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Potpourri News No 164
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Title: POTPOURRI NEWS Issue: NO. 164 Date: APRIL 9, 1978 Publisher: HOUSTON POST Content Type: Newspaper clipping/article
Magazine Overview
Title: POTPOURRI NEWS
Issue: NO. 164
Date: APRIL 9, 1978
Publisher: HOUSTON POST
Content Type: Newspaper clipping/article
Article: Scientific UFO flap: Believers have a solid case; skeptics, too
This article, written by Melvin Maddocks for the Christian Science Monitor and published in the Potpourri News, delves into the polarized debate surrounding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It uses a Daumier cartoon titled "The Comet of 1857" to illustrate the human tendency to see what one expects or desires, a theme relevant to UFO sightings.
The Impact of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
The article highlights the surge in UFO reports following the release of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Sightings in Evanston, Illinois, predicted that the film would reduce the stigma associated with reporting UFOs. His prediction proved accurate, as the number of reports to his center increased dramatically from about 50 per day to nearly 800.
Contrasting Interpretations: Believers vs. Skeptics
Philip J. Klass, author of "UFOs Explained," offered a contrasting view. While he also anticipated an increase in reports, he argued that this phenomenon was evidence of "mass hysteria" or a "psychic epidemic," rather than a genuine increase in UFO activity. This divergence in interpretation is central to the debate.
The Scientific Standoff
Both sides of the controversy position themselves as the more scientific. UFOlogists have drawn parallels between their detractors and those who initially resisted Galileo's telescope, suggesting a fear of challenging established belief systems. Conversely, skeptics demand hard evidence and compare UFOlogists to spiritualists who might overlook fraudulent mediums.
The American Astronomical Society Poll
A poll of 2,611 members of the American Astronomical Society is presented as a key piece of evidence. Only 3 percent of these astronomers believed UFOs warranted investigation. Skeptics viewed this as vindication, while UFOlogists saw it as a partial victory because the same low percentage believed UFOs were extraterrestrial craft. This outcome is described as "another scientific standoff."
The Role of Personal Belief
The article concludes by emphasizing the subjective nature of belief. It suggests that people, often for subtle and complex reasons, "want to believe that UFOs exist, or do not exist." This belief or disbelief in UFOs can align with broader attitudes and beliefs within an individual's life. The author posits that for the individual deeply invested in their claims about UFOs, the universe shrinks to the size of those claims, and they will only notice what confirms their position.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this article are the subjective nature of perception, the polarization of belief systems, and the challenges of applying scientific rigor to phenomena like UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical observation, acknowledging the validity of both the desire to believe and the need for skepticism, while highlighting how personal biases can shape the interpretation of evidence and scientific data. The article does not definitively take a side but rather explores the dynamics of the debate.