DOCSLIB.ORG

Focus EMU, February 11, 2003

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Focus EMU, February 11, 2003 SWITCHING ROLES FILLING IN: Eastern Michigan University senior Todd Wise (far left), a telecommunications major, was "President For A Day" Feb. 5 and wasted no time getting down to business in his Welch Hall office. EMU President Samuel A. Kirkpatrick (above, right) learns about television production from lecturer Keith Damron (above, left). "TV Lab" was one of six classes that Kirkpatrick attended during the role reversal. Wise takes over presidential duties;· Kirkpatrick handles heavy class load By Ron Podell point. I thought my six classes were a lot." Of strategic planning, Wise said, "It's Eastern Michigan University Presi­ Wise attended several meetings, in­ great to think that they're thinking so far dent Samuel A. Kirkpatrick and EMU cluding those where he received updates ahead with students. Putting the students student Todd Wise may have felt like on campus enrollment projections, strate­ No. 1 is important." they took a trip to the twilight zone Feb. gic planning and Faculty Council. He met Wise also said he felt like he was in a 5. with representatives from Detroit Mayor reality TV show, with the constant media Kirkpatrick, used to Board of Re­ Kwame Kilpatrick's office to discuss a attention and people accompanying him gents meetings, fundraising events and everywhere. As the day went on, Wise receiving updates on a number of pro­ said he didn't notice the swirl of people grams from University officials, spent "Ijust told him (Kirkpatrick) so much. the day in the classroom, where the to take some good notes. Meanwhile, Kirkpatrick was encoun­ frank talk included sex, music in movies tering a wide array of subjects. and the different ways to shoot a televi­ He has a full day, with six The "Healthy Sexuality" class he sat sion production. classes. I told him, Don't in on centered on a pop quiz that included Wise, who spends his time like most let me get behind. "' some frank use of sexual terms, but in a typical college students (going to class, comfortable classroom atmosphere. Stu­ studying, participating in student orga­ dents were divided into small groups and nizational activities, etc.) donned a suit Todd Wise wrote answers to multiple-choice ques­ and went from one meeting to the next, EMU Senior tions on a sketch board. Groups with the spending time with University adminis­ President for a Day correct answers were awarded points. trators and traveled to Lansing to meet "I goofedthem up once," Kirkpatrick lobbyists. said of his input. "Three times, I couldn't These scenes were all part of the program for giving underprivileged per­ persuade them with the correct answer. Third Annual "President For A Day" sons a chance in the business world and Had I, they would have won." News for event, an exchange program in which an discussed textbook contracts with execu- Of a "Film Music" class he attended, Eastern Michigan EMU student takes over the reigns of the tives from Barnes and Noble. Kirkpatrick said he was the only one in University for a day. On the flip side, Wise also sat in with Provost Paul the room who had probably seen the two Faculty and Staff Kirkpatrick was reminded of the hectic, Schollaert, who interviewed a candidate movies - "Picnic" and "Bell, Book and daily life of a college student, including for assistant vice president for academic Candle" - where the film's scores were juggling six classes and having dinner affairs. discussed. February 11, 2003 with members of the Delta Zeta House. During a meeting of the Enrollment "I walked into a 'History of Theatre' Vol. 50, No. 23 Both agreed their schedules were the Services Executive Council, Wise listened class and didn't know what century we same in that they were demanding, just to projected enrollment numbers, a re­ were in," Kirkpatrick said. "Todd didn't in different ways. view of the number and overall amount of give me a syllabi." "Todd does not have an easy sched­ academic scholarships for 2003-04and a By 5 p.m., most people's workdays ule," Kirkpatrick said. "He had six discussion about the new on-line registra­ are over. But Wise learned a university classes today. It's unbelievable." tion system students will begin using in president's day is sometimes just begin­ "It's definitely an amazing experi­ March. ning. Wise made the trip to Lansing to ence I'11 never forget," said Wise, a "It's very interesting to see their pas­ hear