Paul the Psychic Octopus

Many cultures across the globe at one time or another practiced some form of animism. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the anthropomorphic fallacy finds its way into the realm of scientific enquiry once again. A great recent example of the pathetic fallacy comes in the oddest of forms a psychic octopus. A scientific investigation into the uncanny ability of a cephalopod to pick the outcome of world cup soccer matches with accuracy and precision has led to the personification of this octopus’s bizarre talent.

Psychic ability in and of itself is a source of heavy scientific debate. Therefore, assigning this human attribute to any animal let alone an octopus goes far beyond the incredible and into the realm of the ridiculous. Any behaviorist, para-psychologist, or marine biologist should be and probably are appalled at this misuse of the scientific method.

Furthermore as a psychic, I take a personal offense to the defamation of any spiritual belief system for the sick amusement of others. I find it deplorable that anyone especially the scientific community would make a mockery of what is not completely understood. I feel that peer groups in the scientific and spiritual community should rebuff the individuals making claims about Paul the “psychic” octopus.

After all anyone that twists science, statistics, and beliefs with the fallacy that a lower life form possesses human attributes deserves a public flogging. The mass media ran with this story (wow what a surprise!) without thought of who they might offend. It really says a lot about our society when a “psychic” octopus named Paul makes the headlines of the news services.

Maybe being consumed with our pop culture lifestyle makes us ambivalent to how cultural insensitivity affects others that do not subscribe to mainstream belief systems. However, when revered scientists revert to nothing short of animism to amuse people it sparks a wave of misinformation that leads to ignorance by deception. Sometimes it is worse to believe a fallacy then to be ignorant to the truth. So, to the owners of Paul the “psychic” octopus I would just like to say thanks for making a joke of spirituality, science, mass media, and yourselves.