Hi, Randy -- I think there is a way to discuss the notion of a museum engaging with paranormal groups and the endorsement of pseudo-science such partnerships imply, that is on-topic for a forum such as this. If the discussion strays into theoretical physics, as interesting and tantalizing as that subject may be, its relevance to museum behavior and the Museum-L list will be lost.
Best,
/stephen
________________________________________
From: Museum discussion list [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Randy Little [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2012 6:02 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Paranormal Investigations in Museums and Historic Sites online course begins September 17
The Absence of Proof Is Not Proof of Absence!<http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/the-absence-of-proof-is-not-proof-of-absence>
The use of the terms supernatural are just to define things that people would seem to be beyond that natural. This could be determined at some point to not be the case and that the energy of life exist beyond the body. This could be extrapolated from the theories that science already investigates such as that we are nothing more then a 3d project of 2d date that exist on the interior of black holes when they swollow items. The rules of conservation of data say that data can not be destroyed. Thus This data in the black whole creates basically holographic worlds inside the black whole from data that has been swallowed. So its quit possible that we dont' even actually exist and are nothing more then that projection with ZERO way to know the difference of whether we are the original or the 3d projection of the 2d data spattered on the inside of the black whole. Doubt me?
Crazy technical version of holographic Principle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holographic_principle
easier but still mind numbing discovery channel version.
http://news.discovery.com/space/are-we-living-in-a-hologram.html
So you can't just deny that the "super natural" exist because we don't even know now if we actually exist.
Randy S. Little
http://www.rslittle.com<http://reel.rslittle.com>
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2325729/
On Sat, Sep 8, 2012 at 5:20 PM, Stephen Nowlin <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
Very thoughtful comments, Jerry, thanks.
I would only invite further discussion of the notion that museums might venture into "what we do NOT know as well as what we believe we DO."
I don't disagree with you, but would only suggest a possible further distinction. A space museum might well have a display that speculates about the uncertain physics within a black hole, thus acknowledging a core principle of science -- which is that there are things we don't know and what we do know is always subject to revision. But in such a case, knowing "what we don't know" is an informed concept. I would be surprised to hear of a space museum whose display on black holes speculated that what we don't know about them might be explained by paranormal or supernatural phenomena at work, and thus justification for partnering with a group that has invented a specious pseudo-scientific means of investigating such a possibility.
On the other hand, I can imagine that a space museum might host a program in which ancient human beliefs in a supernaturally explained cosmos might be examined as interesting and informative cultural artifact. I think the same distinction should guide the actions of a cultural history museum — as in the case of Shaker beliefs, the museum should serve its audience by examining those beliefs as cultural artifact and not in a way, by virtue of a dubious partnership with paranormal groups, that implies the museum's endorsement of current pseudo-science.
/stephen
From: "jerry.symonds" <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012 10:24 AM
To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Paranormal Investigations in Museums and Historic Sites online course begins September 17
Dear Stephen,
I do agree with you that the kind of shows you mention are distinctly “sensational” and museums and heritage sites need to very careful about compromising their own integrity when and if approached to take part in such programmes.
However, I think it’s also important that we are not seen to be ‘precious’. Magical belief systems, after all, have been around since the beginning of time and indeed many museums hold artifacts which reflect the material culture surrounding the unknown, mystical and surreal. So, if we are the custodians of both tangible and intangible heritage, then I don’t personally have a problem with engagement in the margins of the unknown – as long as we don’t make claims we cannot substantiate.
I also agree that the name “museum” implies all the things you mention although “disciplined objectivity” presumably can allow for the consideration of what we do NOT know as well as what we believe we DO?
I also believe that “museum” and “entertainment” can share a happy middle ground although I am with you that in matters of the paranormal this can be dangerous territory! I appreciate that entertainment in museums (or not!) is a whole discussion thread in its own right!
These are my own views and not necessarily those of my employers, so I’ll just sign myself “Jerry” today!
Kind Regards,
Jerry
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