Oh Science, Wherefore Art Thou?

Scientists should be deeply invested in the phenomenon of UFOs and UAPs, yet their public dismissal of the topic has been almost universal.

What you already believe often shapes what you're willing to consider.

UAPs, which are defined as unidentified, should be approached with an open mind, as they represent phenomena that defy conventional expectations. Despite their role in uncovering uncertainties, scientists have largely ignored the subject of UFOs, with only a few exceptions, for decades. Their reluctance stems from various reasons.

A rift has developed between ufology and the scientific community. Mutual disbelief has taken root, fueled by differing views on the value of exploring the enigmatic. Interests diverged, leading to a lack of functional collaboration. After some initial misunderstandings, an almost instinctive denial emerged—("You're not hearing me!"). These preconceived notions permeated society, particularly in the United States.

No one relishes the idea that their hard-earned knowledge, cherished beliefs, or joyful visions might be limited, incomplete, or erroneous.

Real-life experiences serve as a learning curve, revealing that our understanding is often not entirely accurate. Encounters with unexpected realizations can uncomfortably reshape our worldview. Cognitive dissonance is rarely a friend to established beliefs.

> Cognitive dissonance refers to the intellectual turmoil that arises when one’s beliefs are challenged by evidence that contradicts them. This inconsistency can lead to feelings of discomfort or distrust. Often, individuals attempt to alleviate this tension by dismissing, rationalizing, or avoiding new information.

Science Versus Scientism

The scientific method encompasses a systematic way of exploring and understanding existence, relying on a framework of reliable knowledge based on reproducible outcomes. True scientific practice does not accommodate preconceived notions. Repeatable experiments demonstrate that anyone can achieve similar results, like the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano.

Scientific inquiry involves exploring new methods to grasp the underlying reasons for various phenomena, whether they are unidentified or not.

Science does not rest on past accomplishments, a tendency that some scientists exhibit while basking in the glow of previous accolades. They can be quite protective of their territory, viewing uninvited ideas as threats.

Expensive academic publications, often locked behind paywalls and filled with complex jargon, create a barrier around the academic realm. From within this enclosure, a solemn decree about what is and isn’t possible is chanted, ignoring potential threats outside the gate. It is best to remain silent and avoid risking one’s standing, a phenomenon rightly termed scientism, which bears little resemblance to genuine scientific inquiry, as it often rejects exploration altogether.

Science seeks to expand knowledge, even if it challenges established norms. While religion may have birthed dogma, scientists often cling to it as well. Reflexively, they resist challenges to accepted wisdom, and university leaders are quick to dismiss those who might rock the boat. For insight into this mindset, one can refer to Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962, fourth edition 2012), which illustrates how this attitude maintains a firm grip on academia.

Hidden Influences Have Their Way

Behind the scenes, a powerful authoritative force, armed with counterintelligence and the shield of official secrecy, has long established a stronghold concerning UFOs and their implications. Enough documents revealed through the Freedom of Information Act have emerged to cast doubt on the public's understanding of these phenomena. These entities have successfully ensured that any public interest in unidentified occurrences is met with derision, shame, and, when necessary, outright suppression.

A single phone call from such an influential figure to a department chair can result in a scientist being summoned for a reprimand, leading to grant applications being disregarded. No scientist, regardless of tenure, wishes to be labeled as frivolous.

Theoretically, ufology and scientists should have formed a natural partnership. Yet, their relationship has been so thoroughly rejected that it’s as if it never existed.

Instead of fostering progress through collaboration, an effective barrier of separation emerged.

A skilled secret agent will tell you that controlling a situation requires a gentle touch, which allows for maximum deniability, including in this context. By shaping how people think and keeping them preoccupied, a spark can be ignited while allowing the fire to spread on its own. This dynamic played out neatly between the scientific and ufological communities.

Bright Minds Become Useful Idiots

In fact, some scientists were enlisted to promote the narrative that ufology was simply a series of misinterpretations. Individuals like the well-meaning Dr. J. Allen Hynek became unwitting pawns in public relations efforts.

Regrettably, Hynek, who inadvertently popularized the "swamp gas" explanation, later sought to understand the sightings that eluded his explanations—only to feel betrayed when he discovered that significant reports had been withheld by his former military employers. Research funding suddenly became scarce.

In contrast, the credibility of renowned physicist Edward Condon was more easily co-opted. During the Cold War, suspicions about his political affiliations clouded his reputation. Some members of Congress openly questioned whether he had communist sympathies. Condon was eager to restore his influence and saw an opportunity in the UFO discourse.

Informally known as the Condon Committee, the University of Colorado UFO Project was backed by the U.S. Air Force, which likely explains why recent disclosures are primarily coming from the Navy. Under Condon's leadership, results were reduced to a mere display of men in white lab coats surrounding a model of a flying saucer, while several scientists who left in disgust over the lack of actual scientific analysis were conspicuously absent. It was clear who held the dominant position.

