UFOlogia Supplemento a Clypeus - 1983 No 15

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFOLOGIA, a supplement to CLYPEUS N° 80, published in December 1983, is dedicated to the phenomenon of the "nouvelle vague" or "new wave" of ufologists originating from France. The magazine positions itself as an aperitif of criticism and ufological information, sent free to members of the Gruppo Clypeus. The editorial stance acknowledges the shift in ufological thinking towards a more critical and scientific approach.

Editorial: Perché la Francia

The editorial explains that this issue is entirely dedicated to the "new wave" of ufologists from France. This movement, which gained momentum in the last three to four years, is characterized by a critically renewed and "different" ufological research, aiming for a scientific study of the problem. The editorial clarifies that this "neo-ufology" is not a simple negation of the UFO problem by former ufologists seeking official recognition. Instead, it represents a maturation of ufology, developing independently but simultaneously in various countries, suggesting a growing scientific awareness.

The editorial distinguishes this "neo-ufology" from authors like Michel Monnerie who preceded the movement. It traces the origins to the confluence of "new ufology" (which, in the US, led to a para-physical approach acknowledging its limitations) and "scientific ufology." In France, this led to a "parapsychologization" of ufology, with publications like "Lumières dans la nuit" exploring themes from the "new ufology." A pivotal moment was Michel Monnerie's book "Et si les OVNIs n'existaient pas?", which suggested that the UFO phenomenon could persist even without a physical stimulus, making the problem autonomous from the existence of unexplained sightings.

This led to a rift within French ufology, with Monnerie and his supporters being ostracized. The "neo-ufologues" found a platform in the Belgian magazine "Inforespace." The editorial notes that while Monnerie's group broke away, the "neo-ufology" movement, influenced by the "Monnerie cyclone" and the methodological approach of GEPAN, emerged with a critical and self-critical attitude, accepting the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific understanding.

Gli ufologi della 'nouvelle vague'

This article by Yves Bosson describes the shift in ufological mentality since 1977, marking the emergence of "neo-ufology." This movement gained momentum in 1980 at the Journées ufologiques in Montluçon. The author highlights the characteristics, methods, and motivations of this new current. The current calm in ufological activity has allowed for reflection and a better understanding of studies previously dismissed. A new generation of ufologists is characterized by logic, open-mindedness, rigor, specialization, seriousness, self-criticism, and professionalism.

The "neo-ufology" approach does not reduce the phenomenon to sociopsychology but acknowledges the physical stimulus behind sightings. They admit ignorance about the true nature of UFOs, focusing instead on identifying IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) to understand what makes a case unexplained. The article suggests that unexplained cases might be IFOs that are not yet understood. It emphasizes studying how IFOs are identified and why they are mistaken for UFOs, pointing to the fragility of human testimony and the influence of the UFO/Extraterrestrial myth.

The motivations for neo-ufologists are twofold: to avoid missing a potentially original phenomenon and to recognize the significant sociopsychological aspect of the UFO phenomenon. The article notes that the scientific approach requires significant resources, while sociopsychological research appears less costly. It also points out the lack of progress in physical UFO studies over thirty years.

Neo-ufologists have equipped themselves with tools for progress, including specialization, focused meetings, systematic information control, improved investigations, research into scientific studies, and professionalism. The article concludes that while progress is being made, much remains to be done, and ufologists must be conscious of their responsibilities.

UFO - IFO: Il punto sulla situazione

This article by Claude Maugé, a physicist and mathematics teacher with interests in psychology, presents a framework for understanding the UFO phenomenon. Maugé's approach is characterized by a 'binary' perspective, integrating physics and psychology, and a meticulous methodology. He proposes a more precise terminology for ufology.

Maugé defines "pre-UFO" as any presumed "observation" (real or not) that a witness or others label as a "UFO." This encompasses genuine UFOs, misinterpretations (like the moon), or fabricated cases. The collection of pre-UFO cases constitutes the "UFO phenomenon in a broad sense," which is the subject of study for "sociologists." This broad sense is influenced by socio-cultural context, scientific paradigms, mass media, ufological circles, analogous past and present phenomena (mythology, folklore, religious apparitions), and potential witnesses.

