Home > Shows > The Skeptic's View

The Skeptic's View

Show Audio

Highlights:

Quantum Effects & Thoughts

Anne Strieber Update

Power of Prayer

Date:	10-17-04
Host:	Art Bell
Guests:	Dr. Michael Shermer

Founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine(1), Dr. Michael Shermer, shared his viewpoint as to why he doesn't believe in paranormal phenomena and many extraordinary claims. He also commented on the emerging field of quantum science, suggesting that it is not connected with the thought process because quantum effects are happening at a subatomic level and the mental process occurs on a molecular level.
Here is a rundown of some of his explanations on a variety of topics:

Witchcraft: Their successes are basically "self-deception" fueled by "reinforcement from their followers."
Psychics & Mediums: Often use cold readings, and mention common items such as a watch in the case of men, that is likely they may have been given by a deceased father or relative.
Remote Viewing: What is considered a "hit" is subjective and the results are not replicable.
EVPs: The voices or sounds are related to a signal/noise problem and generally not decipherable.
Prayer: Studies which show prayer may help hospital patients have quicker recoveries have faulty methodology, in terms of what is being tested.
Dowsing: Dowsers were not able to identify hidden water containers under experimental conditions.

1. http://www.skeptic.com/

Old Paintings & UFOs

The cover story in the latest issue of Skeptic(1), titled The Art of Imagining UFOs, by Diego Cuoghi, offers a conventional explanation for the strange spaceship-like objects that are sometimes seen in centuries old religious paintings. Cuoghi argues that people who call these UFOs are actually misinterpreting specific symbols that commissioned painters were told to include in their works.
For instance, in this detail from the 15th century painting Miracle of the Snow he says the mysterious aerial objects represent platforms for angels which were routinely used in religious paintings of that period. In the Annunciation, a 15th century painting by Crivelli, Cuoghi says the heavenly vortex and dove are standard devices which were often used in annunciation depictions. And in perhaps the most well known "UFO painting" details from a 16th century Crucifixion fresco, are not portraying ET craft but the sun and the moon, which were often presented with a human face, he writes.To view a gallery of more of these types of images, and get the less skeptical point of view, check out Matthew Hurley's ufoartwork.com(2).
--L.L.(3)

1. http://www.skeptic.com/
2. http://www.ufoartwork.com/
3. http://archive.coasttocoastam.com/info/about_lex.html

Loading Tweets

The Skeptic's View

Related Articles

Old Paintings & UFOs