I recently read a blogger's inquiry into people's ideas of what might further the scientific inquiry into the ufo phenomenon. I think this is an excellent question.
Thinking about the subject, I must first acknowledge that science is not just instruments and measurements, its foundation is a particular way of thinking regarding the world around us. Because of this, a religious zealot with a lab coat and microscope is not a scientist, regardless of whether his religion is Mormonism or Darwinism. I may not have a great deal of helpful advice regarding which instruments and measurements will best serve ufology, but I believe I can offer observations of what will help ufology from a psychological perspective.
One of the major obstacles that is keeping ufology from moving forward is this ubiquitous striving to acquire mainstream acceptance. As I see it, this "social factor" comprises the majority of the efforts and discussions in ufology today, and is the primary cause for all of the bickering and in-fighting. There are a few exceptions, Vallee and Keel come to mind, but they are notably absent from the field presently.
To illustrate why I believe this mind-set needs to change, we should look first at the subject itself. Those who have studied this field seriously will soon come to the realization that the truth behind ufos, whatever it may be, is something that lies far outside the spectrum of what we consider ordinary reality. It exists in our world like the idea of an airplane existed during the time when man could not fly. Consider how difficult it was for people at that time (including the prevailing scientific establishment) to accept the idea that man could fly, and then amplify that mental block ten-fold. This would approximate the psychological gulf existing between our misconceptions and reality regarding the ufo phenomenon, in my opinion.
As such, it seems only logical that progress in our understanding of the ufo phenomenon, at this point in time, cannot be some sort of grand social revolution. Real understanding is only going to take place among individuals or small groups. It is going to be a long, long time before ufology gains this "credibility" that those in the field so are so desperately grasping towards. The roads of inquiry and credibility run parallel in the beginning, but diverge further and further as one delves into a subject whose underlying reality strays far from the mainstream.
The further a person goes down one road, the further he is away from the other. Sooner or later, he must choose one and leave the other behind.
Because of this, for the scientist who sincerely wishes to learn of the reality behind the ufo phenomenon, he must firmly discard the desire for widespread social or mainstream scientific acceptance. History supports the premise that this social change will never happen unless it serves the intelligence behind the phenomenon, and that is something that we can neither predict nor rely upon.
By freeing oneself of this baggage, I believe a person will be more able to discover (and not reject) the incredibly weird reality that undoubtedly underlies the ufo phenomenon, but which we are unable to discover.
So this is my hypothetical foundation for the establishment of a group investigating the reality of the ufo phenomenon. The individuals involved must share in a common aim, which is for scientific inquiry into the mystery by any means available. Nothing is assumed known unless agreed upon by all members. No attention will be directed towards acquiring mainstream scientific or social acceptance. It makes no difference whether the investigation moves into the field of chemistry or into a field of crop circles, it is all on an even plane.
If anyone knows of such a group drop me a line.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
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2 comments:
Hello Brandon!
I find very interesting to see how we get stuck in the same behavior pattern, generation after generations. And we never learn. I believe that we will need to see a generation or two go away before the next wave of children accept this research field.
If you look back at all the major "troubling" discoveries, you can probably find a pattern and a duration for this discovery is accepted.
I have added this article to my blog, I really liked it and linked your blog as source on my post.
Richard Lalancette
http://RichardLalancette.Blogspot.com
Wow thanks, i'm really flattered! I went and checked out your site, very cool stuff.
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