Physicist Russell Targ gives talk on ESP research.

[Phi for All]

6 hours ago, Enthalpy said:

Such reasoning is a misunderstanding and misuse of the theory of evolution.

Let's apply the same wrong reasoning to other decisive advantages:

If intelligence existed, it would be a huge advantage to humans and animals, so the evolution would have generalized it.
Wrong reasoning.

If toolmaking existed, it would be a huge advantage to humans and animals, so the evolution would have generalized it.
Wrong reasoning.

If flying existed, it would be a huge advantage to humans and animals, so the evolution would have generalized it.
Wrong reasoning.

The same reasoning is wrong about mind reading.

Seriously?! I always considered your stances more reasonable.

High intelligence requires a great deal of sacrifice. Just because it exists in humans doesn't mean it works for all animals. Toolmaking past the stick phase also requires more intelligence than most animals will ever have, for multiple reasons. And this extra-sensory perception that seems akin to mind reading is also an offshoot of high intelligence, so again not many animals will be eligible.

The flying example is bizarre. We all know why it's not a generalized trait.

The point is, since ESP is described as a mental function, it would only manifest in species with human-like intelligence. And since our entire society is based on uses for our high intelligence, any group that can gain added knowledge through mind reading is going to be measurably different. How could they not? What mechanism is there that would stop ESP from being an advantageous trait among highly intelligent creatures?

[naitche]

Science is the specific set of conditions agreed on by the scientific community to support its purpose in the environment.

Most of the arguments I've seen  to discredit Russel Targs work and paranormal research in general is not part of those conditions, But based on beliefs of what science should be or what it should do. Those beliefs have no place in science. 

Those qualifications can only limit science.

Those beliefs if accepted as part of science tie the subject, and science together  in opposition.

I would rather see people who have inexplicable experience seek their answers in science than where else  their possibilities  are accepted.

Edited May 12, 2018 by naitche