[ExI] Debate, EP and psi

[BillK]

On 6/30/10, Keith Henson  wrote:
> That would require either other humans to have evolved anti psi powers
>  or something else to be evolving and blocking psi powers.  In both
>  cases you would need to show that something benefits (in terms of
>  reproductive success) from blocking human psi powers.
>
>  Not saying psi doesn't exist, just that biology puts some hard filters
>  on the concept.
>
>

Damien keeps pointing out that psi appears to be a very weak effect (1 in 1000).

That could indicate that psi is the remnant of a left-over
never-developed ability after much stronger EP effects have almost
wiped it out from humans.

For example, if psychic prehumans occasionally had a feeling that they
shouldn't go by the waterfall today because of danger, they would have
to be right much more than 1 in 1000 times before anyone paid any
attention to them.  Other much more prosaic abilities, like not going
where the lions live or not going out when thunderstorms approach, or
saving some meat for tomorrow in case you can't go hunting would
produce far greater benefits.

Basically, as Damien points out, if you can't affect lottery results,
or reliably base future behaviour on such 'feelings' (only right 1 in
1000 cases) then it is much more practical to just ignore such
feelings. You'll only be rarely wrong if you do and getting it right
the other 999 times will really impress prospective mates.   ;)


BillK