NIVFO-Bulletin - 1988 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of NIVFO bulletin, number 1-88 from 1988, is dedicated to exploring the intersection of quantum mechanics, philosophy, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine, published by NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING (NIVFO), features a cover story titled "Kvantemystikk" (Quantum Mysticism) and includes articles on UFOs, parapsychology, alternative medicine, and skepticism.

"Kvantemystikk"

The main article, "Kvantemystikk," delves into the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, drawing parallels between modern physics and earlier philosophical ideas. It begins by referencing the 18th-century Anglican bishop George Berkeley, who argued that nothing can exist without being perceived. The article explores how this idea resonates with certain interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly the concept of wave function collapse upon observation. It highlights the work of physicists like Eugene Wigner and John Wheeler, whose views are described as "quantum solipsism." The text discusses how quantum theory challenges classical determinism with its inherent paradoxes and the probabilistic nature of events. The concept of the wave function, which describes the state of a quantum system, and its reduction or collapse during a measurement process, is explained. The article touches upon Schrödinger's cat paradox to illustrate the counter-intuitive nature of quantum states before observation. It also mentions Wigner's belief that human consciousness is the ultimate observer that collapses the wave function, leading to a regress problem that he suggests is resolved by the observer's own consciousness. The text contrasts this with the views of many physicists who believe that macroscopic events, rather than consciousness alone, cause wave function reduction. The article also introduces John Wheeler's concept of a "participatory universe" and his delayed-choice experiment, which suggests that the past may be influenced by present choices, and that the universe itself might be a delayed-choice experiment culminating in consciousness.

The article further explores the implications of the EPR paradox, where entangled particles seem to influence each other instantaneously regardless of distance. It notes that while this phenomenon is experimentally confirmed, it does not violate the speed of light limit for information transfer. The text discusses how some physicists, like Costa de Beauregard and Brian Josephson, see quantum mechanics as a potential key to understanding parapsychological phenomena. Einstein's discomfort with the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and its apparent lack of an objective reality independent of observation is also detailed. The article concludes that while the micro-world of quantum mechanics is mysterious, the macroscopic world is generally considered to have a stable, objective reality.

UFO-drama i Florø

This section reports on a UFO incident that allegedly occurred in Florø, Norway, on New Year's Eve 1987. A man claimed to have witnessed a disk-shaped object land near his home, from which emerged two transparent beings, a man and a woman. The witness described them as being partially transparent and stated they attempted to take samples from him. The encounter escalated when the witness reportedly threw something at the male entity, who then responded with a weapon that fired 'bullets.' The witness then overturned a table to shield himself, and the entities eventually retreated. The witness contacted local newspapers and the police, but received little interest. He then contacted NIVFO. The report notes that the witness claimed many people must have seen the UFO, especially during its departure, which was accompanied by a 'sulfur' like haze. The article mentions that the entities later returned with a small child. The incident is classified as a 4th-degree encounter due to the 'communication' involving violence and sex. The transparency of the beings is presented as a key argument against them being human. The article also includes two Japanese illustrations related to UFOs.

India

This section provides an update on the skeptical movement in India. It highlights the existence of three skeptical groups, including CSICOP India, established in 1983 and led by B. Premanand, a magician who actively debunks paranormal claims. The article mentions that CSICOP India has support from 123 Indian organizations. It also introduces The Bangalore Science Forum, founded in 1962, and Satyasodhak Sabha in Surat, established in 1979, led by Dr. Branuprased A. Parikh, who focuses on combating paranormal deception in India. The section notes that these developments are significant, especially in light of the attention given to Indian gurus like Sai Baba.

CSICOP HAR OPPRETTET NY SUBKOMITE

This brief article announces the formation of a new subcommittee within CSICOP called the "Legal and Consumer Protection Subcommittee." This committee will focus on consumer interests related to paranormal claims, including investigating laws concerning paranormal assertions, cataloging legal cases involving the paranormal, and studying the use of paranormal claims in the legal system. The subcommittee is led by Mark Plummer.

Pseudovitenskap i populærvitenskapelig magasin

This short piece criticizes an article about UFOs in Hessdalen, Norway, published in a popular science magazine. The author argues that the article, presented by the Norwegian UFO movement, exhibits characteristics of pseudoscience, such as omitting data that contradicts its narrative. The article suggests that such content belongs in occult magazines rather than popular science publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NIVFO bulletin consistently promotes a skeptical and rationalist approach to phenomena often associated with the paranormal and pseudoscience. The magazine aims to critically examine claims related to UFOs, parapsychology, and alternative medicine, grounding its discussions in scientific principles and philosophical inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking, as evidenced by its affiliation with CSICOP and its focus on debunking pseudoscientific claims. The publication serves as a forum for exploring complex scientific and philosophical ideas, such as the implications of quantum mechanics, while also addressing more sensational topics like UFO sightings with a critical eye.

