Hi Everyone,

I decided it would be interesting and even a little fun to speculate about some of the various theories of how the UFO phenomenon actually works. The ETH has its pros and cons, or shall we say some difficulties of explanation. But then there’s the Interdimensional Hypothesis. 

One thing surprised me while preparing this lecture. My own thinking changed a little. I didn’t come away believing the interdimensional hypothesis. But I did come away more open to the possibility than when I started.

Part of the reason is simple. Our understanding of physics is still incomplete. We don’t know what dark matter is. We don’t know what dark energy is. We still haven’t reconciled quantum mechanics with gravity. We don’t even know whether space and time are fundamental or emergent. That’s a significant list of unanswered questions. Thinking about it, I have to concede that it leaves open the possibility that reality is way stranger than we currently imagine. If the UFO phenomenon eventually forces us to rethink some of our basic assumptions, I won’t be surprised.

At the same time, I don’t think the IDH is a finished explanation. We don’t yet have a coherent physical model of it. What does interdimensional actually mean in operational terms? We don’t know how movement between dimensions would occur. We don’t know why it would produce the kinds of reports that witnesses describe. Right now, the hypothesis raises at least as many questions as it answers. Or more. 

That’s where I am for now. I take the idea seriously. I also think it deserves careful criticism. There is a lot we don’t understand. I think it’s important to resist the temptation to settle on an answer before the evidence has earned it.

I’d really like to hear what all of you think. If you’ve watched the lecture, tell me where you think I got it right and where I missed something. If you lean toward the IDH, I’d especially like to know why. What evidence persuaded you? What arguments do you think are strongest? And if there’s an important case or line of reasoning that I overlooked, please tell me. One of the strengths of having you guys here is your  range of knowledge and experience. I’m interested in hearing your take.

Because as you often know, I try out many of my new ideas here, with you. 🙂

Richard