• Pre-UFO cases can be classified into three categories if they are not unusable due to insufficient data:
• A: Misinterpretation of natural or artificial human objects or phenomena.
• B: Known phenomena of physiological, psychological, or psychopathological origin.
• C: Hoax perpetrated by the witness.

Alternatively, a case might be a "quasi-UFO," which remains unexplained by "competent experts" who would have identified it if it were "banal." The collection of quasi-UFO cases forms the "UFO phenomenon in a narrow sense," the subject of study for "physicists."

• Quasi-UFOs can be explained and become IFOs through:
• Progress in investigation: (counter-investigation, specialist intervention) – these could be termed pseudo-UFOs.
• Progress in science: leading to class D.
• D: Physical or psychic phenomena currently unknown or poorly understood, but integrable into science without major upheaval.

• Cases that remain unidentified are classified as "true UFOs" or "UFO phenomenon in the strict sense," forming a fifth class, E, which is triply divided:
• E1: Natural phenomena not integrable into science without major upheaval.
• E2: Non-human intelligences.
• E3: Fundamentally unknowable causes, or other potential categories.

Maugé's schema suggests the UFO phenomenon is dual: possibly based on original, irreducible phenomena (which some deny), and in any case, also involving a sociopsychological phenomenon (which "traditionalists" acknowledge but often dismiss).

The article questions the validity of arguments for and against the existence of a "true" UFO phenomenon that is not reducible to a mere empty set.

Gli argomenti "PRO"

This section, referencing Pierre Guérin's 1977 work, discusses the "pro" arguments for the existence of a profoundly original UFO phenomenon. Guérin identified three arguments:

2.1 The existence of cases that appear credible and completely irreducible to known phenomena. The author notes that while this argument still holds, the number of such cases is far lower than claimed by some authors (e.g., Aimé Michel, Claude Poher). The majority of cataloged cases are explained, doubtful, or inconclusive. The author critiques the UFOCAT catalog, stating that out of 29 French cases from September-October 1954, only one (Chabeuil) merits consideration as solid. Similarly, out of 16 Belgian trace cases, only three are considered somewhat founded, and even then, the attribution of "traces" to UFOs is excessive. The author also dismisses the reliability of other catalogs like Vallée's and Poher's "825 cases." He estimates the number of solid cases (credible witness, good observation conditions, extraordinary sighting, valid investigation) to be around a few thousand, or even fewer.

2.2 The analogy between cases, which "mutually authenticate" each other. The author argues that this argument loses much of its force if there are fewer solid cases than initially thought. Furthermore, the indiscernibility between UFOs and IFOs reduces its strength, as the characteristics of unidentified cases are also found in well-explained ones.

2.3 The coherence emerging from statistical analysis of reports. The author questions the validity of such analysis when at least 80% of archived cases are identified or doubtful. The coherence observed is thus considered an artifact.

The section then briefly touches upon other "pro" arguments, such as the existence of consistent and fruitful explanatory models like the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). While acknowledging the speculative nature of ETH and its exobiological arguments, the author notes that works by James Mc Campbell, Jean-Pierre Petit, and Maurice De Sari offer potential solutions to propulsion problems, and theoretical impossibilities (like the absence of sonic booms or radar detection) might have explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the emergence and characteristics of "neo-ufology," particularly in France. The editorial stance is one of embracing this new, more scientific, critical, and sociopsychologically informed approach to ufology. The magazine aims to inform its readers about these evolving methodologies and perspectives, differentiating them from older, more speculative or dogmatic approaches. There is a clear emphasis on rigor, self-criticism, and the integration of various disciplines to understand the complex UFO phenomenon. The issue champions a move towards a more mature and professional ufology.

