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+--- Thread: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? (/thread-6608.html)
Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Zinjanthropos - Jan 7, 2019
According to my Apple dictionary, paranormal means: denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding:
If beyond scientific explanation then why is there so much ghost detecting technology/equipment? Are paras not comfortable with non explanatory events, do they actually believe there is a scientific explanation? What does normal scientific understanding mean to a para investigator?
If the answers are beyond the scope of science then all attempts to study it scientifically are somewhat contradictory in nature and designed to create a favourable impression. Seems that scientific understanding cannot be paranormal. I can only surmise that paranormal investigators don't believe in the paranormal.
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Magical Realist - Jan 7, 2019
I'd say that paranormal is simply phenomena that are presently beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. But that's not to say it can't become understood that way. Hence paranormal investigators and their efforts to make that possible.
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Syne - Jan 7, 2019
"Presently beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding" is literally scientism:
The improper usage of science or scientific claims. This usage applies equally in contexts where science might not apply, such as when the topic is perceived as beyond the scope of scientific inquiry, and in contexts where there is insufficient empirical evidence to justify a scientific conclusion. It includes an excessive deference to the claims of scientists or an uncritical eagerness to accept any result described as scientific. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientism
Paranormal investigators, much like any snake oil salesmen or pseudoscience believers, are just looking to put on a facade of respectability. They're not comfortable with having their beliefs challenged, so they invent any number of pseudoscientific gadgets to either dupe others or assuage their own cognitive dissonance.
Yep, by definition, if the paranormal were ever scientifically evidenced or understood, it would no longer be paranormal. So any genuine paranormal investigators can only be trying to put themselves out of work.
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Zinjanthropos - Jan 7, 2019
Have a look at what you can buy to ghost hunt.
https://www.ghoststop.com/
Scientific or pseudo-scientific?
You can also buy beginner kits. And to think, govts don’t believe scientific evidence re global warming.
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Syne - Jan 7, 2019
(Jan 7, 2019 11:45 PM)Zinjanthropos Wrote: Have a look at what you can buy to ghost hunt.
https://www.ghoststop.com/
Scientific or pseudo-scientific?
You can also buy beginner kits. And to think, govts don’t believe scientific evidence re global warming.
If this doesn't answer your question, I don't know what can:
"BooBuddy Junior has the attractive good looks - and so much more. This emf bear detect changes in energy. Children will love it, but this is definitely not a toy. When it comes to ghost hunting and paranormal investigations, some theories suggest that using an object familiar and attractive to an entity may entice them to interact."
- https://www.ghoststop.com/BooBuddy-Jr-Trigger-Bear-p/trigger-boobuddy.htm
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Zinjanthropos - Jan 8, 2019
(Jan 7, 2019 11:52 PM)Syne Wrote: If this doesn't answer your question, I don't know what can:
"BooBuddy Junior has the attractive good looks - and so much more. This emf bear detect changes in energy. Children will love it, but this is definitely not a toy. When it comes to ghost hunting and paranormal investigations, some theories suggest that using an object familiar and attractive to an entity may entice them to interact."
- https://www.ghoststop.com/BooBuddy-Jr-Trigger-Bear-p/trigger-boobuddy.htm
No ghost can be that spooky. BooBuddy has redefined the term.
How would you know if these things are working when the thing your looking hasn’t scientifically been confirmed or how would you know it’s a ghost interacting with equipment?
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Syne - Jan 8, 2019
(Jan 8, 2019 12:10 AM)Zinjanthropos Wrote: No ghost can be that spooky. BooBuddy has redefined the term.
How would you know if these things are working when the thing your looking hasn’t scientifically been confirmed or how would you know it’s a ghost interacting with equipment?
Ya gots to believe, man.
Or it's just interference from the microwave.
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Zinjanthropos - Jan 8, 2019
I thought an organization could be set up to broadcast ghost sounds around the world. Have all ghost detecting devices preset to hone in on the signal(s) or transmissions. Imagine how many more believers there’d be.
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Syne - Jan 8, 2019
Probably more effective to just dose water supplies with LSD.
RE: Is Paranormal Investigation an Oxymoron? - Zinjanthropos - Jan 8, 2019
Try as I might I am unable to come up with information regarding the overall worth or value of the paranormal industry, from movies to Halloween candy. I’m thinking that if it ever stopped then the world’s financial markets might collapse. Was reading about some filmmakers who on a budget of only $15G’s produced a film, may have been Blair Witch Project, that managed to gross $193M at the box office. No one it seems has put a dollar value on the business of paranormal, even Forbes danced around putting forth a final estimate.
With the kind of money I think is involVed with paranormal then there is IMHO a very good chance of attracting a multitude of charlatans which makes it even more dubious than I’ve ever felt about it before.