Was Randi Wrong about Uri Geller?

[Kevin Kane]

You know, whan I see a stage magician, I see an amusing con artist, a trickster, someone who likes to decieve people. But others see an expert on science.

From a behavioral psychology perspective, what is the motivation for a person such as James Randi to be honest? He is rewarded (money, acclaim) for his ability to trick people. He makes a living at it. Such a reinforcement is a powerful incentive to continue tricking people. And even when he's apparently being honest and forthright, the behavioral training is still in effect. He may even believe himself to forthright and honest, but the pattern is set. Once a con, always a con.

[highflyertoo]

[highflyertoo]

[ProfWag]

[Kevin Kane]

[Kevin Kane]

The question I'm interested in is what motivates skeptics to be such slimey slanderers? Is it because skeptics want to be good scientists but lack the logic skills needed to be good at it? Or are they just habitual liars and slanderers? Or are they trying to prove that their hypnotism and prestidigitation skills can fool everyone including scientists?

[ProfWag]

[ProfWag]

I would also like to include the case of James McCormick who was just indicted on fraud charges that he was sellling bomb-sniffing dowsing rods. Imagine how many people this could have killed...

[NinjaPuppy]

[ProfWag]

[NinjaPuppy]

Just tell him it's a great marketing concept.

[Kevin Kane]

[ciscop]

[ProfWag]

[NinjaPuppy]

Who me?

You know I always have a lot to say.