Hume on Miracles and UFOs
Tiddy Smith, Samuel Vincenzo Johnathan
Summary
Applies Hume's doctrine of miracles to the epistemological status of UFO testimonial evidence. Systematically works through the Humean argument that testimony for extraordinary events should be discounted against base rates, and evaluates both sides: the case against testimony-based UAP belief and the counterarguments available to UAP researchers. Philosophically rigorous treatment of a recurring epistemic challenge in the field.
Abstract
A miracle is defined as a violation of or intercession in the laws of nature. Some recent reports of UFO phenomena are such that UFOs may satisfy that definition. In this paper, we ask how Hume's famous argument in "Of Miracles" relates to UFOs. We argue that his critique fails and that some well corroborated UFO reports are such that they justify a belief in miracles (qua violations of laws of nature).
Citation
Tiddy Smith, Samuel Vincenzo Johnathan. (2023)