GovernorGranholm' s "State of the senior telecommunications major from sion, and that they don't want a tuition State" Address. Galion, Ohio. "It was a very full day. I increase for students," said Wise, who is didn't expect to be exhausted at this an office assistant in student government. SEE PRESIDENT, page 4 • EMU couplesII continue to work and live together in harmony By KatWeen Shields most a year later. The very With Valentine's Day worst thing about working just around the corner, together, they both say, is couples often reminisce of bringing work home. how and where they met. "Sometimes it's helpful, But not everyone can say but most of the time we stay they met at their place of away from talking about our . work - and continue to jobs and the people we work maintain balance in their with at Eastern," said Jayne. home and work lives. "We'll talk about the general After all, it's easy to de­ things - new construction, tach when you don't really the sports teams. We very know the parties, the politics rarely have driven in together. and the pitfalls of someone I like that time alone, and I else's place of employment. think Dave does, too." Marcelo and Stella They'vebothhadotherjob Marandino, however, do offers, but stay at EMU be­ understand those workplace cause they don't think they complexities, as do EMU's could match the quality oflife Gary Evans and Katherine they have here. Strand-Evans; Jayne and "The benefits definitely Dave Carroll; and Carlos and outweigh the risks," Dave Martha Costa. said. "The students keep you In fact, there are quite a young." SO HAPPY TOGETHER: Stella and Marcelo Marandino review menus together at few married couples work­ Marcelo and Stella Dining Commons ONE. Stella is the assistant manager of Dining Commons ONE while ing at EMU. It's getting them Marandino agree. Marcelo Marcelo works as a catering sales associate in the event planning office at McKenny both in the same room at the works in the event planning Union. The Marandinos are one of several couples that work together on campus. same time that's tough. At office as a catering sales asso­ us if we've had a problem. ing board," Gary recalled. IM Pro Shop and University least on campus. ciate while Stella is the assis­ They didn't have to do that," But that was just one year Park, said Valentine's Day is Most of them say that not tant manager of Dining Com­ Marcelo said. "After all, I in their 10-year marriage. a key holiday for the couple. seeing each other through­ mons ONE. went looking for Eastern. Overall, Evans said working "One of our first big dates out the day is exactly what ''The rewards we've re­ Eastern did notcome looking together has been "a definite was Valentine's Day," she makes it work for them. ceived from Eastern are tre­ for me." plus for us." said. "Carlos is very creative Although Dave and Jayne mendous," Marcelo said. "We Stella said that while it's LiketheCarrolls, Gary and and romantic. He changed his Carroll have worked in the are very family oriented and nice to be able to relate to the Katherine met at EMU. They little apartment into a same stories, mostly "busi- were simply colleagues for beachfront. We had a little "We (husband Carlos Costa) both work ness is business and home is years. At one point, they even picnic on the floor. It was home." If an employee had a shared an office. really sweet." in Student Affairs, so we both know a lot problem with Marcelo, she However, circumstances Because they work in dif- of the same people. That's helpful when always directed theemployee changed, their friendship ferent buildings on opposite todiscussitwithMarcelo first, deepenedandledtomarriage. ends of campus, Martha said we're home and talking about our day" andlearntosolve problems in Now, they juggle their the two see very little of each a more constructive way. blended family and busy other at work. They catch up Martha Costa, The Marandinos and the schedules. when they get home. Manager Carrolls work in departments "Being in the same depart- "We both work in student ('f) big enough that they rarely ment has actually helped us," affairs, so we both know a lot 0 Pro Shop and University Park 0 seeeachotherduringthe day. Gary said. "Katie knows the of the same people," Martha C\I � What happens, though, if demands of my job and I hers. said. "That's helpful when ,... same department on-and-off our department has become you're in the same small de- We're on roughly the same we'rehomeandtalkingabout for almost 14 years, they've an extension of our family." partment as your spouse? scheduleyear-roundandhave our day." � <C never worked in the same Stella and Marcelo moved What if you're the boss or the love of theater in com- Carlos, associate director :J building. Dave is currently from Argentina to the United department head? man. We go to Stratford and of McKenny UnionandCam- a: the assistant director of din­ States in 1984, mainly to pro­ Gary Evans and Katherine The Fisher Theatre, and we pus Life, agrees.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Searching for Security in the Mystical the Function of Paranormal Beliefs