This document, titled "ELEMENTI DI UNA METODOLOGIA DI RICERCA" (Elements of a Research Methodology), is a technical article authored by P. Besse, A. Esterle, and M. Jimenez. It was published in April 1981 as part of Note Technique n.3 by GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés), an entity within the French Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). The article presents a new epistemological model for the study of unidentified aerospace phenomena.

Critique of Existing Ufological Approaches

The authors begin by critiquing the prevailing ufological landscape, particularly the ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) and parapsychological hypotheses. They argue that the ETH faces formidable obstacles such as cosmic distances and the "anthropo-psychological" component of the phenomenon, and that its apparent coherence is reinforced by the "extraterrestrial myth." Parapsychological hypotheses are deemed based on even more questionable data and insufficient theory. Ufological models are criticized for their lack of rigor, epistemological drawbacks like paradigm shifts, and a lack of falsifiability.

Specific arguments against the ETH are examined, including the lack of extraordinary material evidence from alleged UFO fragments, the unreliability of "angel hair" cases, and the questionable nature of evidence presented by researchers like Leonard Stringfield. Photographs and films are generally admitted as not constituting proof, with few truly interesting cases and unresolved controversies surrounding radar cases.

Other "pro" arguments are dismissed as reflecting philosophical or ideological presuppositions, or as mere arguments from authority. These include the idea that official authorities' actions demonstrate something is happening, accusations of "retrograde anthropocentrism" against skeptics, and claims that skeptics are unaware of recent scientific discoveries. The authors note that while some skeptics might be unaware, this is often true for "believers" as well.

They also address the argument that if nothing were happening, the phenomenon would have a socio-psychological explanation, suggesting that a socio-psychological model is indeed taking shape.

The "Indistinguishability" of UFOs and IFOs

A significant argument against the existence of a distinct UFO phenomenon is the "indistinguishability" between UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) and IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). The authors state that cases of quasi-UFOs and IFOs are a priori indistinguishable, sharing similar stories and details. Many cases once considered "totally reliable and totally inexplicable" have later been explained through new investigations or information, such as the Ubatuba case. This indistinguishability is presented as a major counter-argument to the originality of the UFO phenomenon, though it is not yet definitively proven.

The Ufological Environment

The authors discuss the ufological environment, acknowledging that most ufologists are intelligent and honest but often lack deep scientific knowledge in relevant fields (geophysics, psychology). They point to a general lack of critical thinking, leading to unreliable sources. This environment is characterized by a tendency to mix UFO phenomena with unrelated topics like "hollow earth," the Bermuda Triangle, animal mutilations, archaeological enigmas, and "paleolithic discs." While connections might exist, they are often based on fragile foundations. The label "scientist" is also noted as not being an absolute guarantee of reliability.

Several implicit postulates of ufology are outlined:

• The "residue" postulate: Unexplained cases are equated with inexplicable cases, and thus with real UFOs (extraterrestrial craft).
• The "Zorro syndrome": An ufologist may appear to explain a case conventionally but then "proves" (or claims) that the proposed explanation is incorrect, thus concluding it's a UFO.
• The "unity of cases" postulate: The ufologist constructs the unity of a case by combining disparate details.
• The "objective causes" postulate: When faced with ambiguity, the ufologist postulates the cause is the object rather than the witness.
• The "competent and trustworthy witness" postulate: This is a long-standing issue.
• The "independence of UFO and IFO" postulate: This denies significant interaction between UFOs and IFOs, rendering IFO studies useless for understanding UFOs.

Many ufologists are seen as trapped in a belief system where everything reinforces itself, with the "extraterrestrial myth" playing a fundamental role. The combination of UFO/IFO indistinguishability and the frequent unreliability of ufologists is considered "destabilizing," implying that much of what has been published since 1947 might be worthless.

