To read all the books written by Jacques Valle’ is a must for anyone interested in the UFO phenomenon, so, the ideas suggested below are not enough to understand the whole Valle’s theoretical contribution.
I totally agree with the pioneer of UFO research on his critics of the UFO= Extraterrestrial Hypothesis.
Vallée's opposition to the ETH theory is summarized in his paper, "Five Arguments Against the Extraterrestrial Origin of Unidentified Flying Objects", Journal of Scientific Exploration, 1990:
Scientific opinion has generally followed public opinion in the belief that unidentified flying objects either do not exist (the "natural phenomena hypothesis") or, if they do, must represent evidence of a visitation by some advanced race of space travelers (the extraterrestrial hypothesis or "ETH").
It is the view of the author that research on UFOs need not be restricted to these two alternatives. On the contrary, the accumulated data base exhibits several patterns tending to indicate that UFOs are real, represent a previously unrecognized phenomenon, and that the facts do not support the common concept of "space visitors." Five specific arguments articulated here contradict the ETH:
Unexplained close encounters are far more numerous than required for any physical survey of the Earth.
The humanoid body structure of the alleged "aliens" is not likely to have originated on another planet, and is not biologically adapted to space travel.
The reported behavior in thousands of abduction reports contradicts the hypothesis of genetic or scientific experimentation on humans by an advanced race.
The extension of the phenomenon throughout recorded human history demonstrates that UFOs are not a contemporary phenomenon.
The apparent ability of UFOs to manipulate space and time suggests radically different and richer alternatives.
Interpretation of the UFO evidence
Vallée proposes that there is a genuine UFO phenomenon, partly associated with a form of non-human consciousness that manipulates space and time. The phenomenon has been active throughout human history, and seems to masquerade in various forms to different cultures. In his opinion, the intelligence behind the phenomenon attempts social manipulation by using deception on the humans with whom they interact.
Vallée also proposes that a secondary aspect of the UFO phenomenon involves human manipulation by humans. Witnesses of UFO phenomena undergo a manipulative and staged spectacle, meant to alter their belief system, and eventually, influence human society by suggesting alien intervention from outer space. The ultimate motivation for this deception is probably a projected major change of human society, the breaking down of old belief systems and the implementation of new ones. Vallée states that the evidence, if carefully analyzed, suggests an underlying plan for the deception of mankind by means of unknown, highly advanced methods. He states that it is highly unlikely that governments actually conceal alien evidence, as the popular myth suggests. Rather, it is much more likely that that is exactly what the manipulators want us to believe. Vallée feels the entire subject of UFOs is mystified by charlatans and science fiction. He advocates a stronger and more serious involvement of science in the UFO research and debate. Only this can reveal the true nature of the UFO phenomenon.
Now my comments about some of Valee’s ideas and definitions of the UFO Phenomenon.
Again, as Jacques, I find that the ETH is perhaps the weakest of all the attempts to explain the UFO Phenomenon.
However, in the first argument against the ETH, the author writes that “close encounters are much more numerous than required for a physical survey of our planet.” I honestly do not believe that the so called close encounters are much more numerous in any sense.” Most of the close encounters are misinterpretations, inventions hoaxes and hallucinatory experiences. In my 40 years of research, I didn’t find a “close encounter” totally convincing.
In the second argument, I cannot see why humanoid body structure of the alleged "aliens" is not likely to have originated on another planet. I do not believe that these humanoids are extraterrestrials, but cannot see why their body structure is not likely to have originated on another planet.
I agree with Valee’s next three arguments against the ETH.
In the sixth argument however, Jacques Valle suggests that the UFO phenomenon reveals some non-human consciousness. Presumably this entity, who interacts with humans from the beginning of times, manipulates us through deception and “unknown and highly advanced methods.”
This idea is, in my opinion, unsubstantiated and not better than the ETH.
In Ufology we must apply the Occam Razor as many times as needed. There is no other way if we want to follow the rules of Rational Thinking and Science.
Tomas Scolarici
