Re: Ellimist Why Don't You Work On Reading Comprehension
Originally posted by Q_Who
All I was saying was that an open mind is REQUIRED in all areas of science. If you go into an experiment expecting an outcome your results and analysis will be bias.
An open mind means simply that facts will be observed, and hypotheses made based upon evidence gathered. These hypotheses will then be tested ruthlessly in order to establish a theory. The problem with many "open minded" people is that they STOP with the first hypothesis, which is, invariably, the one that they WANT to be true. This is simply human nature and it takes discipline to overcome. That discipline is called scientific method.
Originally posted by Q_Who
The human mind MIGHT have potential that we have not even begun to understand.
"Might" is an inappropriate word here. "Probably" would have better weight. Unfortunately, many of the claims of the paranormal involve energy use and physics that are counter to everything that has been learned to date. The potential that exists will likely be less colorful than telekinesis or astral projection, but every bit as, or even more, fascinating in its complexity.
Originally posted by Q_Who
The fact of the matter is that there have been no serious studies on psy abilities. No scientist wants to touch it because if the results don't reflect probability or the notion that psy is non-existent they will be called a quack and loose all credibility. The only research that was extensively conducted was during the Cold War.
This simply isn't true. There has been plenty of study on the subject. The studies that were conducted answered the questions sufficiently as to render the majority of "psy" abilities as mere folklore and bamboozle (I'm speaking of cultural stories/legends and capitalist opportunists of history).
One look at at least two of my previous posts will show you some links to peer reviewed literature. One need only conduct a search on Ebsco or Medline. Google probably won't get it for you.
Originally posted by Q_Who
Did you not read about Stargate?
What I've read of StarGate (not from biased opportunists attempting to sell a book, but rather from government explanation of the program itself) indicates that the program was considered to be a waste of time/money. The "hits" that the so-called viewers received were vague and likely influenced by their handlers. The preponderance of "misses" even suggested that the odds were in favor of outright guessing over Remote Viewing.
The real problem is that there are a lot of opportunists who are more than willing to take advantage of the consumer who has proven a willingness to believe (or
wantingness to believe) in the fantastic: bigfoot, Loch Ness, Tarot Cards, Astrology, Palmestry, etc. These opportunists write books and attach their credentials to them, since some were people of some standing at
some point in their lives.
Which brings us to the point: if Remote Viewing were possible, why hasn't one of these gifted people offered up the location of Bin Laden, Saddam, or the whereabouts of the Amber Room stolen by the Nazis from the Russians during WWII? Certainly it could be done in a public
or an annonymous manner.
Originally posted by Q_Who
Did you not read the declassified list of successes?
I challenge you to post the "declassified" documents that list these alleged successes. Just find one from the sources you have and post the image here or scan it and post it.
None of your other questions about Clinton, Utts, Ft. Meade, et al came from a source that can be identified as reliable. We can only take Anthony LoBaido's words at face value then subtract a bit of value since he also writes for
www.jrnyquist.com, a "doomsday" oriented website where he posted this article:
http://www.jrnyquist.com/august13/new_page_1.htm. Somewhat fundamental even for fundamentalists I'd say.
Originally posted by Q_Who
If you did then you would see that further research needs to be conducted.
I see little compelling reason to waste more time on the subject. Though I'm certain that it will make good material for students of psychology/psychiatry for many years to come, so the research will continue.
The
real topic is not Remote Viewing, it's the belief systems of people and why some people are 'gullable,' others are not, and still others used to be but became more skeptical... and there are even those who were skeptical then became 'believers' in some cult (ufology, bigfoot, RV, psychic hotline, astrology, religions, etc.).
Originally posted by Q_Who
At no time did I say that I want people just to be optimistic and hope!!
Yet your expectation that the words of one journalist is to be accepted without question implies this. I'll be more inclined to pay attention if there is evidence that is compelling, such as genuine declassified documents, an interview with an official who provides credentials and additional evidence beyond annecdote, or disclosure of the location of some
lost public figure (Bin Laden, Saddam, Chandra Leavey, or VP Cheney).
Originally posted by Q_Who
If there is little information on something and sufficient data to warrant the notion that something may or may not be possible a scientific probe should be conducted.
Actually, scientific 'probes' were conducted on the basis of
little data to warrant the notion.... and
sufficient information was obtained to state that there is little probability of the success of so-called remote viewing.
Originally posted by Q_Who
If you see a phenomenon and slight abnormalities from what we believe is the norm it is the job of a scientist to make a hypothesis and try to discover whether the GUESS was right or wrong (or am I mistaken?).
Partially correct. It is the job of a scientist to make
as many hypotheses as he/she can then test them ruthlessly. This was done in the case of Remote Viewing and other so-called 'psy' abilities. The hypothesis of a scientist doesn't end with "certain, perhaps gifted humans can
remotely view objects or events with verifiable accuracy."
It also must include many other hypotheses, such as "certain humans
believe they can remotely view distant objects or events with verifiable accuracy," "no human can RV," "RV is a cult phenomenon linked to denial of self," "RV is linked to mental illnesses such as bi-polar disorder, ADHD, manic depression,....." et cetera.
I find the
belief of the possibility itself fascinating.