Science - A Rant by Lee

The 'Science'. (a 'rant' by Lee)

When we talk about the of the paranormal people seem to fall into one of two camps. The 'evangelical believers' or the 'ardent skeptics'. I will try to explain with an analogy. My mother believes I will one day meet the woman of my dreams produce many grandchildren for her and become eternally happy. I however, believe that given my previous experience and given my propensity for 'geeky' hobbies I will die old and alone in a pool of my own bodily fluids. So who is right? Only time will tell and I suspect the truth lies somewhere between the two.That's the approach we try to use when carrying out investigations. Rather than jump at everything and assume it is paranormal we will try to find logical explanations first or 'debunk' the experience. Equally, we will admit when we cannot explain something rationally.
As a scientist I have become very disheartened with the scientific establishment labeling the paranormal as 'pseudo science'. We can experience phenomena but as yet do not have sufficient meams to measure it accurately and consistently. Many 'proper scientists' state that the evidence is inconsistent, has a poor level of precision (i.e. it cannot be predicted or repeated) and that it does not follow any known 'laws' in science. Yes, you're right, there are too many variables but a lot of those criticisms could be levelled against the weather. I can experience the weather, I can get wet or sunburnt but as Michael Fish will tell you, it is very unpredictable. Just because my burnt skin or level of saturation can be measured it has more credibility.

I would like to get back to a time when scientists were more maverick, more willing to put their reputations (and budgets) on the line and investigate the validity (or lack thereof) of the paranormal. Many scientists in history were ridiculed for the theories they had. Now? Yes, of course, we know better now, we can measure it, we can repeat it, we have refined the theory etc etc. Let’s go back and persuade Edison that his development of a light that uses electricity won't work. Just look up how many times he tried and failed. Just look at the inventions we have today courtesy of science fiction, particularly Star Trek such as the mobile phone and the hand writing recognition software developed by Apple.

So, believers reign in your nerves and learn to look at things with a bit more objectivity and scientists, try to be more open minded and share your criticisms with those in the field so that together we may have a 'light bulb' moment.