The status quo was neatly preserved, with mutual benefits exchanged, generous payments made, and a predetermined conclusion published. Condon openly derided the notion of critical examination, ensuring that the introduction to his report would dissuade anyone from delving deeper into the data. Finding no evidence of extraterrestrial life in the executive summary, the complacent national media did the rest. Boo! Just kidding; there’s nothing here, according to Dr. Condon. Mission accomplished.

Magical Worlds, Wishful Thinking

Ufology took this dismissal to heart and entered a period of introspection. The field had already been experiencing a downturn. UFO sightings, such as those over the U.S. Capitol and White House in 1952, which were tracked on radar and pursued by fighter jets, became less frequent and faded into obscurity. Other ufological pursuits, more focused on social aspects than scientific inquiry, started gaining media attention with enticing promises of firsthand encounters.

The contactee era was upon us.

Individuals claiming personal connections with extraterrestrials became fashionable and attracted followers. Driven by curiosity over intriguing photographs ("I want to believe"), people flocked to fields, hilltops, and even alpine valleys in Switzerland, hoping to witness a flying saucer. Encouraged by whispers of “Look! There!”, some claimed to have seen them.

However, the cameras always seemed to malfunction at crucial moments, raising questions about photos taken before or after events.

A former London taxi driver proposed the idea of an interplanetary parliament, marking one of the early examples of the now-common trope of aliens coming to save humanity from its self-destructive tendencies. Claiming to communicate with cosmic beings from Venus, Mars, and beyond, George King suggested a noble assembly. Unfortunately, none of these well-meaning entities ever materialized to take their seats.

In America, a Venusian contactee movement emerged in Southern California, anchored by a giant rock and a plywood café run by George Adamski. True believers, who enjoyed social gatherings while gazing at the night sky, slowly realized they had been misled, though that didn’t diminish their enjoyment of annual visits to reconnect with friends and sample Mrs. Adamski's famous fruit pies.

More broadly, the New Age movement was gaining traction. You didn’t need a spacecraft to connect with aliens; you could simply channel them in your mind. Often, these entities promised to appear in flying saucers upon request, though this was more of a marketing ploy than a genuine promise. Mind-to-mind communication could be yours for a small fee, eliminating the inconvenient desire for physical evidence.

Making Progress Where Possible

Alternative approaches that were more conducive to research began to surface. The scope of ufology expanded to include Erich von Däniken, who started betting on the idea of ancient astronauts. While the evidence was tantalizing, it was rooted in distant history.

The purported gods, if they ever existed, seemed long gone.

Von Däniken somewhat hindered the movement by opting to express his theories in a more artistic manner rather than straightforward prose. However, in recent decades, he has emerged as a paternal figure for those seeking evidence of ancient aliens.

Despite the ongoing efforts of credible figures like Donald Keyhoe and Stanton Friedman to draw attention to actual sightings and crashes, ufology found itself stigmatized. With the exception of a figure like Jacques Vallee, no reputable scientist was willing to endorse the field.

Consequently, darker issues went largely unaddressed. Reports of cattle mutilations with surgical precision remained taboo, with only ranchers across the western United States suffering losses willing to discuss them, alongside a few media outlets hiring Linda Moulton Howe to produce a troubling documentary.

Respectable individuals at social gatherings were generally reluctant to discuss the implications of being abducted by small gray beings, though perhaps this was more common in California.

The architects of the cover-up had executed their strategy effectively. The divide-and-conquer tactic remained as captivating as ever.

All Hands On Deck

The time is rapidly approaching for a reassessment. Scientists may soon have to lower their defenses and admit, "We didn’t know any better." They might add, "We thought we were allies, so it’s disappointing you didn’t inform us sooner." Meanwhile, ufologists will need to acknowledge that not everything within their purview belongs there, but some elements merit serious consideration.

This shift arises from the fact that what is deemed possible seems to be evolving. A report to Congress regarding UAPs, mandated by a recent appropriations bill, is anticipated in the summer of 2021. If those compiling the report adhere to the law and respond earnestly to directives instructing the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to be transparent for national security reasons, we may hope for the public revelation of substantial evidence, rather than its relegation to a classified appendix. Drip, drip, drip.

However, we will still need to confront cognitive dissonance. As Ronald Reagan once remarked, “I occasionally think how quickly our differences worldwide would vanish if we were facing an alien threat from outside this world.” UAPs may or may not pose a threat, but the human anxiety surrounding their existence has prompted this report. Now might be the opportune moment for significant revelations. Such disclosures could help mend the deep divisions within American society. That is a true matter of national security.

Even if reconciliation is necessary, it is an ideal moment to rally all available resources.