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From: RobIrving@aol.com
Date: Sun, 7 Jun 1998 22:16:29 EDT
Fwd Date: Mon, 08 Jun 1998 08:09:17 -0400
Subject: Re: Guilt By Association


>From: "Greg Sandow" <gsandow@prodigy.net>
>To: "'UFO UpDates - Toronto'" <updates@globalserve.net>
>Subject: Guilt By Association
>Date: Sat, 6 Jun 1998 16:41:58 -0400

Hi Greg,

You appear to have had a problem with me saying this...

>>You seem to be saying that once these conventional explanations
>>have been eliminated Occam's Razor would require that we look to
>>unconventional explanations: Take, say, Michael Hesemann's claim
>>that the increased radiation he says he detected in crop circles,
>>as he has eliminated in his mind all conventional explanations,
>>must be proof that aliens made the crop circle.

>I've been pondering this comment from Rob Irving. Frankly, I'm
>baffled.

A simple misunderstanding, I'm sure.

Robert McKee will probably be turning in his jacuzzi, but I'll
try to make it clearer...

>>You seem to be saying that once these conventional explanations
>>have been eliminated Occam's Razor would require that we look to
>>unconventional explanations:

The point I was making here is that sometimes, especially if
influenced by a particular belief, we are a little too eager to
eliminate conventional explanations. We might simply not like
them, not believe them or maybe we are just not aware of them.

So, what did this remind me of?

The colon indicated that what was to follow was an example,
nothing more... I was not "throwing Hesemann at you". I wouldn't
wish that on anyone.

>>Take, say,

Take, for example...

>>Michael Hesemann's claim that the increased radiation he says
>>he detected in crop circles, as he has eliminated in his mind all
>>conventional explanations, must be proof that aliens made the
>>crop circle.

It was an example of the kind of extreme to which your
interpretation of Occam's razor might lead, and often does. Yes,
it was an extreme example. It was meant to be, but it wasn't
meant to be a reflection on you, or what you may or may not
believe.

My apologies if it ruined your weekend.

Rob