dir@cbosg.UUCP (07/31/83)
The thing that really gets me about net.misc arguments on the topic of "mumbo-jumbo pseudoscientific crap" is the intolerance (and yes, ignorance) displayed by the skeptics. Taking astrology as just one example, I know a number of successful, hard-nosed, high-tech types in industry who fully subscribe to astrology, have developed highly sophisticated chart and interpretation programs for various superminicomputers, use these programs for home and work problems, and have convinced themselves through experimentation that there is some validity to astrological lore. These people very rarely identify themselves, however, because skeptics can make their lives difficult and no one enjoys ridicule. I, on the other hand, openly admit my bias towards accepting some of the so-called "psi" phenomena as real. I don't like ridicule any more than anyone else. I do, however, subscribe to the hope that frank and honest discussion of all variety of scientific anomalies will lead to a better understanding of the nature of the universe. My beliefs are based on personal experience with meditation, other altered states of consciousness, formal psycho- and parapsychological experimentation, and discussions with people much more experienced than myself. (Personally, as far as astrology is concerned, the jury is still out.) This issue clearly encompasses much more than simple matters of belief and has no chance of being resolved over the net, so please send all flames to /dev/null. Intelligent remarks, however, will be cheerfully considered. D. Radin BTL Columbus
reg@whuxk.UUCP (08/01/83)
I agree with D. Radin's article (#3008), especially the statement about "intolerance and ignorance by the skeptics", which forced me to apply the "n" key for net.religion and net.philosophy. Skepticism, when applied with reason and intelligence, is essential in shedding light upon the many fake science and scientists that thrive upon ignorance, and, incidentally, use the intolerant attacks against them to rally support for their claims. We have plenty of sparks, what we need is more light.