niveaux d’acceptation et degrés d’étrangeté

This article, written by Joël Mesnard for the April 2006 issue of LDLN (N° 381), explores the methodological challenges facing ufology. Mesnard poses two fundamental questions: who are the subscribers to the publication 'Lumières dans la Nuit' (LDLN), and how can one advance the study of ufology? He argues that the majority of subscribers are already convinced of the reality of the phenomenon. He critiques the 'Plan B' approach—attempting to convince the public through hard evidence—noting that even well-documented cases like the 1954 Trans-en-Provence incident or the 1946 Los Angeles sightings fail to satisfy skeptics or the media. Mesnard suggests that the field is trapped in a cycle where the lack of absolute proof leads to constant doubt. He discusses the 'levels of acceptance' and 'degrees of strangeness,' proposing that an observer's threshold for belief is tied to their personal tolerance for the 'incredible.' He references historical cases, such as the Betty and Barney Hill abduction, to illustrate how initially rejected ideas can eventually gain acceptance. The article concludes by advocating for a balanced approach that maintains scientific rigor and discernment, acknowledging that while absolute proof is elusive, the accumulation of data remains necessary for serious inquiry.