Effect without cause?

[dsm]

In Randi's latest commentary, he says:


I'm only looking for evidence of the phenomenon. And the JREF will pay off, a million bucks, as soon as that evidence is produced….!


If you look for evidence of a phenomenon (an effect) without knowing the cause of the phenomenon, then how do you know if the phenomenon is paranormal?

A loophole in the Challenge rules?!?

:confused:

[c4ts]

Originally posted by dsm
In Randi's latest commentary, he says:



If you look for evidence of a phenomenon (an effect) without knowing the cause of the phenomenon, then how do you know if the phenomenon is paranormal?

A loophole in the Challenge rules?!?

:confused:

Are you sure you're not taking that out of context? It seems like you're supposed to supply the effect, and JREF will determine the cause.

[Captain Trips]

I think the way it works is this: you provide the effect, and JREF will attempt to prove it isn't paranormal. If they are unable to do so, then you have claimed the prize. They don't worry about the cause itself, just if you are doing what you claim you can do.

[BillyJoe]

All Randi means is that he is not interested in their theories - it's a waste of time, it's all bullsh*t, he's heard it all before - he's only interested in seeing if they can actually do what they claim.