If scientists and politicians allow nonscientific psychic experiments to be performed by scientific establishments such as Stanford and others then proponents have an easier time frustrating the growth of science. They can say: "This research is funded by Stanford or the government, so there must be something to it", when the truth is that the scientific community doesn't think there is anything to it. People who believe in the supernatural have a more difficult time accepting and applying scientific principles.

Allowing psychic research in a science institution would be like allowing Flood geologists (those who don't believe in evolution or conventional geology, but think Noah's flood was THE major cause of geologic formations seen today) to sell geology books to elementary and secondary schools. Or, it would be like teaching astrology, palm reading, etc., at colleges and universities.

Despite the public's willingness to disregard scientific ideas they don't want to accept, "science" carries a lot of weight in society. When science appears to support or even allow for a particular philosophy then that can greatly boost acceptance to the detriment of science.

Psychic research can go on, it just can't be done at a "scientific" institution. Astrology training can go on, just not at a respected university/college. Witch doctoring can go on, just not at respected medical schools.

• What about entanglement - yanniru - March 31, 2001 - 01:57 UTC