Farewell James Randi, prince of reason. Now who ’ll mock the quacks and anti-vaxxers? | Catherine Bennett

The great magician dedicated his later years to exposing all forms of fake scienceA  mong many tributes to the great James Randi, whodied last week aged 92, one stands out. Hours after the death was announced, cutlery expert Uri Geller reacted with atweet he piously expanded on Facebook. “How sad that Randi died with hatred in his soul. Love to you all.” One thing that the most professional paranormalist may find it hard to conceal, you gather, is indecent glee.Geller ’s public gloat has, however, ensured that many people who might never otherwise have viewed his televised humbling in 1973, at the height of media credulity about his claimed paranormal talent, will now have witnessed the spectacle of his inexplicably interrupted powers. Randi had advised the pro ducers to supply their own props. Even supreme rationalists, it turns out, can exact vengeance after death.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Alternative medicine Magic Homeopathy Stage Health & wellbeing Life and style Science UK news Source Type: news