    Searching for Security in the Mystical The Function of Paranormal Beliefs MARTIN R. GRIMMER ver the past two decades, the paranor- mal has enjoyed something of a revival Owithin popular culture. There have been countless books, magazine and newspaper articles, movies, and television programs devoted to topics ranging from UFOs, the Bermuda Triangle, lost continents, Yetis, and Belief in the the Loch Ness monster, to pyramid power, astrology, levitation, telepathy, precognition, paranormal and poltergeists. Sociologist Marcello Truzzi appears to satisfy (1972) suggested that this boom in paranormal interest began around the late sixties, noting some very basic, if that Ouija boards outsold such popular board inconsistent games as Monopoly. human needs. It Lately, the paranormal seems to have mani- fested in the form of the New Age movement— will probably a loose combination of ideas encompassing spir- remain with us itualism, mysticism, alternative healing, and a healthy dose of commercialism. Some may think forever. this is mainly an American phenomenon, but it is estimated that Australians alone now spend $100 million a year on personal-transformation courses that delve deeply into such fringe areas as rebirthing, shamanism, channeling, and crystal healing. To some observers, the New Age movement is seen as a sort of quasi-religious justification for "yuppiedom"—how to make money and feel "really great" about it at the same time. Winter 1992 Research studies worldwide have written on this topic, several themes revealed an extensive belief in and in the human motive to believe can acceptance of the paranormal. In a be identified. survey of the readers of Britain's New First, paranormal beliefs may oper- Scientist magazine, a high proportion ate to reassure the believer that there of whom are reported to hold post- is order and control in what may graduate degrees, Evans (1973) found otherwise appear to be a chaotic that 67 percent believed that ESP was universe (Frank 1977).
    [Show full text]
  • THE ZETETIC Published by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
    THE ZETETIC Published by The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal FEATURING Wallis on Dianetics Westrum on Expert Witnesses Omohundro on von Daniken Fix on Biorhythms & Sports Hyman on Uri Geller VOL. I NO. 1 FALL/WINTER 1976 ZETETIC 1. adj. proceeding by inquiry. 2. n. skeptic, seeker; specif, one of a group of Pyrrhonist philosophers. —Webster's Third New International Dictionary THE ZETETIC Journal of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal Fall/Winter 1976 Vol. 1, No. 1 3 EDITORIALS ARTICLES 9 "Poor Man's Psychoanalysis?": Observations on Dianetics, by Roy Wallis 25 Psychics, Clairvoyance, and the Real World: A Social- Psychological Analysis, by Gary Alan Fine 34 Scientists as Experts: Observations on "Objections to Astrology," by Ron Westrum 47 Are Astronomers and Astrophysicists Qualified to Criticize Astrology? by Paul Kurtz and Lee Nisbet 53 Biorhythms and Sports Performance, by A. James Fix 58 Von Daniken's Chariots: A Primer in the Art of Cooked Science, by John T. Omohundro BOOK REVIEWS 69 Review Symposium on: David M. Jacobs, The UFO Contro­ versy in America (Daniel Cohen; K. P. Julian; David Stupple) 73 Charles Panati, ed., The Geller Papers (Ray Hyman) 80 John Ivimy, The Sphinx and the Megaliths (Bob Brier) 82 Capsule Reviews: Roy Wallis, ed., Sectarianism: Analyses of Religious and Non-Religious Sects: Kurt Saxon, Keeping Score on Our Modern Prophets; Tony "Doc" Shiels, Entertaining with "ESP" FEATURES 84 Random Bibliography of Interest 86 Books Received 87 A Last Word 88 Committee News Notes 89 Contributors THE ZETETIC Editorial Board Martin Gardner Ray Hyman Paul Kurtz James Randi Dennis Rawlins Marcello Truzzi Editor Marcello Truzzi Managing Editor Broady Richardson Consulting Editors Theodore X.
