All the successes (22% or less) of dowsing proves is nothing since it is hit or miss. It merely shows that there is a statistical probability of anomalous cases. It also proves something about human psychology; namely, that people are credulous BECAUSE there is no reasonable explanation or proof. But, hasn't magic taught us that incredible phenomena always has a simple explanation?
how can can you do a test,when your doing it on the ground,when there is a lake water in the ground under an object you placed on the ground,this is not a good test
What is eye opening is to have a visionary like AC Clark who can be both down-to-earth, logical, and yet not just dismiss something out of hand because there is not enough evidence to back it up. We need more people like him... I suggest cloning.
@RogerDodger69 Clarke was much more than just a great academic, or a great intellectual - something of which the world enjoys a fair abundance. Clarke was much more rare. He was a great mind - a great thinker. And, he was a visionary. Each generation - or perhaps even every couple of generations - we are gifted with only a precious few of such extraordinary people.
Another issue with Randi's experiment is surely that you have to repeatedly test the same person, not do one test with lots of people. The 20% success rate mentioned might come from a few people who are always right - they might have a 100% rate! but this is masked by other subjects who do no better than chance.
The 'path' experiment is interesting because it's done on people who are not professing to be dowsers.
All the successes (22% or less) of dowsing proves is nothing since it is hit or miss. It merely shows that there is a statistical probability of anomalous cases. It also proves something about human psychology; namely, that people are credulous BECAUSE there is no reasonable explanation or proof. But, hasn't magic taught us that incredible phenomena always has a simple explanation?
EdMahoney19 1 year ago
@EdMahoney19 yeh but you're gay
bignosejew1 1 year ago
Sometimes i do dowsing,and,I understand what I catch is a simple interference. But I guarantee I can find water.
doormagic 1 year ago
@doormagic
If you dig deep enough you will likely find water about 85% of the time no matter where you dig.
masterhalco 1 year ago
@masterhalco humm.....I'm not so sure about it. In my area up to 300 meters is probably that there is no water.
Dowsing is a interferance,you find what you seek.
doormagic 1 year ago
how can can you do a test,when your doing it on the ground,when there is a lake water in the ground under an object you placed on the ground,this is not a good test
joe18370 1 year ago
What is eye opening is to have a visionary like AC Clark who can be both down-to-earth, logical, and yet not just dismiss something out of hand because there is not enough evidence to back it up. We need more people like him... I suggest cloning.
RogerDodger69 2 years ago 2
I agree. James Randi is entirely the opposite. A crashing negative bore.
woodbinedrinker 2 years ago
@RogerDodger69 Yes! sceptics dont have a neutral and interested mind .. most that i have met could put you off being able to tie your shoe laces!
Fraterculae 2 years ago
@RogerDodger69 Clarke was much more than just a great academic, or a great intellectual - something of which the world enjoys a fair abundance. Clarke was much more rare. He was a great mind - a great thinker. And, he was a visionary. Each generation - or perhaps even every couple of generations - we are gifted with only a precious few of such extraordinary people.
BloatedSensations 1 year ago
Another issue with Randi's experiment is surely that you have to repeatedly test the same person, not do one test with lots of people. The 20% success rate mentioned might come from a few people who are always right - they might have a 100% rate! but this is masked by other subjects who do no better than chance.
The 'path' experiment is interesting because it's done on people who are not professing to be dowsers.
Interesting stuff - thanks for posting!
Eponaceae 3 years ago