THE COMPARISON BETWEEN SCIENCE AND MAGIC HAS ALWAYS FASCINATED HUMANITY, REPRESENTING TWO DEEPLY DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING REALITY. THE EVENT “SCIENCE VS MAGIC”, AN EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE BOUNDARIES BETWEEN THE RATIONAL AND THE IRRATIONAL, BETWEEN THE NATURAL AND THE SUPERNATURAL
The University Museum of Chieti: a symbolic place for the meeting between science and magic
Organized by WWF Chieti-Pescara in collaboration with the University Museum, the event offered a unique opportunity for comparison between science and magic, attracting a large and participating audience. The evening, moderated by Luciano Di Tizio, president of WWF Italy, saw a dialogue between Professor Aristide Saggino, an expert in psychometry (a discipline of psychology that deals with the quantitative measurement of psychological phenomena) and the mentalist Luca Menichelli. Which gave rise to a meeting that was able to combine academic rigor and artistic suggestions.
The setting of the meeting, i.e. the University Museum of Chietiplayed a central role in bringing prestige and depth to the debate. This institution represents a beacon of research and scientific dissemination. The building, a refined example of twentieth-century rationalist architecture, offers a solemn and evocative context, perfect for hosting important cultural meetings.
Inside its rooms, the institute preserves a rich heritage of historical evidence, including skeletons of large prehistoric mammals and faithful reconstructions of natural environments. This precious treasure chest of knowledge and nature has created the ideal atmosphere to investigate the delicate boundary between scientific rationality and the mysterious charm of magic.
The debate: reason and science versus suggestion and false beliefs
The meeting opened with institutional greetings from Professor Ruggero D’Anastasio, director of the Museum, and Nicoletta Di Francesco, president of WWF Chieti-Pescara. After the introduction, the debate got underway.
Professor Saggino, with his methodical and scientific approach, has critically analyzed some of the most widespread beliefs related to magic and the paranormal, questioning phenomena such as telekinesis, foresight and clairvoyance. He highlighted how these practices, often shrouded in an aura of mystery, have no empirical basis.
Through the analysis of studies and data, the professor has demonstrated that many apparently inexplicable events can be traced back to the mechanisms of the human mind. Among these, he underlined the importance of confirmation bias, that is, the tendency of people to seek, interpret and remember information that confirms their beliefs, ignoring or underestimating those that contradict them.
The Barnum effect
He also addressed the issue ofBarnum effecta psychological explanation in which individuals tend to recognize themselves in generic, vague descriptions that could fit anyone, often used in fields such as astrology or tarot readings. These mechanisms, according to Saggino, not only fuel the fascination with the paranormal, but also strengthen its credibility in the eyes of those who believe in it.
On the opposite front, Luca Menichelli, with his fascinating demonstrations, captured the attention and curiosity of the public. His performances, including the famous bent spoon experiment, were able to enchant spectators, confronting them with a fundamental question: to what extent can our perception of reality be manipulated? Menichelli, while playing with illusions and tricks, invited the public to reflect on the limits of the human mind and the thin border between what is real and what is the result of suggestion.
This contrast between Professor Saggino’s scientific approach and the mentalist’s performing skills has created a lively and stimulating debate, demonstrating that magic and science, although seemingly distant, can meet to reveal the mysteries of the human mind and behavior.
An involved and protagonist audience
One of the distinctive elements of the event was the direct involvement of the public. During the evening, spectators were asked to participate in experiments and magic tricks, becoming an active part of the debate. This approach made the conference more than just an intellectual exchange: it transformed it into a truly immersive experience.
Many participants reported feeling torn between the allure of magic and the solidity of scientific explanations. «It was enlightening and fun at the same time – commented a spectator -. I realized how easy it is to fall prey to illusions.”
The role of the WWF: science and nature against superstitions
The choice of the WWF as promoter of the event, although unusual at first glance, reveals a deep and targeted commitment: to counter the superstitions and erroneous beliefs that undermine global biodiversity. This innovative approach highlights the importance of addressing not only direct threats to ecosystems, but also indirect ones, often originating from misinformation and prejudices rooted in human culture.
During the evening, emphasis was placed on how unfounded beliefs can have disastrous consequences for wildlife and ecosystems. A striking example is the indiscriminate hunting of rhinos, fueled by the belief that their horns have healing properties in traditional Asian medicine, despite the absence of scientific evidence.
This practice, rooted in centuries of tradition, originates from ancient texts and beliefs that attribute miraculous virtues to materials coming from wild species, ignoring the devastating ecological impact and animal pain that such activities entail.
Similarly, in Europe, the demonization of lupofueled by folk tales and medieval legends, consolidated the image of this predator as a symbol of fear and threat. These narratives have justified centuries of persecution, with systematic killings that have drastically reduced the wolf population in many areas, altering delicate ecological balances.
Superstitions are not limited to these two species, but also permeate other cultures and continents. In Africa, for example, pangolins (small mammals known mainly for their characteristic horny scales) are hunted due to magical beliefs that associate them with supernatural powers. Other populations instead believe that birds of prey bring dire omens.
Debunking false myths
The meeting proved to be a precious opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of solid scientific knowledge, as a tool for dismantling myths and prejudices that hinder environmental protection. Through interventions by experts and direct testimonies, the need for a profound cultural change was highlighted, which integrates science with education and respect for nature.
Obviously, countering these beliefs requires not only information, but also an approach that takes into account the historical and cultural roots of such superstitions. The WWF, in collaboration with other organizations, works to reinterpret negative symbolism, transforming ancient myths into tools of ecological awareness. For example, legends that portray the wolf as an evil creature can be reworked to show it as a symbol of resilience and ecological harmony.
The patronage of CICAP
The CICAP (Italian Committee for the Control of Pseudoscience Claims), which sponsored the event, represents a point of reference in the panorama of scientific verification of pseudoscientific and paranormal claims. Founded by prominent figures such as Piero Angela and other illustrious scientists, the Committee is dedicated to promoting critical thinking and scientific dissemination, unmasking scams, unfounded beliefs and mystifications linked to supernatural phenomena.
The participation of CICAP enriched the initiative with even greater credibility, ensuring that the dialogue between science and magic took place with rigorous respect for empirical evidence and scientific methodology. His presence underlined the importance of addressing complex issues such as these with an open spirit but at the same time based on rationality and objective analysis of the facts.