Difference between revisions of "373: The Data So Far"
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
{{incomplete|One-liner explanation that merely states what is said in the comic.}} | {{incomplete|One-liner explanation that merely states what is said in the comic.}} | ||
| − | This comic | + | There are often people who claim to have supernatural powers, but then when their powers are tested by some sort of experiment, the experiment refutes their claims. This comic summarizes all the data from such experiments, observing that given the data, it's very unlikely that supernatural powers actually exist. The title text adds the claim that some guy might actually have superpowers, a typical tabloid claim based on a particularly elaborate hoax (which will almost certainly be later refuted by experiment.) |
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| + | See also comic [[1235: Settled]] for more of Randall's thoughts on hoaxes and unusual claims. | ||
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
Revision as of 17:31, 16 August 2013
| The Data So Far |
 Title text: But THIS guy, he might be for real! |
Explanation
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This is one of 54 incomplete explanations: One-liner explanation that merely states what is said in the comic. If you can fix this issue, edit the page! |
There are often people who claim to have supernatural powers, but then when their powers are tested by some sort of experiment, the experiment refutes their claims. This comic summarizes all the data from such experiments, observing that given the data, it's very unlikely that supernatural powers actually exist. The title text adds the claim that some guy might actually have superpowers, a typical tabloid claim based on a particularly elaborate hoax (which will almost certainly be later refuted by experiment.)
See also comic 1235: Settled for more of Randall's thoughts on hoaxes and unusual claims.
Transcript
- [Bar graph titled "Claims of Supernatural Powers" and has two sets of data. The first data set is labeled "Confirmed By Experiment", and is empty. The second data set is "Refuted By Experiment" and goes to the top of the graph.]
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The comic title "The Data So Far" could also be a reference to the television program "Supernatural" which uses the phrase "The Road So Far" to recap plot points. 203.4.183.34 (talk) (please sign your comments with ~~~~)
- But is more likely a general reference to the use of "The Story So Far" in literally Graham's number of places. 108.162.219.223 21:17, 3 January 2014 (UTC)
Supernatural powers are, specifically, not evidence-based. If they were, they would be measured, quantified, and our understanding of the physical universe updated to account for them. They would then be simply described as "natural." For example, the power to hypnotize may appear "super," but the phenomena is sufficiently supported by evidence that it can be quantified, studied, and reproduced. It is thus treated as a "natural" rather than "supernatural." Power. Mountain Hikes (talk) 00:00, 18 October 2015 (UTC)
- See, that's just the trouble --- naturalists and supernaturalists (as C.S. Lewis called them) have different definitions of "natural" to start with and so cannot really argue about the reality of miracles until a common definition is settled upon. 162.158.187.177 22:04, 14 May 2025 (UTC)
- I disagree with the statement that hypnosis is a "power". It is no more a power than reiki or homeopathy. Also, there is no actual evidence for hypnosis beyond anecdotal, same as reiki and homeopathy! -- The Cat Lady (talk) 14:45, 14 August 2021 (UTC)
- The placebo effect is an interesting case, because although the phenomenon has mountains of evidence backing it, the mechanics behind how it works have eluded our understanding for a very long time. It almost feels appropriate to list it as a confirmed supernatural power... almost. 172.70.126.194 04:11, 4 December 2024 (UTC)
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