Persinger's latest research may show that telepathy exists. If his experiments can be replicated by his peers, and if his protocols are deemed to be sound, then the scientific implications could be quite staggering.
It is unfortunate, though, that so many people equate "psi" and telepathy" with "God", "religion" or "life after death". (Entities which are in fact quite separate from each other.) This gives rise to emotional responses by atheists when the existence of psi is mooted; similarly with theists when the existence of psi is denied. Both groups feel that their worldview is under threat.
As a result, a majority of staunch atheists and theists use scientific evidence as a means of confrontation rather than understanding. Many in both camps want to "win"; to achieve some sort of victory for their worldview over that of the opposition, and to confirm themselves as intellectually superior. In this regard I would respectfully suggest that Scepcop should tone it down - I appreciate that he is really excited by the possibility of a momentous scientific breakthrough, (so am I!) but his excitement has temporarily got the better of his manners.
Surely the purpose of this forum is to have reasoned discourse between sceptics and believers, in order to help each other move nearer to the truth of existence (or whatever glimmer of truth can be determined). It's not about "winning" or "losing."
For myself, whether or not telepathy exists, or indeed whether or not God exists, either scenario is equally remarkable. A universe created by God - amazing! A universe created by itself - equally amazing!
(As so often, Yeshua Ben Yosef said it best:
"If the flesh came into being because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit came into being because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders." Gospel of Thomas)
Can't we just follow Persinger's research wherever it leads, without pre-empting his conclusions or claiming victories?Statistics: Posted by Randi McSheldrake — 13 Jan 2013, 07:13
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