11th April 2005, 7:34 AM
Well, some truly think they have gifts, but yes, not a single psychic has ever passed a double blind test. The famous ones that get on TV and everything tend to avoid taking those tests :D.
Humans are smart, but not always logical. As it stands, it's very easy for one that isn't informed on what to look for to get a reading and be amazed by it's accuracy. However, think about a few things first. What are the chances that the predictions made here only apply to you? Did I somehow lead them on by feeding them information as they went along? Basically, be skeptical.
http://www.randi.org/library/coldreading/index.html
Check out this site. Yes, they use some harsh words, but you must understand their experience with psychics has generally been one of scam artists and conmen who fool those unprepaired for money despite the emotional consequences, so their anger is understandable.
Also realize the idea that scientists in general are "afraid of change" is silly. Recently some studies have been done that show something amazing that completely contradicts an old previously held fact regarding genetics. Since the test was done so well, scientists all have one reaction. Excitement.
Humans are smart, but not always logical. As it stands, it's very easy for one that isn't informed on what to look for to get a reading and be amazed by it's accuracy. However, think about a few things first. What are the chances that the predictions made here only apply to you? Did I somehow lead them on by feeding them information as they went along? Basically, be skeptical.
http://www.randi.org/library/coldreading/index.html
Check out this site. Yes, they use some harsh words, but you must understand their experience with psychics has generally been one of scam artists and conmen who fool those unprepaired for money despite the emotional consequences, so their anger is understandable.
Also realize the idea that scientists in general are "afraid of change" is silly. Recently some studies have been done that show something amazing that completely contradicts an old previously held fact regarding genetics. Since the test was done so well, scientists all have one reaction. Excitement.
"On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question." ~ Charles Babbage (1791-1871)