Why is Science Important? 13 of 14

Psychologist Susan Blackmore explains how her scientific research led her to reject her youthful beliefs in occult explanations for clairvoyance, telekinesis and other apparently "paranormal" phenomena. Part of a 30 minute film called "Why is Science Important?" Watch the whole film in high resolution at www.whyscience.co.uk

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Susan
• Blackmore
• occult
• psychics
• telekinesis
• clairvoyance
• science
• truth
• illusion
• spirit
• paranormal
• Alom
• Shaha

[calabyau]

@Thimbledunk . You hit right on the nose! I couldn't have said it better, myself!

[Thimbledunk]

@calabyau H/she means that Susan was a believer in spiritualistic stuff at one time. However, this idea of someone who 'used to be a believer' is itself a questionable qualification (See Bryan R Wilson) It in no way means that she can't now be blindfolded. Shifting from one belief to another happens all the time - and memes are just a belief like any other. Her understanding of spiritual ideas is prejudiced and often off the mark, and wouldn't last long in many anthropology depts.

[Thimbledunk]

Susan's ideas on memes are deeply unscientific, and poorly argued. *irony*. For example, she states that memes are 'only' that which is copied, nothing else. End of. Then states that memes are also the 'replicating mechanism'. As if they replicate themselves, like a gene. (Source - Memes and temes video). Does a toilet roll replicate itself? No. Please don't think that Susan represents 'science' - her theories are deeply flawed, and not presented scientifically.

[calabyau]

@BurpTheKitten What story? 

[BurpTheKitten]

@calabyau Then you don't know here story.

[rocksz19]

Susan Blackmore is amazing and i loved what she said in that video.

[terry4144]

here here

[calabyau]

I've watched Susan Blackmore over the years, on television documentaries, etc. and I get the impression of a scientist investigating the paranormal with a blindfold over her eyes. She has a tendency to ride a banana peel over important things and make a big deal about insignificant things.

[teobesta]

indeed, if only more people could think for themselves!