It is common knowledge that human senses are completely and totally infallible. It isn't as though refraction, reflection, and other similar occurrences show flaws in our senses, no not at all.

But in all seriousness I would much rather deal in cold hard facts than in philosophical debate. One is concrete, it cannot be debated. The other could be debated until the end of the universe. Empirical evidence is how we perceive the world as a whole, and while empiricism and rationalism both are incredibly important, I learn more to the side of empiricism. With that said, I have never done the above activity. I live in conservative rural Pennsylvania; if I did that I would likely get shot, or at least suffer severe injury at the hands of . . . well everyone. Heh, score one for cowardice.