Can astrologers use astrological charts to understand people's character and lives?

Ferretti, A. (2024, July 29).

Clearer Thinking.

The link is here.

Astrology is very popular — both Gallup and YouGov report that about 25% of Americans believe that the position of the stars and planets can affect people's lives, with an additional 20% of people reporting being uncertain about astrology’s legitimacy.

Previously, we tested whether facts about a person's life can be predicted using their astrological sun signs (such as Pisces, Aries, etc.). A number of astrologers criticized this work, saying that of course we found that sun signs don't predict facts about a person's life, because that's baby or tabloid astrology. Real astrologers use people's entire astrological charts to glean insights about them and their lives. 

And they had a good point! Despite sun sign astrology being popular, most astrologers use entire astrological charts, not merely people's sun signs. Here are some examples of the feedback we received:

Inspired by these critiques, we enlisted the help of six astrologers, and with their feedback and guidance, we designed a new test to see whether astrologers can truly gain insights about people from entire astrological charts!

Here are some thoughts:

A recent study put the claims of astrology to the test, examining the ability of 152 astrologers to accurately match individuals with their corresponding natal charts. Despite their confidence in their abilities, the astrologers performed no better than chance, with none correctly matching more than 5 out of 12 charts. The study found no correlation between experience and accuracy, and even the most experienced astrologers failed to perform better than the rest.

The study highlights the importance of scientifically testing claims, particularly those that are ambiguous or unsubstantiated. To test a claim, one must first make it precise, choose a measurable outcome, design a study, and then analyze the results. In this case, the study's findings provide strong evidence against the claim that astrology can accurately match individuals with their natal charts.

The results also reveal a striking disconnect between the astrologers' confidence in their abilities and their actual performance. This raises questions about the validity of astrology and the need for more rigorous scientific testing of its claims. By applying the scientific method to such claims, we can separate fact from fiction and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Amazon Halts Police Use Of Its Facial Recognition Technology

Bobby Allyn
www.npr.org
Originally posted 10 June 20

Amazon announced on Wednesday a one-year moratorium on police use of its facial-recognition technology, yielding to pressure from police-reform advocates and civil rights groups.

It is unclear how many law enforcement agencies in the U.S. deploy Amazon's artificial intelligence tool, but an official with the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Oregon confirmed that it will be suspending its use of Amazon's facial recognition technology.

Researchers have long criticized the technology for producing inaccurate results for people with darker skin. Studies have also shown that the technology can be biased against women and younger people.

IBM said earlier this week that it would quit the facial-recognition business altogether. In a letter to Congress, chief executive Arvind Krishna condemned software that is used "for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms."

And Microsoft President Brad Smith told The Washington Post during a livestream Thursday morning that his company has not been selling its technology to law enforcement. Smith said he has no plans to until there is a national law.

The info is here.