Wild Beasts of the Philosophical Desert: Philosophers on Telepathy and Other Exceptional Experiences

by Hein Van Dongen, Hein Van Dongen, Rico Sneller

Scientists rarely take 'paranormal experiences' seriously. Furthermore, in the recent past the concept of the 'paranormal' did not even exist in philosophy. William James, who extensively studied mediumistic phenomena, labelled them 'wild beasts of the philosophical desert'. This book demonstrates that to important philosophers - from Kant to Derrida - controversial phenomena like telepathy and clairvoyance were serious topics. The authors of this collection have studied relevant texts that have hitherto received little attention, and illustrate how each of the philosophers in question thoughtfully interpreted exceptional experiences that seem to go beyond our understanding.

Genres: Philosophy

185 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

von Dongan, Gerding, and Sneller's book fills a major gap in philosophy and parapsychology. They summarize the views of important philosophers on psi phenomena and show how important such phenomena were in the development of their philosophical thought. Kant's critical method, for example, developed in part as a reaction to Swendenborg's alleged precognitive powers. Other philosophers mentioned include Schelling, Schopenhauer, William James, Henri Bergson, Gabriel Marcel, and Jacques Derrida. It was not necessary for the authors to discuss C. D. Broad and H. H. Price, since they are already well known for their work in twentieth century psychical research. Also omitted are discussions of Antony Flew, Stephen Braude, and others who have done work in contemporary philosophy and parapsychology, but their works are known and readily available. The secondary literature in philosophy on the philosophers they discuss almost invariably omits discussion of their views on psi phenomena and psychical research. Now that this book has been out for years, there is no excuse for writers on these philosophers to ignore the influence of psychical research on their thought. Highly recommended.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hans Gerding en Rico Sneller zijn óók auteurs van Wilde beesten! Ik kan de details niet bewerken, daarom doe ik het maar zo. Leuk om een keer gelezen te hebben, maar ik ga verder met mijn queeste!!