    [Show full text]
  • DEAR MARTIN / DEAR MARCELLO Gardner and Truzzi on Skepticism
    Advance Information DEAR MARTIN / DEAR MARCELLO Gardner and Truzzi on Skepticism Edited by Dana Richards (George Mason University, USA) Endorsements: “This book is a major contribution to the history of modern skepticism. Martin Gardner comes back to life in the form of sparkling, never-before-seen correspondence with the enigmatic Marcello Truzzi. The lively and surprisingly substantive exchanges are filled with fascinating insights into the intense intellectual debates they and others had. The letters animate the divergent perspectives and personalities of key figures who pioneered the effort. Editor Dana Richards expertly guides us through the nuanced issues.” Pub Date: Jul 2017 Binding: Hardcover Kendrick Frazier Editor, ISBN: 978-981-3203-69-3 Skeptical Inquirer Price: £73 “The skeptical movement today has gone global and occupies a central place in popular Binding: Softcover culture, but in the 1970s it was nothing more than an idea in letters exchanged between ISBN: 978-981-3203-70-9 a handful of people concerned about the growth of pseudoscience and irrationalism. First Price: £40 among equals as founders of this movement were Martin Gardner and Marcello Truzzi, whose correspondence — so thoughtfully edited in this splendid volume — covers some of Page Extent: 492pp the most important subjects in science, philosophy, and culture. A page turner that belongs Type: Popular Book on the bookshelves of every thinking reader.” Main Subject: General / Popular Science Michael Shermer Sub-subjects: History Of Science; Publisher, Skeptic
    [Show full text]
  • Cover Next Page > Cover Next Page >
    cover next page > title: The Sign of Three : Dupin, Holmes, Peirce Advances in Semiotics author: Eco, Umberto. publisher: Indiana University Press isbn10 | asin: 0253204879 print isbn13: 9780253204875 ebook isbn13: 9780585020723 language: English subject Doyle, Arthur Conan,--Sir,--1859-1930--Characters--Sherlock Holmes, Poe, Edgar Allan,--1809-1849--Characters--Auguste Dupin, Peirce, Charles S.--(Charles Sanders),--1839-1914, Detective and mystery stories--History and criticism, Criminal investigation in publication date: 1983 lcc: PR4624.S53 1983eb ddc: 823/.8 subject: Doyle, Arthur Conan,--Sir,--1859-1930--Characters--Sherlock Holmes, Poe, Edgar Allan,--1809-1849--Characters--Auguste Dupin, Peirce, Charles S.--(Charles Sanders),--1839-1914, Detective and mystery stories--History and criticism, Criminal investigation in cover next page > If you like this book, buy it! < previous page cover-0 next page > THE SIGN OF THREE < previous page cover-0 next page > If you like this book, buy it! < previous page cover-1 next page > Advances in Semiotics THOMAS A. SEBEOK, GENERAL EDITOR < previous page cover-1 next page > If you like this book, buy it! < previous page cover-2 next page > THE SIGN OF THREE Dupin, Holmes, Peirce EDITED BY Umberto Eco and Thomas A. Sebeok INDIANA UNIVERSITY PRESS Bloomington and Indianapolis < previous page cover-2 next page > If you like this book, buy it! < previous page cover-3 next page > First Midland Book Edition 1988 Copyright 1983 by Indiana University Press All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • Skeptical Responses to Psi Research
    Skeptical Responses to Psi Research By Ted Goertzel and Ben Goertzel From Evidence for Psi: Thirteen Empirical Research Reports, edited by Damien Broderick and Ben Goertzel, McFarland and Company, 2015. Editors’ Note One of the peculiarities of psi research is that if any scientific work or publication on the topic gets attention at all outside the community of serious psi researchers, it is met by a barrage of derision from the community of self-styled psi “skeptics” (some of whom, it has been argued, might be better termed “denialists”). We consider it fairly likely that this edited volume will attract a familiar sort of negative attention from the psi skeptic community, and are certainly prepared to debate any of their critical responses to the evidence we have gathered here in a careful and public way. However, given the prominence of the “psi skeptic” phenomenon in the modern scientific and popular-media discussions of psi, we also deemed it worthwhile to include here an explicit analysis of the psi skeptic community itself and its weaknesses and motivations. Toward that end, we invited a brief chapter from a sociologist with expertise in both social movements and associated belief systems, and statistical data analysis—Ted Goertzel, who also happens to be the father of one of the editors. Ted has no historical connection with psi research, and brought to the project an attitude of healthy skepticism toward claims of the reality of psi phenomena. One of the thrusts of Ted’s research career has been the careful skeptical investigation of claims made by various parties based on statistical and other evidence, mostly related to social policy (the effect of capital punishment on homicide rates;1 the impact of welfare reform,2 etc.), but also including other topics such as UFO abductions.3 Ted’s initial chapter draft ultimately resulted in the jointly authored chapter you will find below.
