May 1, 1976🇺🇸Program

CSICOP Founded: Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal

The Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) is founded by the American Humanist Association. Philip Klass is affiliated from the start. CSICOP states its goal is to combat 'pseudoscience' and promises to examine claims 'openly, completely, objectively and carefully.' In practice, it engages in very little investigation but excels at public relations, with members publishing articles in Smithsonian, Reader's Digest, Omni, and other outlets. The organization's tone typically employs standard propaganda tactics, referring to UFO believers as 'kooks' or 'hoaxers.'

Date
May 1, 1976
Location
United States🇺🇸
Type
Program
Country
🇺🇸 United States
Map

Background

1. The Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP) was founded in May 1976. Its stated goal was to combat 'pseudoscience' through objective examination of paranormal claims. Philip Klass was affiliated with the organization from its inception.

The Incident CSICOP was founded by the American Humanist Association on May 1, 1976. The organization publicly stated its intention to investigate claims of the paranormal. CSICOP promised to examine these claims "openly, completely, objectively and carefully."

Investigation The source text does not describe any formal investigation into the founding or activities of CSICOP. The text focuses on the organization's stated goals and early affiliation with Philip Klass. No external investigations are mentioned.

Significance The founding of CSICOP is potentially significant in the context of the UFO phenomenon due to its stated mission to investigate and debunk paranormal claims. Richard Dolan's text suggests that organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) may exert covert influence on American and world politics, which could be relevant to understanding the UFO phenomenon and potential cover-ups. The text implies that CSICOP's role in debunking UFO claims may be part of a broader pattern of influence.

Connections