James Randi

With his years of experience, James Randi certainly knows how to persuade an audience. Mixing humor, earnestness, and righteous anger, Randi made some very convincing arguments. His talk was interesting, and I believe that he definitely fulfills a necessary role in society. Skeptics are needed to look at things logically, and debunk myths and frauds. However, by advocating skepticism, Randi is closing himself off to the possibility of something else. I am not saying I believe in the paranormal or in psychics, but sometimes one has to be open minded. Through the years many have considered new inventions or science to be supernatural, thus what is myth to some is real to others. I agree with Randi that there are many “psychics” that take advantage of other people in order to make money. On the other hand, there are people who sincerely believe that they have certain abilities, and while no one has proved the existence of paranormal abilities, no one has been able to completely prove the existence of white holes or other universes. Just because it has not been proved does not mean it cannot exist. So while we should be skeptical and safeguard against cons, we should also keep an open mind about what is out there.