Skepticism about Selected Paranormal Events and Why Some Believe We Are Not Alone

Abstract

ABSTRACTThere is no evidence established so far that proves conclusively that humanity either is or is not alone in the universe. An estimated 548 to 701 unexplained cases, that could potentially say otherwise, either have not been investigated at all or have been frivolously dismissed, even though explanations based on natural phenomena have not easily explained important case‐by‐case details. All unexplained cases do not necessarily mean either the existence of an alien being or an alien technology connection. Such cases will need to be decided with more research. This is especially needed since a review of two key government investigations by qualified experts and scientists found: (1) the presence of seriously misleading explanations in key reports, (2) flaws in the scientific methodology of reports such as the Condon Report and Project Blue Book, and (3) predispositional thinking on the part of scientists charged with finding the truth. Such findings create uncertainty about the trustworthiness of those reports as the final word on UFOs and alien‐related phenomena. In spite of existing skepticism, this paper illustrates why the truth must be built on trustworthy information and not resolved with either the use of theory‐dependent hypotheses or the use of faulty definitions guiding any supposedly scientific effort. The search for extraterrestrial life has been pursued on the premise that if such life exists, it must either respond to radio signals or it must be detectable by tests or processes developed for such purposes. This search has created the hope that an acceptable answer will be found, even as movies and books on the fringes of science say otherwise. Skepticism, therefore, has apparently grown from the fertile soil of both genuine scientific pursuits and fantasy entertainment. This paper underscores the need for testable and reliable evidence needed to answer the question of whether or not humanity is alone in the universe.