Four Types of Explanations of CE IV UFO Reports

Abstract Based on a review of recent CE IV explanations in the literature the author distinguishes, from the point of view of the analytic philosophy of the social sciences, four different types of hypotheses: The first, naive-realistic hypothesis of actual alien abductions seems indefensible due to a lack of evidence. If from a pragmatic point of view a multi-faceted explanation is considered, the second, psychoreductionist hypothesis could serve as an explanation for the neurophysiological mechanisms of the experience. This mode of explanation could apply to personality traits of experiencers. The third, constructionist hypothesis with concepts such as archetypal imagery, synchronicity and imaginal realm includes the sociocultural dimension (actualization of depth-psychological potential) and societal situation of the mainly Anglo-Saxon experiencers. The fourth hypothesis, that of a Universal Consciousness, or a Mind at Large, is not scientific but metaphysical and therefore untestable. Vier Erklärungsmuster für CE IV UFO-Bericht