I have a pet theory. It isn’t charitable, but I might as well own up: I believe that gullibility has become a national sport. Many of us are disinclined to exercise even the mildest critical faculty when confronted with dubious information sheathed in pseudo-scientific jargon.

The latest evidence is a new book, The Intention Experiment, by Lynne McTaggart. Ms McTaggart is a crusader against the evils of modern medicine, such as vaccination and surgery. Now, modern medicine isn’t perfect, but it has saved lives — including my own — and it is a triumph of science. Nonetheless, Ms McTaggart is planning to use the scientific method to push a theory of her own, namely that the power of thought can change the world.

Here’s the lowdown on the Intention Experiment: “Can our thoughts influence the world around us? This extraordinary possibility is being tested throughout 2007 in a series of mind-over-matter experiments...”

If this were true, we’d surely know it by now — as would the many university parapsychology departments that are struggling to deliver convincing proof. Still, the publisher’s press release continues: “It is a gripping scientific detective story about the mind-blowing discovery of how the power of intention can have a real effect on the world...” It seems Ms McTaggart has already decided the results of those experiments.

She is principally assisted by Gary Schwartz, a psychologist at the University of Arizona. Professor Schwartz, it transpires, already subscribes to some offbeat ideas, including a belief that some recipients of organ transplants inherit the donor’s personality, such as the healthy eater who craved fast food after receiving an organ from a KFC fan. UK Transplant, which runs the organ donor register, has rubbished the idea.

Anyway, here is the plan. On March 24, through a global coordination of brainpower, McTaggart and her followers intend to heal . . . an injured geranium: “If we can heal a plant with our thoughts, we may be able to use collective intention to heal the planet,” she writes. Participants must first buy a copy of her book to access a password to join in.

If you really want to heal the planet, become an activist. If you want to heal a geranium, get some Baby Bio.

Ms McTaggart has previously written of her doubt that HIV causes Aids. If you want a refresher on how much damage this kind of denial has wrought, especially in Africa, seek out the superb article by Michael Specter in last week’s New Yorker magazine. If that doesn’t fill your heart with sorrow, nothing will.

I offer two highlights of a visit to Cardiff for a meeting of scientists, entrepreneurs and moneymen. The first is that bungee-jumping OAPs are driving a demand for longer-lasting joint replacements. Diamond-coated bearings are being developed; we shall soon have bling in our springs! The second? Sharing my hotel with the England rugby team.

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