Title: Søkaren
Issue: nr. 8/1987
Date: August 1987
Publisher: NIVFO
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Søkaren delves into the growing interest in the paranormal, particularly within student circles in Norway, and presents a critical, skeptical perspective on various pseudoscientific and occult phenomena.

The Norwegian Student Society and the Paranormal

The issue opens by discussing the impact of Erich von Däniken's visit to Norway and his appearance at the Student Society in Oslo. The event reportedly led to the distribution of a folder by NIVFO, offering counterarguments to Däniken's ideas. Following this, Fritjof Capra also visited, and the Student Society's 'Forum 2000' program is highlighted as a source of pseudoscientific and occult lectures, featuring individuals like Bente Müller, who claims to channel 'cosmic consciousness'.

A striking observation from an astronomy student at Blindern is that physics textbooks were unavailable at the university bookstore at the start of the semester, while astrology books were abundant. This leads to a series of rhetorical questions about the future of academia, such as whether 'Akademika' will exclusively stock occult books, if an astrology faculty will be established, and if microscopes will be replaced by crystal balls. The article suggests that students are particularly susceptible to scams like Scientology, which can lead to significant debt and mental/physical distress.

UFOs - An Illusory Phenomenon?

Two British ufologists argue that UFOs are merely images in the human mind and do not exist in reality. The article references the 'International UFO Årbog 1986', translated into Danish, which notes a significant decline in UFO reports worldwide since the release of Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in 1978. For instance, the British UFO association BUFORA reported over 700 cases in 1977, which dropped to 118 in 1980, 69 in 1981, 29 in 1982, 35 in 1983, and only 25 in 1984.

This decline is attributed to improved UFO investigation methods, leading to more cases being dismissed early due to probable natural explanations. Additionally, witnesses are now more familiar with natural phenomena, and satellite or rocket debris is less frequently misidentified as UFOs. Despite the decrease in reports, the UFO question remains open, with some strange incidents, like car engines stalling near UFO sightings, still seeking explanations.

The article touches upon J. Allen Hynek's failed attempt to establish an international UFO research center with a benefactor who did not share his scientific ideals. It also presents the idea, supported by psychologist Darren P. Chanter, that near-observations of UFOs are internal experiences, akin to near-death experiences, characterized by feelings of timelessness, peace, and heightened awareness. Out-of-body experiences and telepathic communication with entities are also mentioned in connection with these events. Chanter suggests that UFO sightings and near-death experiences are related phenomena occurring in altered states of consciousness.

These subjective experiences often involve a single witness and occur during periods of isolation with minimal sensory input, or during automatic activities like driving. The article notes that many such observations happen at night or when witnesses are young or from rural backgrounds. Hypnosis often brings these experiences to light, suggesting that reduced sensory input plays a role in manifesting subconscious imagery.

Parapsychology: Reason vs. Unreason

This section reviews a booklet titled 'FORNUFT OG UFORNUFT I PARAPSYKOLOGIEN' (Reason and Unreason in Parapsychology) by Piet Hein Hoebens. Hoebens challenges the notion that serious parapsychologists exist, stating that parapsychology is inseparable from pseudoscience and its ideas are essentially magical, calling it a farce and a deception. The article contrasts the views of parapsychologists Martin Johnson and Hans Bender.

Martin Johnson, a Swedish professor of parapsychology, is described as agreeing with skeptics that evidence for psi (parapsychological abilities) is weak and ambiguous. He is noted for his similarity to skeptical psychologist Ray Hyman. Hans Bender, a prominent figure in international parapsychology, is criticized for his book 'Unsere sechster Sinn', which is seen as propaganda rather than information. Piet Hein Hoebens' analysis reportedly reveals instances where Bender distorts facts, omits information, and presents falsehoods as truth.

Astro-Archaeological Sensations

This part of the magazine examines claims made by Danish astro-archaeologists, particularly concerning ancient Egypt. It critiques Frede Meldegaard's 'Egyptian Natural Method Language', which interprets a relief as an ancient advertisement for a 'hot dog'. The author suggests that this interpretation is absurd and that the symbol of the god Anubis is being misrepresented. The article posits that such 'burger culture' might be a form of extraterrestrial cultural imperialism, originating from 'space gods' who built the pyramids.

