James Randi Challenge (not a 'boobquake' post)

[GostHacked]

Alright.

So most here recall those multiple posts from that one dude. You know, the boobquake dude. Anyways, I've been watching a lot of material on the power of suggestion and 'hypnosis' and only after watching a few vids on Randi, did I recall those threads.So I thought it would be interesting to know who and what James Randi was about. Completely fascinating.

He had his own show for some time where he managed to expose many fakes. Crazy how many people actually believe faith healers, psychics ect. The look of defeat on their faces and then the excuses and explanations that come after. Quite funny.

I really liked this one TED talk from James, but he has many many more vids online you can check out.

There is a reason he still has his million dollars. It's still up for grabs.

[guyser]

We had a particular poster who was adamant that psychics solved crimes , missing persons etc etc.

Never would (couldnt actually ) post a single case ever in the world of a psychic helping out.

we still have religion so theres always that to fall back to.

[-1=e^ipi]

How ironic that gosthacked posts this given his belief that fukushima has poisoned the entire pacific ocean. It's like radioactive material has magic properties.

Edited April 9, 2014 by -1=e^ipi

[Wayward Son]

How ironic that gosthacked hosts this given his belief that fukushima has poisoned the entire pacific ocean. It's like radioactive material has magic properties.

Perhaps it is ironic, however, scientific skepticism, the method of thinking about claims which James Randi uses, is a method that needs to first be appreciated (as it appears is the case with GH) before one can extend it more areas of one's life (and no one does it 100% of the time, including Randi).

I was lucky enough that my own introduction to the method was through Carl Sagan's "Demon Haunted World" where Sagan attacked examples of pseudo-science that I had long thought were silly. It was only once I became comfortable and confident with the value of the method that I turned it towards my own beliefs, many of which seemed to me to be as solid as a brick wall, but fell like a house of cards to skeptical inquiry.

[GostHacked]

How ironic that gosthacked posts this given his belief that fukushima has poisoned the entire pacific ocean. It's like radioactive material has magic properties.

According to Randi there is no such thing as magic. Being a master at slight of hand and illusion he shows that what many people claim with having some supernatural abilities are nothing more than simple tricks.

Fukushima has nothing to do with this thread. And if you are trying to link it to the homeopathic notion, then that fails as well. It is bio accumulation that is the concern.

[bleeding heart]

Wayward Son is correct. It's easy--if still useful--to accept the "challenges" on matters of which one is already skeptical or dubious. What's difficult and more important is to extrapolate, to be willing to wade through matters of one's own assumptions--and even cherished beliefs.

This goes beyond even "science" in its strictest parameters, and can be helpful in interrogating lots of assumptions about political matters, as well, so long as results can be evidence-based.

Edited April 9, 2014 by bleeding heart

[Mighty AC]

I appreciate the fact that Randi dedicated his life to debunking mysticism and increasing the use of skepticism and critical thinking; this world needs more like him. I'm really looking forward to seeing "An Honest Liar - The Amazing Randi Story".

Also, by chance I will be in Vegas during TAM this year. I doubt I can convince my wife that me spending $300-$600 to attend portions of the conference is a good idea, but who knows maybe I'll spend a day in the presence of atheists and skeptics. What I really want is to get into Penn Jillette's Bacon and Doughnut party for the James Randi Educational Foundation...that would be one hell of an experience.

[GostHacked]

Mighty AC. That would be a neat thing. His testing of many people that claim to have certain abilities (psychic, talking to the dead,ect). His debunking of Uri Gellar's spoon bending was really good. Another fake through and through. Another dude I have been watching and always says it is a trick and not hypnotism, Kreskin.

After watching a lot on Randi, I have taken some of those methods and try to apply them to other things. He really is an amazing person doing some good for humanity by calling out the charlatans. However, that does not mean that supernatural abilities do not exist. His tests have so far debunked every person that has made the claim, and their results are no better than pure chance. He still has his million dollar check, ready to be claimed.

[segnosaur]

Also, by chance I will be in Vegas during TAM this year. I doubt I can convince my wife that me spending $300-$600 to attend portions of the conference is a good idea, but who knows maybe I'll spend a day in the presence of atheists and skeptics. What I really want is to get into Penn Jillette's Bacon and Doughnut party for the James Randi Educational Foundation...that would be one hell of an experience.

I've been at the conference 3 times... the first one (which was held in Fort Lauderdale) and 2 others (both held in Vegas).

Very enjoyable... great speakers, interesting company.

[Mighty AC]

I've been at the conference 3 times... the first one (which was held in Fort Lauderdale) and 2 others (both held in Vegas).

Very enjoyable... great speakers, interesting company.

I think I will attend the conference. I've been to Vegas before and I don't really enjoy gambling...might as well.