2.1: Is Uri Geller for real? (scientific skepticism)
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This article is from the Scientific Skepticism FAQ, by Paul Johnson Paul@treetop.demon.co.uk with numerous contributions by others.
2.1: Is Uri Geller for real? (scientific skepticism)
James "The Amazing" Randi has, through various demonstrations, cast
doubt on Geller's claims of psychic powers. Geller has sued Randi.
This case has now been completed, and Geller has lost. However
Skeptics are still advised to exercise extreme caution in addressing
this topic, given Geller's history of litigation.
One of Geller's more (in)famous claims is that he has made millions
by finding oil. The following was posted by James Randi on this
subject:
: Geller SAYS that he has made fortunes with mining companies. When
: CSICOP checked this out, it was found that only one mining company,
: ZANEX, ever paid Geller, and that was far far less than the million
: dollars he says he got from 11 mining companies. Dont always
: believe everything that he claims, or didn't you learn that already?
Geller's stage appearances feature a range of stage magic. For more
details on how he does his tricks, read books by James Randi,
especially "The Truth About Uri Geller". Here are some hilights:
* "Broken" watches are often just gummed up. Warm it, shake it, and
it will start ticking. Whether it carries on ticking or keeps
good time is another matter.
* Spoon bending is usually done by misdirection. Get everyone to
look away while you bend the spoon. Geller has even been known
to hold up a bent spoon and say "its bending, its bending" while
gradually revealing more of the bend between his fingers.
In a global agreement to the law suits involving James Randi, CSICOP,
Prometheus Books, Victor Stenger, Prometheus Books UK and Eddington Hook
Ltd. Uri Geller agreed to pay CSICOP $120,000. (He had already paid
Prometheus Books around $20,000 in legal fees for a case in Florida.)
In 'The Skeptical Inquirer' for May/June 1995 it was reported that Uri
Geller had paid the first $40,000 of the $120,000. He will pay $10,000 a
year for three years plus the first $50,000 of any sums recovered by him
in a new action he was to bring against his former attorneys.
CSICOP settled for less than the $150,000 awarded to them by the court.
Executive Director Barry Karr said: "Prior to filing suit, Geller, an
Israeli citizen living in England, placed his assets in trust, rendering
uncertain our ability to collect."
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