A probabilistic model to quantify the results of the research on the Turin Shroud (original) (raw)
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Abstract A probabilistic model to quantify the results of the research on the Turin Shroud
2008
To synthesize the variety of the contrasting results coming from the researches done on the Turin Shroud, a probabilistic model capable of consider mutually excluding events, is proposed. It is based on the definition of three possible alternatives (A=authentic, F=fake, N=not A or F) regarding the cloth origin. Each alternative is then evaluated from the assignment of the corresponding probability, with relative uncertainty, to each statement, relative to the results of the Shroud investigations. Each statement is composed by 7 coefficients: 3 relative to the corresponding alternative (A, F and N) probability, 3 relative to the corresponding uncertainty and one to evaluate the result importance. As an example, results obtained from a very simple probabilistic analysis that considers only 7 statements are compared with that published by other authors. Abbreviations: ST = Shroud of Turin; MST = Man of the Shroud of Turin. 1
A probabilistic model to quantify the results of the research
To synthesize the variety of the contrasting results coming from the researches done on the Turin Shroud, a probabilistic model capable of consider mutually excluding events, is proposed. It is based on the definition of three possible alternatives (A=authentic, F=fake, N=not A or F) regarding the cloth origin. Each alternative is then evaluated from the assignment of the corresponding probability, with relative uncertainty, to each statement, relative to the results of the Shroud investigations. Each statement is composed by 7 coefficients: 3 relative to the corresponding alternative (A, F and N) probability, 3 relative to the corresponding uncertainty and one to evaluate the result importance. As an example, results obtained from a very simple probabilistic analysis that considers only 7 statements are compared with that published by other authors.
Systematic Evaluation of Recent Research on the Shroud of Turin
Theology and Science, 2024
This study critically reviews four decades of academic research on the Shroud of Turin, a highly debated archaeological artifact. Employing advanced epistemological methods such as argument mapping and Bayesian analysis, the study systematically evaluates the two leading hypotheses: the medieval creation of the Shroud and its authenticity as the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth. This examination suggests a warrant for the proponents’ belief in the authenticity hypothesis. It highlights the vitality and complexity of the controversy surrounding the dating and image formation process of the Shroud of Turin.
MATEC Web of Conferences, 2015
Turin Shroud (TS) is a linen cloth 4.4 m long and 1.1 m wide which shows two, front and back images of a man scourged, crowned with thorns and crucified, who died on a cross and was stabbed in the side with a lance after his death. The Catholic Christian tradition identifies this Man as Jesus Christ resurrected after dead, but not all are unanimous in this identification, partly because science has not been able to give definitive answers. To try to improve a bit the inconclusive answers to which the Science is arrived, a Research Project entitled: "Multidisciplinary analysis applied to the Turin Shroud: study of the body image, of possible ambient pollution and of micro-particles capable to characterize the linen fabric." has been assigned by the University of Padua (Italy) to the Author, who performed various studies on this theme in collaboration with other experts, also of other Italian Universities. In reference to the body image, that is not explainable by Science nor reproducible up to now, experimental tests based on Corona Discharge, produced by intense electric fields, have shown that it is possible to reproduce many of these very peculiar image features. Regarding the TS dating, after the demonstration that the 1988 radiocarbon result is not statistically reliable, probably because of environmental pollution, alternative dating methods based on chemical and mechanical tests showed that its age is compatible with the period in which Jesus Christ lived in Palestine.
The Plethora of Disciplines Used to Study the Shroud of Turin
2022
Since 1898, science has been interested in the study of the Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of the historical Jesus of Nazareth. This article provides a list of scientific and non-scientific disciplines involved in the study of the cloth. The data begs the question: could a medieval forger know enough about all these disciplines to be able to convince many 20th and 21st-century scientists, doctors and researchers that the cloth was authentic?
Analysis of the Turin Shroud as a Textile -- a Bibliography
2021
If one examines literature on the Turin Shroud, one will find statements claiming in effect that the 3-1 herringbone weave found on it can only be found in ancient times in the Middle East and also statements that it can be only be found in medieval times in Europe. Obviously, if the Shroud were authentic, it would need to fit in with the former category. The fact that there is not a consensus on this question is one of many puzzling aspects of the cloth. This bibliography lists the major sources that address the question. I have also included some papers regarding experiments on textiles, which have applications to dating the Shroud. The bibliography includes both English and non-English sources. There are three Parts. Part I will be sources that believe the Shroud is medieval. Part II will be sources that are neutral; these entries may not even mention the Shroud but will have application to the Shroud in terms of possibly helping to determine the age of the Shroud. Part III will be sources that believe the Shroud is ancient. The bibliography will be updated as needed. I have published a follow up article: "Key Statements about the Turin Shroud as a Textile."
The Shroud of Turin between history and science: an ongoing debate
2011
The Shroud of Turin has passed through centuries of history, has travelled and has experienced events, which have only partially been recorded in documentary sources. Popular-cultural tradition has now accepted it as being the Shroud of the historical Christ. Nevertheless, public opinion has always been divided between those who believe in its authenticity and those who do not. Since the seventies there have been various wide-ranging study campaigns devoted to unravelling the mystery. Today the Shroud has become once more the centre of attention for the scientific world on the occasion of its last exposition. This paper aims to present a chronology of the investigative phases conducted so far and to put forward a new proposal in the field of image analysis and artistic diagnosis.
Scientific investigation of the Shroud of Turin
Applied Optics, 1980
This article introduces three research papers discussing various scientific tests run on the Shroud ofTurinan ancient piece of linen that appears to bear faint images of a man's body. It also briefly revi1::ws the chemical, photographic, and x-ray tesl.s nOt deal t with int.he three research papers, which are concerned with optical and IR spectroscopy and thermography.
Open issues regarding the Turin Shroud
Scientific Research and Essays, 2012
The Turin Shroud is a linen cloth which shows the front and back images of a man who had been scourged, crowned with thorns and crucified, who died on a cross and who was stabbed in the side with a lance after his death. The Catholic Christian tradition identifies him as Jesus Christ who was resurrected from the dead, but not all researchers are unanimous in believing this tradition, partly because science has not been able to give definitive answers to the questions of the identity of the Man and how the images were produced. There are many indications in favor of authenticity, but there are also still many open issues which do not allow us to reach a conclusion. This paper discusses these open issues, after presenting the very peculiar features of these "impossible" images, in the hope that future scientific research in this direction will cast light on the most important Relic of Christianity. The bibliography relative to the Turin Shroud is copious, but it is not easy to find a summary of scientific issues still open regarding it. The present discussion frames the arguments debated in the papers of this Special Issue and will be also a useful tool to persuade more scientists to address research in these fields.