Unsolved:Lourdes effect
The term Lourdes effect has been coined by the Belgian philosopher and skeptic Etienne Vermeersch for the tendency of supposed supernatural powers to resist clear demonstration. Vermeersch suggests that, if the miraculous healing powers of Lourdes are real, one would expect the Virgin Mary or God to reattach a severed arm as often as more ambiguous cures of paralysis or blindness; and that the lack of such undeniable healings is strong evidence against the subtle ones as well. The same applies to other mysterious and occult phenomena such as the sightings and photos of the Loch Ness Monster and the Yeti.[1][2][3]
Vermeersch uses this term to mock what he calls the selective and uncritical approach to miracles, or the frivolous attribution of supernatural gifts to human beings. Skeptics highlight that the number of fatal accidents that occur on the way to and from Lourdes, as over 100 deaths of pilgrims have occurred in plane, train and bus incidents over the years, and note that these are considerably higher than the 70 or so alleged miracles due to faith healing recognized by the Vatican.[4][5][6]
References
- ↑ Scientific apriori's against the paranormal by Prof. Etienne Vermeersch.
- ↑ Vermeersch, E., Het paranormale ter discussie, Studiumgenerale, nr 9107, Utrecht University, 1992, pp. 81-93 (English title: The paranormal questioned).
- ↑ Vermeersch, E., Epistemologische Inleiding tot een Wetenschap van de Mens, Brugge, De Tempel, 1966.
- ↑ 1922; Times, by the New York Times Company Special Cable To the New York (1922-08-02). "40 Lourdes Pilgrims Killed, 52 Hurt; Cripples in Panic in Train Collision".
- ↑ BOINET, THIERRY (2007-07-23). "26 die after bus plunges off French mountain road" (in en). https://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/26-die-after-bus-plunges-off-french-mountain-road-1641429.php.
- ↑ Lourdes needs a miracle - interview with prof. Etienne Vermeersch and prof. med. Willem Betz, Het Nieuwsblad, March 12, 2006.
Further reading
- Etienne Vermeersch, Van Antigone tot Dolly. Veertig jaar kritisch denken, Antwerpen, Hadewijch, 1997, 256 pp. (i.e. From Antigone to Dolly: Forty Years of Critical Thinking)
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