Towards a Socio-Psychological Model

The authors propose the beginnings of a socio-psychological model, which will be based on:

• Converging evidence: Numerous convergences between UFO phenomena and various human mental productions, including science fiction, near-death experiences (NDEs), religious apparitions, altered states of consciousness (ASC), shamanism, witchcraft, mermaid sightings, and the historical evolution of the extraterrestrial myth.
• Perceptual and cognitive mechanisms: Studies on how perceptual and cognitive mechanisms transform "banal" stimuli into "UFOs." This includes work by J. Meerloo, Michel Monnerie, and research by Manuel Jimenez (GEPAN) based on J. Bruner's perceptual model, as well as Paolo Toselli's model.
• Information transmission chain: Analysis of the stages of information transmission and distortion, involving witnesses, ufologists (investigators, compilers, theorists), official bodies, mass media, and the general public. The influence of public opinion surveys and "trigger events" is noted.
• Jungian perspectives: Indications on the meaning and possible "function" of the "UFO," drawing from Carl Gustav Jung's ideas. This includes references to J. Meerloo, Jean-Bruno Renard's concept of "cargo-cult of the West," and Pierre Geste's idea that "hard" UFO experiences (contact, abduction) might protect individuals from psychosis.

Conclusion on the Socio-Psychological Hypothesis

In conclusion, the authors state that despite some puzzling cases and unresolved issues, the socio-psychological hypothesis is gaining serious consistency, making "fantastic" models increasingly unnecessary. Coupled with the possibility of natural physical phenomena affecting the central nervous system (e.g., Persinger), the socio-psychological hypothesis appears to be the most fruitful working hypothesis currently available. They caution that this hypothesis, like the ETH, is a belief system, and that to access any potentially original UFO phenomenon, the surrounding socio-psychological "noise" must first be cleared.

Research Methodology Framework

The document then delves into the proposed research methodology, emphasizing the complexity and variety of the UFO problem. It highlights the need for a rigorous, non-reductionist approach.

Key Challenges

• Variety and Complexity: The problem is characterized by diverse witnesses, observation circumstances, and testimony content. There's a lack of clear logical links between observations, apart from potential repeated false sightings.
• Methodological Flaws: Existing studies are often limited by methodological flaws or the narrow focus on specific elements.
• Contradictory Orientations: Complementary studies suggest diverse or contradictory research directions.
• Avoiding Simple Ideas: The problem is not reducible to simple explanations like confusion, hoaxes, witness incompetence, etc.
• Avoiding Dispersed Studies: It cannot be resolved by isolated, scattered studies.

The Scientific Approach

The authors advocate for a scientific approach, defining its originality and fundamental principles. This involves focusing on "observables" – elements that allow theories to be formulated and tested. For unidentified aerospace phenomena, the primary observables are:

1. Witnesses: The primary source of data.
2. Testimonies: The content of what witnesses report.
3. Physical Environment: The specific location, time, and conditions of the observation.
4. Psychosocial and Cultural Environment: The social, cultural, and ideological context in which the testimony circulates and is received.

The Unobservability of Stimuli

A crucial point is the direct unobservability of the stimuli themselves, which are the core of the problem. These stimuli can only be approached indirectly through the reflections perceived by the observer via the four observable domains.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Two main pitfalls are identified:

1. Semi-causal Correlation/Indirect Implication: Ignoring the interaction between the four observable domains and the stimulus, leading to a fragmented understanding.
2. Separability Hypothesis: Limiting the study to a few elements of the problem and believing that partial relations can explain the whole. This can lead to focusing on known objects prone to confusion or on witness characteristics without understanding the deeper relationship between individual perception and psychosocial dynamics.

The Tetrahedral Model

To address these challenges, a "tetrahedral schema" is proposed. The four observable domains form the vertices of a tetrahedron, with the unobservable stimulus at the center. This model:

• Respects the original character of the stimulus: It acknowledges that the stimulus itself is not directly testable or reproducible.
• Relativizes different study types: It shows how focusing on one vertex (e.g., testimonies) only captures one reflection of the phenomenon and that this vertex does not exist in isolation.
• Emphasizes interconnectedness: It highlights that ignoring any of the four domains leads to an arbitrary and insufficient study, limiting the scope of conclusions.

