Description
Book Synopsis Parapsychology is a science made controversial by its subjects: extrasensory perception, psychokinesis (mind over matter) and disembodied minds, which imply life after death. Moreover, these parapsychological phenomena (called psi) challenge physicalism, the philosophy that everything can be completely understood in terms of physics. This book is a snapshot of the parapsychological field, with essays written by authors of diverse academic backgrounds and experiences.
Essays examine parapsychological phenomena from prehistory, through the founding of the science by intellectuals distressed by physicalism, to the postmodern present. It includes both experimental and theoretical evaluations of the phenomena. Parapsychology is a science which may overturn the philosophy which has dominated science since Newton and may inspire curious readers who are disheartened by the consequent denial of the spirit.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Foreword
- Jay Harold Ellens
- Preface
- Grant R. Shafer
- Introduction
- Stanley Krippner and Everton Maraldi
- The History of Parapsychology
- V.G. Miller
- Extrasensory Perception: Telepathy, Clairvoyance, Precognition, and Retrocognition
- Grant R. Shafer
- Psychokinesis: Famous Cases Around the World
- V.G. Miller
- Reincarnation and Past-Life Memory
- James G. Matlock
- An Overview of Research on Mediums: History and Cautions
- Stephen J. Pullum, Carole M. Van Camp, and Wendy Donlin Washington
- Talking to Your Dead Uncle Teddy: Probing the Validity and Persuasiveness of TV Mediums
- Stephen J. Pullum
- Serpent-Handling as Near-Death Experience
- Ralph W. Hood, Jr.
- Near-Death Experiences 1: History, Explanations, Anecdotes
- Grant R. Shafer
- Near-Death Experiences 2: More Rigorous Studies
- Grant R. Shafer
- Revising Our Concepts About Reality: The Challenge of Consciousness
- Dean Radin
- Theoretical Criticism of Psychic Research
- Grant R. Shafer
- Conclusion
- Jay Harold Ellens
- Epilogue
- Grant R. Shafer
- About the Contributors
- Index
