MythBusters Reveals The One Subject They Refused To Explore And Their Reasons Are Perfect
"There's someone who has this as a living, and I'm not going to tell them they're an idiot."
MythBusters has revealed why they refused to explore one particular historical practice: dowsing. If you're unfamiliar with the ritual's meaning, we're here to provide all the details.
Of course, MythBusters is renowned for making science fun and performing mind-blowing experiments to prove (or disprove) common myths. While you might think they have covered every topic imaginable, there is one specific subject they most definitely haven't.
That topic is dowsing, and MythBusters' Adam Savage says they wouldn't touch the practice "with a 50-foot barge pole." The water-locating ritual was prevalent, especially in Europe, during the 1500s.
The method involves using a forked stick as a divination tool to locate groundwater, oil, gemstones, and buried metals. A person would move the stick until they located what they were searching for.
The practice is also known as divining, water witching, or doodle bugging and has long been labeled a pseudoscience with no scientific evidence to support it. However, scientific proof or not, the ritual has been known to work in some cases, which led the Catholic Church to ban it in 1518, stating it violated the commandment against occultism.
Savage asserts that the practice of dowsing simply isn't provable. "Unfortunately, it is not based in physics or scientific fact, and it has never survived a double-blind test," he said.
Savage noted that every time the practice has been tested in the past, "it has come up for naught." Although it would be the perfect story for MythBusters to cover, there are experts on the topic, and they don't want to step on anyone's toes.
"There's someone who has this as a living, and I'm not going to tell them they're an idiot," Savage explained. "I don't think that they're being foolish.
They grew up; they were taught this thing: there may be all sorts of fascinating ways in which the human body can detect tiny changes in gravity or magnetism or just landscape and understand where the water table might be rising closer to the surface," he said.
"All those things are possible and plausible, and that's a level of subtlety that's difficult to convey within the 42 minutes of the show we had to make," Savage said. He also noted that to debunk the myth, they would need to bring in an expert on the topic and "make a fool of them."
The MythBuster crew isn't willing to do that, and we have to admire their integrity. They don't want to belittle anyone or mock those who believe in the practice's validity.
MythBusters has revealed why they refused to explore one particular historical practice.
YouTube/Adam Savage’s TestedThat topic is Dowsing, and MythBusters' Adam Savage says they wouldn't touch the practice "with a 50-foot barge pole."
Anna Efetova/Getty ImagesThe water-locating ritual was prevalent, especially in Europe, during the 1500s.
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The Science Behind Dowsing
The practice of dowsing, often regarded as a pseudoscience, has been a topic of debate in various scientific communities. Dr. James Randi, a well-known skeptic and magician, famously challenged claims about dowsing, stating that there’s no empirical evidence to support its effectiveness in locating water or minerals.
In fact, research published in the Journal of Scientific Exploration demonstrated that dowsing was no more effective than random guessing. This highlights the importance of critical thinking when approaching such claims, as well as the need for scientific inquiry.
In the realm of education, understanding the psychology behind beliefs in practices like dowsing can be enlightening. Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, an education expert, emphasizes that misconceptions can arise from anecdotal evidence and cultural beliefs rather than scientific validation.
To foster a critical mindset, educators should encourage students to explore scientific methods and evidence-based reasoning. This approach can help students discern fact from fiction, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making in various aspects of life, including beliefs about practices like dowsing.
Dowsing is still being practiced today, with some people choosing to use two metal prongs instead of the traditional forked sticks.
Chris Griffiths/Getty
Dowsing is still being practiced today, with some people choosing to use two metal prongs instead of the traditional forked sticks. It is considered a legitimate technique by many believers.
We would love to hear your opinions on this topic. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward
Ultimately, the refusal of shows like MythBusters to engage with dowsing reflects a broader commitment to scientific integrity. Engaging with pseudoscientific claims can perpetuate misinformation, which is detrimental to public understanding of science.
Experts advocate for a more critical approach to such topics, encouraging individuals to seek evidence and utilize scientific reasoning in their inquiries. By fostering a culture of skepticism and inquiry, we can help mitigate the spread of myths and promote a better understanding of the world around us.
