nrh@inmet.UUCP (11/18/84)
#N:inmet:26500001:000:943 inmet!nrh Nov 17 02:39:00 1984 As for all this ESP stuff, anyone who thinks that they've got a repeatable version of it should show it to James Randi, who has offered, for the last 20 years, the sum of $10,000 for producing this sort of effect under proper test conditions. I can't say for sure what those conditions will be, but I know that in the past Randi has insisted on a written document outlining the phenomena that will occur and the experimental protocol that will be used, in order to win the 10 grand. Of the hundreds of people he's tested, Randi estimates that 95% of them honestly believed that they had psionic abilities. He doesn't know of anyone who was disabused of the idea by their failure to make things happen under good testing procedure and the scrutiny of professional magicians. Randi has written a good book on the subject, "Flim Flam", which I reviewed in net.books some time ago. If there's enough interest, I'll repost the review here.
friesen@psivax.UUCP (Stanley Friesen) (11/19/84)
In article <1824@inmet.UUCP> nrh@inmet.UUCP writes: > >.... good testing procedure and the scrutiny of >professional magicians. > I am glad to see at least one tester who recognizes the need for a professional stage magician on the "review board". We scientists have been trained to believe what we see, (since nature rarely tries fool us), so we are easily mislead.
ron@brl-tgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (11/20/84)
> As for all this ESP stuff, anyone who thinks that they've got a > repeatable version of it should show it to James Randi, who has > offered, for the last 20 years, the sum of $10,000 for producing > this sort of effect under proper test conditions. > A rather humourous twist to the end of an article about this made a comment that recipients of the $10,000 can notify Randi by telepathy if desired. -Ron
presley@mhuxj.UUCP (Joe Presley) (11/21/84)
The following is the text of Randi's challenge, for those of you
interested.
I will pay the sum of $10,000 (U.S.) to any person who can demonstrate
any paranormal ability under satisfactory observational conditions.
Such demonstration must be performed according to the following rules:
1. Applicant must outline in advance exactly what powers or
abilities will be demonstrated, and the limits of the proposed
demonstration as far as conditions, time, location, and other
variables are concerned.
2. Nothing but the actual performance of the announced phenomenon
will be acceptable, demonstrated within whatever time limits are
agreed upon and under agreed conditions.
3. Applicant agrees that all data gathered during the demonstration
may be used by Mr. Randi in any way he chooses.
4. A panel of competent persons, clearly unbiased and agreed upon
by both parties, will be established to judge the demonstration, and
members of this panel may be called upon to prove there competence
before being accepted as members.
5. Mr. Randi does not intend to pay any expenses to any applicant.
All such expenses must be borne by the applicant or sponsors.
6. Applicant surrenders all rights to legal claims against Mr.
Randi or members of the panel for injury of any kind, whether
physical, emotional, or financial.
7. In the event that this sum ($10,000) is won fairly by the
applicant, the amount shall be paid immediately in the form of a
check signed by Mr. Randi.
8. Copies of this document shall be available to any person who
sends a stamped, self-addressed envelope to this address:
James Randi
51 Lennox Avenue
Rumson, N.J. 07760
9. Since demonstrations will be variable in design, and claims will
vary in nature, terms of this agreement will be modified when
necessary to accommodate the demonstration.
10. There must be sufficient evidence that the applicant does seem
to be able to perform as claimed. To this end, applicants may be
asked to perform a simple test by remote means, either by Mr. Randi
assigning a proxy to visit and evaluate the applicant, or by
undergoing tests by other methods -- by mail, for example. If these
tests are passed, applicant will be invited to perform formally.
11. It is understood that this offer is made by Mr. Randi
personally and not on behalf of any organization or individual with
which he is associated.
12. This offer is open to all persons of any race, sex, age, or
nationality, in all parts of the world.
//Notarized//
--
Joe Presley (ihnp4!j.presley)gwyn@brl-tgr.ARPA (Doug Gwyn <gwyn>) (11/21/84)
> I am glad to see at least one tester who recognizes the need > for a professional stage magician on the "review board". > We scientists have been trained to believe what we see, > (since nature rarely tries fool us), so we are easily mislead. Indeed, I recently read an interview with several of today's leading stage magicians. One of them, David Copperfield I believe, stated that scientists were the EASIEST to deceive and children were the toughest.