    [Show full text]
  • Penultimate Draft the Ethics of Inquiry, Scientific Belief, and Public
    Penultimate Draft The Ethics of Inquiry, Scientific Belief, and Public Discourse Lawrence Torcello I. Towards an Ethics of Inquiry and Public Discourse This paper builds on a developing movement to determine what, if any, ethical constraints ought to be exercised in the process of intellectual inquiry; and what, if any, ethical burdens fall upon professional researchers regarding the public explication of scientific matters. In particular this article will focus on how an ethics of inquiry connects to, and ought to inform, an ethics of public discourse among researchers and laypersons alike, particularly when scientific findings are relevant to public policy. One framing issue, which has been discussed by Philip Kitcher, is whether or not there are paths of scientific investigation so potentially harmful that pursuing them is morally irresponsible. Kitcher advances the view that in the context of particular cultural milieus, certain scientific investigations are not worth the social harms they might engender.1 Kitcher argues, for example, that racial prejudices are held in place by what he deems “political and epistemological asymmetries.” Political asymmetries are the consequences of ideological prejudices specific to one’s cultural history. For instance, the United States’ long history of institutional racism and its accompanying tensions remain influential despite the official political condemnation of all institutional and public discrimination.2 Epistemological asymmetries result from the widespread tendency people have to inflate inaccurately the level of evidential support available for their personal beliefs. 3 1 Such asymmetries cause individuals with a particular prejudice to magnify findings favorable to their own views while ignoring any findings that challenge their positions.
    [Show full text]
  • Marcello Truzzi Papers 010.MT Finding Aid Prepared by Alexis Braun Marks, CA
    Marcello Truzzi papers 010.MT Finding aid prepared by Alexis Braun Marks, CA This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit October 16, 2014 Describing Archives: A Content Standard Eastern Michigan University Archives 2014 October 8 Halle Library, Room 310 Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197 734-487-2673 [email protected] Marcello Truzzi papers 010.MT Table of Contents Summary Information ................................................................................................................................. 3 Biographical Note.......................................................................................................................................... 4 Scope and Contents note............................................................................................................................... 5 Administrative Information .........................................................................................................................6 Related Materials ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Controlled Access Headings..........................................................................................................................6 Collection Inventory...................................................................................................................................... 8 Correspondence........................................................................................................................................8
    [Show full text]
  • Paul Kurtz, CSICOP Grew and Inspired New Skep- Tical Groups, Both on the Local and the International Scenes
