So, I was watching a few clips of James Randi today, and I heard him say something rather interesting--in particular, that part of the reason that faux-psychics are so successful is because of the media. In retrospect, I think he might've been referring to the very specific programs of the psychics, but there's a more general cultural appreciation of these ideas, too. In fantasy and also in the Bible, and even earlier than that in ancient cultures.
So, my questions, then, are these:
1. In these ancient cultures, before there were any previous mythoses to build upon, how did spiritualism emerge?
2. How was it maintained--did the ancient shamans who probably grew up believing in these things have to be let in on the big secret that it was all a lie, and taught the appropriate techniques to fake it? Or was confirmation bias all that was necessary to maintain the illusion?
Thanks in advance for the input.
So, my questions, then, are these:
1. In these ancient cultures, before there were any previous mythoses to build upon, how did spiritualism emerge?
2. How was it maintained--did the ancient shamans who probably grew up believing in these things have to be let in on the big secret that it was all a lie, and taught the appropriate techniques to fake it? Or was confirmation bias all that was necessary to maintain the illusion?
Thanks in advance for the input.
via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/1lYyEd4
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