The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) is an organization dedicated to the study of fringe science. Founded in 1982 by Peter A. Sturrock, the SSE often finds itself at odds with mainstream scientific views, as it provides a critical forum for sharing original research into both conventional and unconventional topics.
Located in Petaluma, California, the SSE’s mission is to explore areas of science that are often overlooked or dismissed by traditional scientific communities. Critics have argued that the SSE leans towards ideas far removed from the scientific mainstream, while others appreciate its open-minded approach to controversial subjects.
The society publishes the “Journal of Scientific Exploration,” a peer-reviewed journal that covers topics ranging from ufology and parapsychology to cryptozoology. The journal serves as a platform for research articles, essays, book reviews, and letters on subjects that are not typically addressed in mainstream scientific publications. Despite its commitment to exploring the boundaries of science, the SSE has faced criticism from skeptics who question the validity of its research and publications.
History
The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) was established in 1982 with the aim of studying fringe science. Its inaugural meeting was held at the University of Maryland, College Park in the same year. The society’s foundation was rooted in the desire to provide a platform for scientific discourse on topics that often faced skepticism or were overlooked by mainstream scientific communities. While the SSE has been dedicated to exploring unconventional scientific subjects, it has also maintained a surprising attitude of skepticism, ensuring that its research is grounded in empirical evidence.
Throughout its history, the SSE has been a focal point for debates and discussions on the boundaries of scientific exploration. Its commitment to studying topics that challenge conventional scientific paradigms has attracted both admiration and criticism. The society’s journal, the “Journal of Scientific Exploration,” has been a significant medium for disseminating research on topics such as ufology, parapsychology, and cryptozoology. These publications have often been at the forefront of discussions on anomalous phenomena, pushing the boundaries of what is considered “acceptable” in the scientific community.
Despite its contributions to the field of fringe science, the SSE has not been without its detractors. Critics have argued that the society sometimes ventures too far from the scientific mainstream, promoting ideas that lack empirical support. However, the SSE’s enduring legacy lies in its commitment to open-minded exploration and its willingness to challenge the status quo in scientific research.
Structure and Organization
The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) is a group dedicated to the study of fringe science, often exploring topics that are not typically addressed by mainstream scientific communities. Founded in 1982 by Peter A. Sturrock, the SSE is headquartered in Petaluma, California. The society’s primary mission is to provide a critical forum for sharing original research on both conventional and unconventional subjects.
The SSE publishes the “Journal of Scientific Exploration,” a peer-reviewed scientific journal that covers a wide range of topics, including ufology, parapsychology, and cryptozoology. This journal serves as a platform for research articles, essays, book reviews, and letters on subjects that are often overlooked in mainstream scientific publications. The journal is edited by Stephen E. Braude and has been indexed in various bibliographic databases.
The organization also holds annual meetings in the US and occasional meetings in Europe, providing a platform for researchers to present and discuss their findings. These meetings attract a diverse group of scientists, some of whom are faculty members at major universities.
While the SSE is committed to open-minded exploration, it has faced criticism from skeptics who question the validity of its research and publications. Despite these challenges, the SSE continues to play a significant role in promoting scientific exploration beyond conventional boundaries.
Functions and Operations
The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), established in 1982, serves as a unique platform for the exploration and discussion of fringe scientific topics. Operating from Petaluma, California, the SSE is dedicated to fostering research and dialogue on subjects that often lie outside the purview of mainstream scientific discourse.
One of the primary functions of the SSE is to provide a critical forum for the presentation and scrutiny of original research. This encompasses both conventional scientific topics and those that are more unconventional, ensuring that a diverse range of subjects receives attention and rigorous examination.
A significant operation of the SSE is the publication of the “Journal of Scientific Exploration.” This peer-reviewed journal is a beacon for researchers worldwide, offering a space to publish findings on topics such as ufology, parapsychology, and cryptozoology. The journal not only includes research articles but also essays, book reviews, and letters, making it a comprehensive resource for those interested in the fringes of science.
Furthermore, the SSE organizes annual meetings in the US and periodic meetings in Europe. These gatherings serve as hubs for intellectual exchange, allowing researchers to present their findings, engage in discussions, and collaborate on future projects. The meetings often feature presentations on groundbreaking research, fostering a culture of open-minded inquiry.
Despite its focus on unconventional topics, the SSE maintains a commitment to scientific rigor. It encourages skepticism and critical thinking, ensuring that all presented research undergoes thorough scrutiny. In essence, the SSE bridges the gap between mainstream science and the unexplored, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding.
Controversy
The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), while dedicated to the study of fringe science, has not been without its share of controversy. Its commitment to exploring topics that are often dismissed or overlooked by mainstream scientific communities has led to both criticism and skepticism.
- Mainstream Science vs. Fringe Science: Critics argue that the SSE is devoted to ideas that are far outside the scientific mainstream. The society’s willingness to entertain and investigate topics such as ufology, parapsychology, and cryptozoology has raised eyebrows in conventional scientific circles. Critics contend that some of these areas lack empirical evidence and do not adhere to the rigorous methodologies of mainstream science.
- Journal of Scientific Exploration: The SSE’s journal has been a particular point of contention. While it provides a platform for topics not typically addressed in mainstream journals, skeptics have raised concerns about its content. Kendrick Frazier, editor of Skeptical Inquirer and a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, has suggested that the journal, while presented as neutral, appears to have a hidden agenda, promoting fringe topics as genuine mysteries.
- Bias Allegations: Some critics believe that the SSE is biased towards uncritically accepting UFO phenomena. They argue that the society’s panels and reviews on UFOs often lack representation from skeptical scientists, leading to a one-sided perspective.
- 1998 UFO Panel: In 1998, the SSE convened a panel for an independent review of UFO phenomena. Skeptical Inquirer’s Robert Sheaffer criticized this effort, stating that the SSE was non-mainstream and biased towards believing in UFO phenomena without critical examination.
Impact on Ufology
The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) has had a notable impact on the field of Ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. Since its inception in 1982, the SSE has provided a unique platform for researchers and enthusiasts to present, discuss, and critically evaluate claims related to UFOs.
- Legitimizing Ufology: One of the most significant contributions of the SSE to Ufology has been its efforts to bring a level of scientific rigor to a field often dismissed by mainstream science. By providing a platform for peer-reviewed research on UFOs, the SSE has helped legitimize the study of these phenomena, encouraging a more systematic and empirical approach.
- Journal of Scientific Exploration: The society’s journal has published numerous articles on UFO sightings, encounters, and related phenomena. These publications have allowed researchers to share their findings, methodologies, and theories with a wider audience, fostering a more informed and nuanced discussion on the subject.
- Annual Meetings: The SSE’s annual meetings have often featured presentations on UFO research. These gatherings have facilitated networking among Ufologists, enabling collaborations and the exchange of ideas. Such interactions have been instrumental in advancing the field, leading to more comprehensive investigations and analyses.
- Challenging Mainstream Views: By promoting open dialogue and critical inquiry, the SSE has challenged mainstream scientific views on UFOs. While this has sometimes led to controversy, it has also prompted a reevaluation of preconceived notions and biases.
Conclusion
The Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) stands as a unique platform dedicated to the study and discussion of fringe scientific topics. Founded in 1982, the SSE has consistently championed research areas often overlooked or dismissed by mainstream scientific communities. Through its peer-reviewed “Journal of Scientific Exploration,” the society has provided a space for rigorous discourse on subjects ranging from ufology and parapsychology to cryptozoology. While its commitment to open-minded exploration has garnered admiration from many, it has also faced criticism from skeptics who question the validity of its research areas.