of [[Chiropractic]] Examiners and the Quality International Study Abroad Network as a continuing education institute.<ref>http://www.aluniversity.edu/</ref>

==Accreditation==
{{main|Academic accreditation}}
American Liberty University is unaccredited, and in most states, their degrees are inadequate for someone to be licensed in most of the fields the school offers.<ref name=catalog>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190223071803/http://aluniversity.edu/images/catalog.pdf Catalog.] American Liberty University.  Archived from the original.</ref>

==Academics==

ALU offers "degrees" in [[Traditional Chinese Medicine|Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine]] and Business Administration.

'''Oriental Medicine'''

*Doctor of Philosophy in Acupuncture (PhD)
*Diploma in Acupuncture (For Licensed Medical Doctors only)

'''Business'''

*Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A)
*Master of Business Administration (M.B.A)
*Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (PhD)<ref name=catalog/>

'''Doctoral Dissertations'''

"Doctoral" requirements includes some courses and a "dissertation" of only '''''20-40 pages''''' in length. The "University" claims to include original research and contribution to scholarship (though internet searches for student dissertations turn up nothing other than dissertation requirements for ''[[Liberty University]]'').

'''Faculty'''

No faculty are listed in the ALU catalogue <ref name=catalog/> 

==External links==
*[http://www.aluniversity.edu/ Official website]

==References==
{{reflist}}
__NOTOC__
[[Category:Alternative medicine]]
[[Category:Alternative medicine promoters]]
[[Category:California]]
[[Category:Crank schools]]
[[Category:Diploma mills]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience promoting organizations]]
[[Category:Scams]]
[[Category:Misnomers]]

Categories: Alternative medicine, Alternative medicine promoters, California, Crank schools, Diploma mills, Pseudoscience promoting organizations, Scams, Misnomers