    Jan Feb 13 2_SI new design masters 11/29/12 11:26 AM Page 12 The Modern Skeptical Movement Would Not Exist without Him RAY HYMAN result of these disagreements, Truzzi re- signed from CSICOP to pursue his own vision for a “skeptical” journal. Under the leadership of Paul Kurtz, CSICOP grew and inspired new skep- tical groups, both on the local and the international scenes. Paul was the right person at the right time. I believe that without Paul, we would not have had a successful skeptical movement. Al - though he was an academic and a philosopher, he defied the stereotypes for these occupations and was an ex- traordinary organizer, leader, and entre- preneur. Rarely, if ever, does one en- counter the collection of abilities in one The first meeting of the CSICOP Executive Council, in New York City in August 1977. Paul Kurtz is at head of person that Paul Kurtz possessed. Paul the table. was a scholar, philosopher, prolific au- The passing of Paul Kurtz represents a normal claims. Kurtz and Truzzi decided thor, editor, successful publisher, organ- major blow to the skeptical movement. that Paul and his colleagues should join izer, leader, and tireless advocate for the Without Paul Kurtz, the modern skep- SIR to form a national skeptical organi- truth. He was truly unique. tical movement, which began with the zation. Al though Truzzi did not consult —Ray Hyman is professor emeritus of founding of CSI (originally known as Gard ner, Randi, or me in making this psychology, University of Oregon, and a CSICOP), would not exist.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Zetetic Scholar No. 1 8.3 MB PDF File
    CONTENTS ARTICLES LAURENT BEAUREGARD Skepticism, Science, and the Paranormal............ 3 MARCELLO TRUZZI On the Extraord i nary: An Attempt at Clarification.. 11 . BERNARD J. FREMERMAN Solar and Economic Relationships: An Updated Report.............,.......................... 23 DICK HOOPER Castaneda: Trickster-Teacher. A Conversation with Richard de Mille.............................. 27 FEATURES EDITORIAL............................................... 2 BOOK REVIEWS James Webb's The CkcukX Undekgmwzd (Martin Gardner)... 51 Ronald Enroth’s Youth Bhakwtihing md tie Ex.xh~~ Cti (Roy Wallis)................................... 53 Leslie Shepard’s Encyclopedia 05 UccuRtinm E Paeqx,ycho.f?ogy (Marcello Truzzi).................,............. 54 R. Laurence Moore’s In Seahch 06 White ChOWA: SpihLtuakL5 m, Pahapcl ycholbgy and Amehican Cu.ktuhe (Marcel10 Truzzi) . 55 BOOKS BRIEFLY NOTED (53 Books) . 56 BIBLIOGRAPHIES Crank, Crackpot, or Genius? Pseudoscience or Science Revolution? A Basic Bibliographic Guide to the Debate (M. Truzzi >. 20 The Powers of Negative Thinking, or Debunking the Paranormal: A Basic Book List (M. Truzzi)..................................... 35 Uri Geller & the Scientists: A Basic Bibliography (M. Truzzi & Ray Hyman)...................................................... 39 Debunking Biorhythms (M. Truzzi)....... 47 Random Bibliography of the Occult & the Paranormal (M. Truzzi)....... 48 Vol.1, No.1 EDITORIAL The ZETETIC SCHOLAR will attempt to create a contin- uing dialogue between proponents and critics of claims of the paranormal. Concerned mainly with enhancing communica- tion, we are interested not only in adjudication of the claims but with the sociology and psychology of the dis- putes themselves. We will seek to balance science's proper skepticism towards extraordinary claims with its need for objectivity and fairness. The ZETETIC SCHOLAR seeks to help the scientific community reach rational judgements based upon the empiri- cal facts.
    [Show full text]
  • Do Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence?
