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From: stekas@hou2g.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.physics,net.tv
Subject: Re: My thoughts on NOVA's ESP show
Message-ID: <145@hou2g.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 20-Jan-84 17:55:43 EST
Article-I.D.: hou2g.145
Posted: Fri Jan 20 17:55:43 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 21-Jan-84 07:28:40 EST
References: <849@ihuxr.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 22

Lew Mammel is very correct to call attention to the physical implications
of ESP/PSI. If remote viewing and psychokinesis are real then physics
is out the window. Plain and simple.

Attempts to reconcile physics and PSI by calling PSI as a new force
like gravity or electricity and magnetism just won't work.  First off,
PSI shatters the entire concept of forces being mediated by particles.
PSI forces "know" to couple strongly to the matter in a PSIcho's mind,
to turn off the coupling while passing through walls and such,
and then turn back on at a remote location to observe some scene
or move a salt shaker.  Forces mediated by dumb particles just can't
do that kind of thing.

The experiments shown on Nova were so hokey.  First there's a woman
moving a metal salt shaker across a table. Why not a glass one so I
can be sure no magnets were involved?  Then the camera shows some
guy shaking his hands - next shot a light pops on on a table covered
with equipment.  Then I'm supposed to believe some guy viewing a
far off scene and believe that the recreation I'm seeing is an
authentic one. Common Nova, give us a break!

                                       Jim