illuminating science

James Randi is an ex-magician who, among other things, works to debunk psychics. He has a $1 million dollar challenge out to any psychic who can demonstrate, under controlled conditions, that they have supernatural abilities. Prove it, and you get US$1 million; but if you’re found out, you get written up in his journal, publicised to the media and generally and widely ridiculed

So far, not one major psychic (in particular, famous TV psychics like John Edwards…) has agreed to take part in the test. You’d think if they really could read minds, they’d jump at the chance for an easy million bucks! Like Mulder, I’d love to believe there’s something more out there, but so far the evidence isn’t overwhelming. Check out his website for more details, and in particular watch the fantastic video that pretty much debunks Uri Geller, the famous “psychic” who could read minds, divine water and, most famous of all, bend spoons with his mind. Under controlled conditions, however, things aren’t quite so successful…