International Zetetic Challenge
Encyclopedia
The International Zetetic Challenge (from Greek
ζητεῖν zēteîn, "to search") was an attempt to prove or disprove the existence of, or demonstrate events related to, the paranormal
. It ran from 1987 until 2002 and offered a €
200,000 prize to "any person who could prove any paranormal phenomenon."
The challenge was overseen by two scientists, Henri Broch and Jacques Theodor; as well as a professional illusionist, Gérard Majax
. Investigations and tests were carried out in the zetetics laboratory at France
's University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis.
After fifteen years and a number of investigations the challenge was ended, the prize was unawarded, as no verifiable paranormal incident had been witnessed by the challengers. The zetetics laboratory at the university still conducts research in fields related to the paranormal, however.
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
ζητεῖν zēteîn, "to search") was an attempt to prove or disprove the existence of, or demonstrate events related to, the paranormal
Paranormal
Paranormal is a general term that designates experiences that lie outside "the range of normal experience or scientific explanation" or that indicates phenomena understood to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure...
. It ran from 1987 until 2002 and offered a €
Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
200,000 prize to "any person who could prove any paranormal phenomenon."
The challenge was overseen by two scientists, Henri Broch and Jacques Theodor; as well as a professional illusionist, Gérard Majax
Gérard Majax
Gérard Faier, known as Gérard Majax is one of the most famous French illusionist.He has appeared in many television programs, magic demonstrations, and movies....
. Investigations and tests were carried out in the zetetics laboratory at France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
's University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis.
After fifteen years and a number of investigations the challenge was ended, the prize was unawarded, as no verifiable paranormal incident had been witnessed by the challengers. The zetetics laboratory at the university still conducts research in fields related to the paranormal, however.
See also
- James Randi's $1 Million Challenge
- Prabir GhoshPrabir GhoshPrabir Ghosh is the head of the Science and Rationalists’ Association of India, and president of the Humanists' Association based in Kolkata. He was once referred to in the media as being from the "Rationalist Association of India"...
's $50,000 challenge against miracles and astrologers.