More on Pyramid Energy

The issue addresses a dispute between Jens Laigaard, author of 'Pyramid Energy - A Critical Investigation', and Borg Jensen, a Danish pyramidolog. Jensen allegedly demanded that Laigaard's book be withdrawn, calling pyramid energy a fraud. Laigaard, a librarian, states that he found no scientific documentation to support pyramid energy claims. He also criticizes Borg Jensen for making fantastic claims about healing, including curing cancer and paralysis, and for allegedly charging people for ineffective treatments. Jensen's claims of being a psychologist are also questioned, as his education is reportedly from Scientology.

The article highlights two cases where Borg Jensen's alleged healings were disproven: a man with gangrene who had his leg amputated despite Jensen's claims, and a woman with spastic paralysis who remained in a wheelchair. The magazines and publishers promoting these claims are criticized for spreading misinformation. Forlegger Jarl Borgen states that while Jensen is free to try his methods, it is meaningless for people to pay for treatments that do not work.

Skepticism Towards the Paranormal

William Grey, a philosophy professor and secretary of the ACT branch of Australian Skeptics, discusses the underlying structure of paranormal belief systems. He acknowledges that while astrology and numerology can provide harmless entertainment, they can become obsessions or tyrannies for some. Grey's focus is not on debunking fraudulent systems but on understanding the structure of paranormal belief.

He contrasts the skeptical view, which sees events like a falling roof tile as an accident or coincidence, with the paranormal view, which seeks hidden connections and patterns. Grey argues that the skeptical approach, which looks for causal explanations, is more grounded. He suggests that paranormal beliefs help people make sense of the world by imposing order on perceived chaos, often by identifying hidden continuities and patterns. This perspective is illustrated by the example of a person being hit by a falling roof tile, which a skeptic views as a random event, while someone with paranormal beliefs might see a subtle, unseen connection between the person's walk and the tile's fall.

Grey notes that while the motivations for holding paranormal beliefs can be explored, it's important not to dismiss the truth of a belief solely based on flawed motivations. He emphasizes that paranormal beliefs, while potentially lacking a solid foundation, can provide a sense of meaning and order to life. He concludes by suggesting that the human tendency to accept seemingly empirical paranormal claims is not a perversion but a manifestation of the same abilities that lead to valuable insights. Understanding the structure of pathological belief systems and their commonalities with more disciplined ones is therefore crucial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Søkaren consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards paranormal phenomena, pseudoscience, and alternative beliefs. The editorial team appears to be dedicated to debunking unsubstantiated claims and promoting rational, scientific inquiry. Themes explored include the rise of the paranormal in academic and student circles, the questioning of UFO phenomena, the critique of parapsychology, and the exposure of fraudulent practices in areas like pyramid energy and astro-archaeology. The magazine aims to provide readers with a rational framework for understanding these topics, often by contrasting them with scientific evidence and logical reasoning.

This issue of NIVFO-Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 2/1988, is a Norwegian publication focused on skepticism, critical thinking, and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims. It features articles that analyze and critique various phenomena, including alternative medicine, parapsychology, ufology, and psychic claims.

The Human Search for Order and the Paranormal

Sven Ove Hansson's article, "The Human Search for Order and the Paranormal," explores the fundamental human drive to find patterns and connections in seemingly chaotic experiences. He posits that both scientific and paranormal belief systems share this heuristic assumption of an underlying order. However, he contrasts the rigorous methodology of science with the often subjective and self-insulating nature of paranormal belief structures. Hansson argues that while the search for hidden connections has driven human innovation, it can also lead to misinterpretations and the acceptance of unfounded claims. He notes that the "sensitive" or paranormal believer is often convinced of hidden meanings that can be revealed through non-empirical means, a belief that mirrors Einstein's hope for an underlying order in quantum physics, a hope that has largely been unfulfilled.

Case Study: Mother Refuses Medical Treatment

A news brief titled "Mother Denied Doctor to Treat Son" recounts an incident where a mother in Finnsnes, Norway, refused medical attention for her injured 8-year-old son, attributing his healing to Jesus. The child had sustained injuries from a skiing accident. The intervention of Åge Samuelsen eventually led to the boy receiving medical care. This case is presented as an example of pathological belief, illustrating how such beliefs can be harmful.

Review: Examining Holistic Medicine

Sven Ove Hansson reviews the book "Examining Holistic Medicine," edited by Douglas Stalker and Clark Glymour. The book critically examines the history and philosophy of alternative medicine, challenging its claims of a superior "holistic" view of the human being. The review highlights that the book analyzes various alternative practices, including iridology, acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, and herbal medicine, finding most of them to be unscientific and lacking empirical support. The review notes that while the book's selection of methods is based on American conditions, much of it is relevant to Sweden and Norway.

