CSICOP and attitudes to paranormal
http://www.gurdjieff-con.net/2009/02/05/sam-harris-at-edgeorg-and-aleister-crowley/#comment-34605
James said,
Overview of CSICOP:
“Surveys show that over half the adult population in the U.S. have had psychic experiences and believe in the reality of the phenomena (Gallup, 1982; Greeley, 1975, 1987; Haraldsson & Houtkooper, 1991). Those who have had the experiences but encounter the debunking attitudes of apparent “scientific authorities” are likely to conclude that science is a dogma and inapplicable to important aspects of their lives. Vallee (1990) has suggested that debunkers “are among the primary contributors to the rejection of science by the public” and are “contributing to the growth of irrational movements in modem society” (p. 21). Ironically, CSICOP’s activities will likely inhibit scientific research on the paranormal and might potentially foster an increased rejection of science generally.”
http://www.tricksterbook.com/ArticlesOnline/CSICOPoverview.htm