sackett
7th November 2003, 11:26 AM
A chronic practice among believers of various stripes is to find a conspiratorial explanation for the lack of data to support their views. I've seen this mentality put in proposition form:
1. I believe in UFOs.
2. Therefore, evidence for UFOs must exist.
3. But this evidence is never forthcoming; therefore
5. SOMEBODY'S COVERING UP!
Or, in the simpler terms used by simpler folk: Them there science fellers is finding out that the Bible stories is true, but oh! they are a keeping it quiet.
Because of the nature of my work in a couple of universities, I've spent my adult life among scientists. I've noticed that in the main they're an open-minded lot, willing to test just about anything - including stuff I wouldn't spend much time on, but then I've examined more woo-hoo claims than they have, and I'm jaded.
Knowing what I do about them science fellers, I can say this: If one or several of them uncovered evidence for something extraordinary, something we call supernatural, there'd be a mighty much of shoving and elbowing to see who could publish first.
1. I believe in UFOs.
2. Therefore, evidence for UFOs must exist.
3. But this evidence is never forthcoming; therefore
5. SOMEBODY'S COVERING UP!
Or, in the simpler terms used by simpler folk: Them there science fellers is finding out that the Bible stories is true, but oh! they are a keeping it quiet.
Because of the nature of my work in a couple of universities, I've spent my adult life among scientists. I've noticed that in the main they're an open-minded lot, willing to test just about anything - including stuff I wouldn't spend much time on, but then I've examined more woo-hoo claims than they have, and I'm jaded.
Knowing what I do about them science fellers, I can say this: If one or several of them uncovered evidence for something extraordinary, something we call supernatural, there'd be a mighty much of shoving and elbowing to see who could publish first.