bill@utastro.UUCP (William H. Jefferys) (07/27/86)
I appreciate Topher Cooper's sending a copy of his recent article to
me as I requested.
His response, however, does not answer my criticisms. It relies on
the experiments in question having indeed been performed under
adequate controls and strict experimental protocols. In the face of
parapsychology's well-documented failure in these regards in the
past, and the investigations of those such as Akers, and of Hyman, who
have studied more recent work and found it riddled with numerous
substantial flaws, I am afraid that I cannot accept Topher's
assurances that "now, things are different". Better, yes, but not
improved to the point where I, at least, can feel comfortable about
them.
Parapsychologists still have to provide results that can be replicated
under the watchful eyes of a Randi, a Blackmore, a Gardner, a Flew, or
someone else whose judgement I feel I can trust, before I will be
convinced that their claims are worth serious consideration.
We seem to have come full circle, and are now repeating ourselves.
I am afraid I have to drop out of this discussion. I don't think that
it will serve any useful purpose to continue it, and I have other
things to do with my time. I want to say that I have enjoyed discussing
these matters with Topher, and I recognize that he has read much and
thought deeply about them.
--
Glend. I can call spirits from the vasty deep.
Hot. Why, so can I, or so can any man; But will they come when you
do call for them? -- Henry IV Pt. I, III, i, 53
Bill Jefferys 8-%
Astronomy Dept, University of Texas, Austin TX 78712 (USnail)
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bill@astro.UTEXAS.EDU. (Internet)