Re: Only One In A Crowd?

Tony Orlow <tony@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

: It's pretty hard to prove. In fact, in science, nothing is ever proved
: true. Theories can be supported by evidence to some degree, or refuted.
: No one has ever proved that matter actually exists. :)

That's all very nice and metaphysical but basically avoids the point.
"Proving" things in science means looking for data which is reliable,
consistent and repeatable. This is how we build microwave ovens, fly
planes, rely on gravity and mix chemicals.

Psychic experience fails on all these counts. Your quoting of statistics:

: for it, but probably the study quoted states that 12% to 15% of people
: surveyed REPORT having had psychic experiences. I rather think that 90%
: of people do have psychic experiences, but 90% of what are considered
: psychic experiences are actually psychological effects.

is completely arbitrary. Given the fact that no study has ever produced
measurable effects, basicially you're just pulling numbers out of the air.

The chance of psychic phenomena being true is basically the same as the
chances of there being a Loch Ness Monster, the chances of crystals having
magical powers, the chances of astrology being true and so on, meaning
essentially zero until someone comes up with some reliable evidence which
suggests we're not just living in a dream world with such beliefs.

Justin

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Only One In A Crowd?
    ... Theories can be supported by evidence to some degree, ... "Proving" things in science means looking for data which is reliable, ... I rather think that 90%: of people do have psychic experiences, but 90% of what are considered: psychic experiences are actually psychological effects. ... But, without firm evidence one way or the other, it's just a matter of opinion, personal experience, and belief, not science. ...
    (sci.math)
  • Re: Only One In A Crowd?
    ... Theories can be supported by evidence to some degree, ... No one has ever proved that matter actually exists. ... surveyed REPORT having had psychic experiences. ... chances of there being a Loch Ness Monster, ...
    (sci.math)
  • Re: How does Macro Evolution account for the Monarch Butterfly ???
    ... you reject one explanation because you believe it to be short on some specific evidence yet propose your own answer which is totally and absolutely devoid of any supporting evidence. ... In addition, more recently, this evidence has been absolutely confirmed by genetics - this is the ultimate proof for any branch of science, that a new branch of science should align so perfectly with what had been deduced before so as to provide absolute confirmation. ... The chances of this occurring by chance are so infinitesimally small as to be considered impossible. ...
    (uk.philosophy.atheism)