this post was submitted on 29 May 2024
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Science Memes

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submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Randi doesn't need to rely on it.

The only thing he has to do is explain how the magic trick works. Because it is always a trick.

If it wasn't then he wouldn't be able to debunk it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

An ollie is a trick. Debunk an ollie for me.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

You are (I think deliberately) using a different definition of trick than the person you are replying to. Every demonstration of magic thus far has involved hiding information from the person the magic is being performed for, to make it look like something was done that was not, in fact, done.

If you have proof to the contrary, everyone in this thread is waiting to hear it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

Yeah, I'm using a different definition of trick in order to provoke that person to realise they're using an inappropriate definition to this situation.

Here, I'll show you a magic trick that involves no deception:

This is a magic pill that can cure sore throats. Physically, it's an inert sugar pill with no special chemical properties, other than the ability to revive hypoglycemiacs. But I have used the placebo effect to imbue it with the magical belief that it will make you better, and when you take it, your body will work overdrive to fix your sore throat because of your belief. This effect will work regardless of whether you know that it's a placebo. Countless scientific studies have established the true existence of the placebo effect and its power. Now I'm going to play some alternative music and wave a magic wand over it to make the placebo magic stronger.