Therefore, no specific study of a single type can be fully satisfactory on its own. The model suggests that a comprehensive understanding requires considering the interplay between all four observable domains and the central, unobservable stimulus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document revolve around the critical evaluation of existing ufological theories and the proposal of a more rigorous, scientific, and interdisciplinary research methodology. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a socio-psychological interpretation of UFO phenomena, viewing it as the most promising avenue for research, while acknowledging the need for continued investigation into potential natural physical explanations. The document advocates for a systemic approach, integrating multiple factors rather than relying on simplistic or reductionist explanations. It criticizes the "extraterrestrial myth" as a potentially misleading element that obscures a clearer understanding of the phenomenon.

This issue of OVNI prèsence, number 27, dated September 1983, features a cover headline "COSA FARE" (What to Do) with the subtitle "QUALCHE IDEA PER COMINCIARE A LAVORARE" (Some Ideas to Start Working), authored by Thierry Pinvidic. The magazine delves into the methodology and scientific approach to ufology, advocating for a shift from fixed hypotheses to a rigorous, interdisciplinary research framework.

The Tetrahedron Model and Research Strategy

The issue begins by discussing the advantages of a "tetrahedron" model for research, which allows for the study of observable aspects from various perspectives: clinical, socio-cultural, geographical, and temporal. This model helps to schematize research, obtained results, and the relationships between different elements and findings. It emphasizes that the researcher is always on the surface of this tetrahedron, interacting with the field of study. The research strategy outlined involves orienting actions towards the different poles of the tetrahedron, using current scientific knowledge to clarify information and, conversely, using information to illustrate or modify scientific knowledge. It stresses that events cannot be dismissed simply because they are not yet recognized by science, nor can they overturn scientific knowledge without rigorous investigation and theoretical or experimental confirmation.

Areas of Research

The research can focus on physical aspects, such as studying the environment (atmospheric, astronomical, geographical data) and analyzing traces or recordings. These studies are crucial for clarifying the nature of the stimulus, even if they sometimes involve delicate analyses, like spectrographic analysis of light sources or chemical analysis of soil traces. Subtle effects, such as electromagnetic fields, can also be studied. The issue also suggests reflecting on known physical laws in relation to testimony content, examining current universe models, microphysics research, and technological advancements. However, it stresses that these studies provide only a partial reflection of the phenomenon without other information.

Beyond physical aspects, the research must also encompass the testimonies themselves, including the analysis of content, the witnesses, and their psychosocial environment. The psychology of perception, personality traits, and established frames of reference, influenced by the psychosocial environment, all modulate how individuals interpret observations. The dynamics of information circulation within a social environment are also important, as witnesses process information based on their personal and psychological frameworks.

Interconnections and Challenges

The issue highlights that even when a stimulus is clear, its role in the overall problem can be complex, especially when identifications are less straightforward. The research must consider the various reflections of stimuli on the four elements of the tetrahedron. It is important to examine how information circulates and is transmitted, and how this influences the perception and reporting of phenomena. The goal is to understand the nature of poorly understood or misunderstood phenomena through the comprehension of associated mechanisms.

Potential Errors and Pitfalls in Research

The article warns against numerous potential errors in research, including purely technical errors (e.g., in statistics or measurements) and, more subtly, errors in interpretation. These interpretive errors can include premature generalizations of partial results, conscious or unconscious selection of data, and even falsification. The issue notes that these phenomena are particularly frequent and can arise from a researcher's enthusiasm or passion, leading to a form of blindness. It suggests that despite thirty years of passionate ufological study, results have been modest, and perhaps more serenity is needed.

