From: wjames@cse.ucsc.edu (John Amenta)
Newsgroups: alt.paranormal
Subject: Robert McGrath, more Skepticism, and Another Reply
Date: 15 Dec 92 00:46:38 GMT
Organization: University of California, Santa Cruz (CE/CIS Boards)
NNTP-Posting-Host: pal.ucsc.edu


>> "Psychical research" is hardly new.  It is an attempt to provide
>> secular explanations for well-known phenomena that are traditionally
>> given mystical or religious explanations, and it has been going
>> on for some 150 years (not counting the millenia of frankly mystical
>> exploration).

I was referring to the relatively newness of Psychical Research, 150
years really is not that old for a Science at all.  And Psychical
Research is still to be whole heartedly accepted by many hardline
scientists - it is still in its relative youth.  However, I believe
in another 50 years, it will be a pretty much established branch
of psychology (if it is not already).

>> In that time physiological, psychological, and sociological explnations
>> people when someone who knows nothing at all about these theories
>> and findings rejects them out of hand in favor of warmed over mystical
>> ideas that have long been known to be untenable.

I agree.  Many mystical conceptions I feel have distorted the basic
truth of paranormal events.  However, in recent time, this has changed,
after such men as William James, F.W.H. Myers, and Murphy Gardner
approached the phenomena in a most serious manner.

>> And speaking of "violent opposition", I've never seen any "academic"
>> flame as emotionally and irrationally as the flames I see in this
>> forum.  Who is it that is opposed to the mere possibility of a
>> new piece of mystery (as opposed to a very, very old piece) might be
>> revealed?

True indeed.  The validity of psychic events have sparked entered
religions!  No wonder there has been some very strong emotional flames
in this newsgroup.  But, Mr. McGrath, if you are implying that psychic
phenomena is to be disregarded because it has been around for centuries
and already been proven to be a bunch of mumbo jumbo, I find it an
incredible weak argument.  A true scientist examines all phenomena,
candidly and without prejudice... and many of the greatest discoveries
that have been made in human history, have negated many of the - what
was thought truths about reality prior to the discovery.  Why are you
so close minded to the possibility that paranormal phenomena could
exist?

In fact, I noticed you have completely ignored my previous post which
I directed to your attention if no one else.  Here, I presented what
you yourself have been demanding in this newsgroup from every other
person that has posted:  proof, references, to what you claim there
is not a shred of evidence for.  Well, Mr. McGrath I responded to your
cry, and the post is still there.  What is your response sir?  I want
you to tell me the evidence I cited, and the distinguished gentleman
I listed is a sham as you are claiming.  Back up your own words sir,
or shut up.  If you are going to be a skeptic, show that you are not a
fool.  I would like to here what you have to say about William James'
research of Mrs. Piper.  Unless, you are unaware who William James
was, then indeed you are not worth my time.