Claims and counter claims.
Where is the PROOF?

Absolute Proof

Absolute proof is only found in mathematics and formal logic. These proofs are based on self evident facts and accepted principles - axioms.

20th century physics has shown that there is no absolute certainty when we look at the universe. There are no self evident facts. We can verify or reject concepts and theories in science using the scientific method but we cannot prove something with certainty.

Even though Newton's laws, quantum theory, evolution, and ALL other concepts and theories in science are unproven we can still use them with great accuracy in appropriate situations.

Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt

In law (and often in daily life) we use proof 'beyond reasonable doubt'. A jury or judge has to be convinced of a claim beyond reasonable doubt.

Attempts to prove that smoking is harmful provide a good example. No one has been able to claim the thousands of dollars offered by a cigarette company to anyone who can 'prove' that smoking is harmful. However many people and organisations have proven, beyond reasonable doubt, damage to health from cigarette smoking in courts of law.

Extra-ordinary Claims Require Extra-ordinary Proof

For some people phenomena such as ESP or psychokinesis are so far beyond their perception of what is 'obviously sensible' that they require almost absolute proof. Such a sceptical attitude is often associated with an emotional investment in their current paradigm.

A number of sceptics have offered thousands of dollars to anyone who can 'prove' psychic ability. The fact that no one has collected this money says more about the nature of proof and the 'unreasonable doubt' of sceptics than the existence of psychic functioning.