theos-talk.com

[MASTER INDEX] [DATE INDEX] [THREAD INDEX] [SUBJECT INDEX] [AUTHOR INDEX]

[Date Prev] [Date Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next]

Re: Theos-World CHECKING OUR IDEAS AGAINST FACTS

Jun 22, 2004 12:37 PM
by Bart Lidofsky


Daniel H. Caldwell wrote:
Skeptics belonging to the organization CSICOP constantly use the tactic of suggesting an alternative explanation as a possibility in order to show that there is no good proof even of ESP, telepathy, clairvoyance, etc.

In trying to explain any phenomenon -- including historical cases -- there are many POSSIBLE alternative explanations.
Not always. That is what scientific method is all about. Occam's Razor ("Do not unnecessarily multiply entities") is a method for building knowledge; if something can be explained by already known means, then it is a waste to suppose unknown means. Scientific method calls for creating an experiment that eliminates those explanations.

For example, years ago, when Uri Geller appeared on Dick Cavett, James Randi helped set things up. There was one basic principle; the set-ups were designed to fail if Geller were using the means that Randi thought he was using, but succeed if he were using real psychic abilities. Geller failed completely.

Since stage magicians and charlatans have been around for centuries, in one form or another, one must assume that, if the phenomenon can be produced by means that are thoroughly documented, then if we assume otherwise, we end up with knowledge becoming random, and therefore impossible.

Bart





[Back to Top]


Theosophy World: Dedicated to the Theosophical Philosophy and its Practical Application