RE: burden of proof

Dear Jeff,

The burden of proof lies with whoever is making the extraordinary claim,
not the skeptic.

Let's use something much more mundane as an example, like, money:

If an investment guru made the extraordinary claim that if I invest
$10,000 with her, she would give me 100% return on investment and return
$20,000 to me in one year. Of course I would be skeptical and request
"proof."

Now, the spirit of your defense sounds like, "Oh, she's the investment
guru, and it's completely up to her to demonstrate her investment success
at her will. After all, the power to produce a 100% return on investment
requires much energy and time, and when the student is ready, the teacher
appears ... "

Okaaay ....

The problem is, even if I accept your rationalization on her behalf, the
best I can do is agree that she might possess her awesome investing powers
and may be able to double her own money every year. But the fact is, I'm
not going to invest one red cent with her unless she provides some
concrete proof her system works. I as the skeptic am not obligated
whatsoever to prove her claim. The burden of proof is entirely upon her.

Likewise, if Guru X claims she has some paranormal power, but won't (or
can't) objectively demonstrate it to me, well, okay, fine, she can
rationalize her refusal/inability to demonstrate it all she wants
(negative energy due to skeptics, planets are misaligned, having a bad hair
day, the student is not ready, etc, etc.) But I won't give her my belief
(just as I won't give my money to the investment guru) without proof.
The burden of proof is entirely on the one making the extraordinary claim.

Now, if it's difficult enough to believe without proof that someone can
invest $10,000 into $20,000 (perfectly possible in objective reality,
after all), then why should it be easier to believe someone can, say,
dematerialize and/or materialize a $1 dollar bill (completely outside the
realm of objective reality) without an objective demonstration?

I would most certainly welcome a genuine paranormal demonstration, just as
I would welcome a legitimate investment opportunity offering a 100% return
on investment. Is it too much to ask for proof before giving my belief
(which, after all, is infinitely more valuable than $10,000!)?

Best,

HF