    Philosophia DOI 10.1007/s11406-016-9779-7 Do Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence? David Deming1 Received: 14 September 2016 /Accepted: 6 October 2016 # The Author(s) 2016. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract In 1979 astronomer Carl Sagan popularized the aphorism Bextraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence^ (ECREE). But Sagan never defined the term Bextraordinary.^ Ambiguity in what constitutes Bextraordinary^ has led to misuse of the aphorism. ECREE is commonly invoked to discredit research dealing with scientific anomalies, and has even been rhetorically employed in attempts to raise doubts concerning mainstream scientific hypotheses that have substantive empirical support. The origin of ECREE lies in eighteenth-century Enlightenment criticisms of miracles. The most important of these was Hume’s essay On Miracles. Hume precisely defined an extraordinary claim as one that is directly contradicted by a massive amount of existing evidence. For a claim to qualify as extraordinary there must exist overwhelm- ing empirical data of the exact antithesis. Extraordinary evidence is not a separate category or type of evidence–it is an extraordinarily large number of observations. Claims that are merely novel or those which violate human consensus are not properly characterized as extraordinary. Science does not contemplate two types of evidence. The misuse of ECREE to suppress innovation and maintain orthodoxy should be avoided as it must inevitably retard the scientific goal of establishing reliable knowledge. Keywords Sagan . Anomaly. Paranormal . Hume . Miracle 1 Introduction Over the past few decades the aphorism Bextraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence^ (ECREE) has been popularized. It has been called Ba fundamental principle of scientific skepticism^ (Voss et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Downloads/Why-Is-There-A-Skeptical-Movement.Pdf, 66
    URI GELLER AND THE RECEPTION OF PARAPSYCHOLOGY IN THE 1970S by JACOB OLDER GREEN B.A. The University of Chicago, 2009 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL STUDIES (History) THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Vancouver) July, 2018 © Jacob Older Green, 2018 The following individuals certify that they have read, and recommend to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for acceptance, the thesis entitled: URI GELLER AND THE RECEPTION OF PARAPSYCHOLOGY IN THE 1970S submitted by Jacob Older Green in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History Examining Committee: Joy Dixon, History Supervisor Robert Brain, History Supervisory Committee Member Alexei Kojevnikov Additional Examiner ii Abstract This paper investigates the controversy following the publication of work by scientists working at the Stanford Research Institute that claimed to show that the extraordinary mental powers of 1970s super psychic Uri Geller were real. The thesis argues that the controversy around Geller represented a shift in how skeptical scientists treated parapsychology. Instead of engaging with parapsychology and treating it as an incipient, if unpromising scientific discipline, which had been the norm since the pioneering work of J.B. Rhine in the 1930s, parapsychology's critics portrayed the discipline as a pseudoscience, little more than an attempt by credulous scientists to confirm their superstitious belief in occult psychic powers. The controversy around Geller also led to the creation of The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), one of the first skeptical organizations specializing in investigating supposed instances of paranormal phenomena.
    [Show full text]
  • John Keel and the Mothman Prophecies
    A new demonology : John Keel and The Mothman Prophecies CLARKE, David <http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6604-9419> Available from Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive (SHURA) at: http://shura.shu.ac.uk/11660/ This document is the author deposited version. You are advised to consult the publisher's version if you wish to cite from it. Published version CLARKE, David (2016). A new demonology : John Keel and The Mothman Prophecies. In: HUNTER, Jack, (ed.) Damned Facts : Fortean Essays on Religion, Folklore and the Paranormal. Cyprus, Aporetic Press, 54-68. Copyright and re-use policy See http://shura.shu.ac.uk/information.html Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive http://shura.shu.ac.uk A New Demonology: John Keel and The Mothman Prophecies David Clarke Department of Media and Communications, Sheffield Hallam University Flying Saucers, the Shaver Mystery and the Occult Revival Charles Fort is often credited as one of the founders of the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), although he died fifteen years before the origin of the modern UFO phenomenon. The birth of UFOlogy can be traced to the sighting of nine mysterious flying objects above the Cascade Mountains in Washington, USA, by a private pilot, Kenneth Arnold, on the afternoon of 24 July 1947. Arnold’s description of their movement, ‘like a saucer would if you skipped it across water,’ was subsequently transformed by headlines that reported the arrival of flying saucers in North American skies. This mystery was promoted by Ray Palmer, editor of the Ziff-Davis pulp magazine Amazing Stories. Palmer mixed Fortean material with avowed science fiction.
    [Show full text]