Editorial: NIVFO-Bulletin's Eighth Year

The editorial, "Happy New Year!," marks the eighth year of NIVFO-Bulletin's publication. It reflects on the publication's role as a "life raft" against irrationalism and superstition. The editorial mentions ongoing correspondence with the Norwegian Medical Association and the Norwegian Psychological Association regarding media coverage of medical issues. It notes that the Medical Association acknowledges the problem of inaccurate media reporting but believes it's a persistent issue. The Psychological Association is working on responses to NIVFO's inquiries, while the Student Society points to funding issues for their events.

The Problem of Vocal Minorities

The editorial also touches upon the phenomenon of small but vocal groups achieving significant influence. It suggests that while the general public may be passive, these assertive groups can be dangerous, allowing certain phenomena to persist. The editorial implies that this passivity allows pseudoscience and irrational beliefs to flourish.

Anna Elisabeth Westerlund and Aftenposten

This section discusses Anna Elisabeth Westerlund (AEW), a prominent Norwegian clairvoyant, and her media appearances. It notes that Aftenposten published a feature on her 80th birthday, reiterating previous claims. The article questions AEW's ability to predict events, referencing a past prediction of her own death that was later annulled due to unspecified "five riddles." The author criticizes the vagueness and lack of testability in such predictions, contrasting AEW's claims of "physical vibrations" with the general lack of empirical support for parapsychological phenomena. The article calls for AEW to submit her alleged abilities to scientific testing.

"Not Mysterious"

This part of the article on AEW reiterates her claim that "psychic" abilities are not mysterious but are based on "physical vibrations." The author questions why these supposed physical waves are not detectable and criticizes the lack of rigorous testing in the field of parapsychology, which is described as a "young science" with conflicting theories.

A Puzzle Solution and a Challenge

A section titled "Julenött" presents the solution to a previous contest, involving a woman dissolving into nothingness while jogging. The solution suggests she simply entered an outhouse. It also includes a challenge to Georg Hygen to provide evidence for paranormal inspiration in Bente Miller's book "Gjenom lysmuren."

Psychic Archaeology and Dire Predictions

K.E. Steffens' article "Psychic Archaeology and Dire Predictions" examines the claims of psychic archaeology, particularly those made by Stephan Schwartz in "The Alexandria Project." Schwartz claimed that psychics could locate ancient sites, including the lighthouse of Alexandria. Steffens expresses skepticism, noting the lack of widespread sensational reporting that such discoveries would warrant. He cites an article by archaeologist Marshall McKusick, who debunks Schwartz's work, stating that it relies on travel guides and that the alleged confirmations are contradicted by archaeological evidence. McKusick argues that it is important to address these claims to prevent the public from being misled about legitimate archaeology. The article also touches upon the tradition of predicting catastrophes and the market for such morbid speculations, noting that these predictions are often vague and difficult to verify.

A Difficult Foreign Word and a Question for Georg Hygen

This section addresses a linguistic correction in a previous review of Olav Aukrust's work, changing "abstrakt" to "abstrus." It then delves into a critique of Georg Hygen's review of Bente Miller's book, where Hygen suggested paranormal inspiration. Steffens argues that Miller's text can be fully explained by her exposure to modern physics and feminist ideas, and challenges Hygen to provide evidence for a paranormal source.

Skeptic Organizations in Finland and India

An article reports on the establishment of a skeptic organization called Skepsis in Finland, led by Professor R. Tuomela. It notes that Finland, like Sweden, has a popular interest in astrology and alternative medicine, with a growing interest in earth rays and dowsing rods. The article discusses why pseudoscientific beliefs gain traction in different countries and how they often fulfill timeless human desires. It emphasizes that "debunking" alone is insufficient and that better public education and communication between researchers and the public are needed. Another section announces an initiative by CSICOP to offer complimentary subscriptions to "Skeptical Inquirer" to Indian universities, aiming to introduce critical inquiry into a country where paranormal industries flourish.

Cryptozoolology and More

This section reviews John Keel's book "Strange Mutants," which discusses alleged sightings of cryptids and mutated creatures. Keel suggests these mutations are a result of nuclear testing and atomic power plants. The article also touches upon UFO theories, with Keel questioning the existence of Venus and the concept of black holes, and suggesting that UFOs might be related to psychic phenomena. The author of the article expresses skepticism about Keel's claims, suggesting he writes for a living. Another part of this section discusses "Animal Heaven," featuring anecdotal accounts of pets with alleged psychic abilities or connections to the afterlife, and claims that some pets are descended from extraterrestrial beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of pseudoscientific claims, the importance of empirical evidence, and the promotion of rational thought and skepticism. The NIVFO-Bulletin consistently advocates for scientific rigor and debunks claims that lack verifiable support. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of critical inquiry and against the spread of irrationalism, superstition, and unverified beliefs, particularly those found in alternative medicine, parapsychology, and ufology.