"40 Proposals for the F.F.U. and for Ufology in General"

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "40 proposals for the F.F.U. and for ufology in general," presented by Thierry Pinvidic. These proposals aim to guide research and prevent oversimplification. They cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Terminology and Bibliography: Standardizing terminology and compiling a comprehensive bibliography of conventional and ufological studies.
• Case Analysis: Developing criteria to distinguish explained from unexplained cases, analyzing the characteristics of cases, and refining the concept of "strangeness."
• Witnesses and Environment: Studying witnesses from physiological and psychological perspectives, analyzing their personality traits, and understanding their psychosocial environment.
• Information Dynamics: Investigating how information circulates, develops, and amplifies within social contexts, and the role of media in shaping UFO waves.
• UFO Themes: Researching the origins of UFO themes, their evolution over time, and their connection to folklore and science fiction.
• Methodology: Developing specific inquiry techniques, such as the GEPAN "centered interview" method, and standardizing investigation reports.
• Psychiatric and Psychological Studies: Conducting psychiatric studies of contactees and examining reports of close encounters in relation to altered states of consciousness.
• Sociological Studies: Analyzing UFO waves from a sociological perspective, identifying psycho-social determinants, and studying the impact of media coverage.
• Deontology: Establishing a code of conduct for researchers, including facilitating data exchange, maintaining updated archives, protecting cases from premature publication, providing training for investigators, and encouraging self-criticism.

"Tirando le Somme" (Drawing Conclusions)

The concluding section summarizes the key points, emphasizing that the "neo-ufology" presented is characterized by its method and scientific approach, rather than by a fixed hypothesis. It highlights the GEPAN tetrahedron model as a valuable tool for understanding the complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social components that mediate UFO phenomena. The model's merit lies in its ability to indicate the necessary tools for application in this specific field. The approach encourages seeking elements that falsify hypotheses rather than merely verifying them, leading to a more robust understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the necessity of a rigorous scientific methodology in ufology, the importance of interdisciplinary research, and the critical evaluation of hypotheses. The editorial stance clearly favors a structured, evidence-based approach, moving away from anecdotalism and unsubstantiated claims. It promotes the idea of ufology as a serious field of study that requires dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to intellectual honesty and self-correction. The issue advocates for a shift from amateurism to professionalism within the ufological community, encouraging researchers to work together and share their findings openly and systematically.

This document is a single page, page 29, from a magazine titled "UFO". The content is in Italian and discusses the evolving field of ufology, particularly focusing on the approach and implications of "neo-ufology".

The Interdisciplinary Nature of Ufology

The text begins by observing that the study of ufology is inherently interdisciplinary, integrating physical and human sciences. This integration is described as unique and epistemologically promising and fruitful. The author notes that ufology is becoming increasingly complex, requiring specialized sectoral expertise and extensive preparation and reflection for each individual study.

Neo-Ufology: A Rigorous Approach

Despite the complexity, this approach is expected to yield concrete, albeit partial and intermediate, results that contribute to a broader understanding of the problem and its mechanisms. A key distinction of neo-ufology is its rigorous methodology, which allows for the criticism of results and works based on verifiable or falsifiable facts, moving beyond mere opinions. This contrasts with the majority of previously produced ufological content.

Generative Capacity and New Research Avenues

The article highlights the fecundity and richness of this line of research, which is generating a wealth of ideas for future work and research projects. Each project, in turn, leads to new ideas and proposals. Rather than closing the discussion, French neo-ufology (and by extension, the approach discussed) is creating a significant number of new problems that will require considerable time and effort to tackle.

Researcher's Enthusiasm

The text also touches upon the satisfaction experienced by those involved in this research. This satisfaction is not merely about confirming one's own beliefs or having a sudden inspiration, but rather the typical enthusiasm of a researcher who, through constant and methodical effort, sees results gradually emerge from their work, as exemplified by the latter part of an article by Pinvidio.

The Future of Ufology

This approach suggests a different future for ufology. While it may have little to do with the pursuit of extraterrestrials, it presents an interesting field for exercising imagination and initiative in a constructive and useful manner, leading to a greater understanding of the UFO phenomenon. The author concludes that this is a long road, but it is one that leads in a clear direction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt are the evolution of ufological research methodology, the importance of interdisciplinarity, and the shift towards a more scientific and verifiable approach. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of this rigorous, evidence-based, and interdisciplinary direction for the future of ufology, emphasizing constructive research and a deeper understanding of the phenomenon.