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Parapsychology: The Science of Unusual Experience
Containing contributions from some of the leading figures in Europe on the paranormal, Parapsychology' challenges and provokes readers with an up-to-the-minute examination of some of the most puzzling phenomena in psychology. Unlike previous works, the current volume invites readers to step into the shoes of scientists (believers and sceptics alike) to see not only how they must approach the array of weird and wonderful events that demand their attention, but also the tools that they use to do their job. An range of intriguing topics is considered including; dream telepathy, near death experiences, alien abductions, belief in astrology, placebo effects and awareness during anaesthesia and in comas. In addition readers have the opportunity to engage in experiments with the authors.
Exploring these and other areas, the book bridges the gap between traditional psychology and its so called fringe areas, providing accessible accounts of how science works on the border of its last frontier: the human mind.
Parapsychology' is for readers from a variety of backgrounds; professionals in the field, students, lay readers and anyone who wants to understand what the paranormal can tell us about ourselves as we set out into 21st century. A variety of viewpoints are on offer, with the emphasis on the reader to make their own mind up. Prepared to be unsettled...
Exploring these and other areas, the book bridges the gap between traditional psychology and its so called fringe areas, providing accessible accounts of how science works on the border of its last frontier: the human mind.
Parapsychology' is for readers from a variety of backgrounds; professionals in the field, students, lay readers and anyone who wants to understand what the paranormal can tell us about ourselves as we set out into 21st century. A variety of viewpoints are on offer, with the emphasis on the reader to make their own mind up. Prepared to be unsettled...
200 pages, Hardcover
Published June 7, 2001
3 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 9, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The Author's carefully selected essays, covering subjects ranging from dreams; UFO abductions, and Near-Death Experiences, culminate in a glorious concluding chapter entitled "Gateways to the Mind - Society and the Paranormal".
It is fair to suggest that the prevalent; socially-accepted Tendency within academic and lay-circles is to dismiss parapsychology and "the paranormal" as being the realm of spoon-bending, and the outlandish / scientifically implausible. In sum, if the event cannot be measured or replicated it cannot be proven and 'can be explained by suggestion; vulnerability, or other variables'.
The Author's seek to identify how parapsychology can act as a bridge between the gulf between phenomena that can be accounted for medically; mechanically, and rationally, with the phenomena that encompasses the reverse.
The essence of the enquiry is that, whilst an experience or event that has been witnessed by an individual or group of individuals, may, when recouunted, seem "crazy" or "deeply subjective and unproven", it should not be written-off simply because we cannot explain or measure the event "scientifically".
In essence, there is a role that the qualitative can play in the scientific investigation of events, and experiences, that go beyond the accepted boundaries the current scientific paradigm, without being indulgent.
These experiences may assist with the identification, and analysis, of socio-psychological variables which shape the human condition, and therefore determine the empirical. The balanced approach that the Authors call-for should be viewed as a contribution to the expansion of scientific understanding and enquiry, as opposed to the current retrenchment and hostility of others.
The Author's carefully selected essays, covering subjects ranging from dreams; UFO abductions, and Near-Death Experiences, culminate in a glorious concluding chapter entitled "Gateways to the Mind - Society and the Paranormal".
It is fair to suggest that the prevalent; socially-accepted Tendency within academic and lay-circles is to dismiss parapsychology and "the paranormal" as being the realm of spoon-bending, and the outlandish / scientifically implausible. In sum, if the event cannot be measured or replicated it cannot be proven and 'can be explained by suggestion; vulnerability, or other variables'.
The Author's seek to identify how parapsychology can act as a bridge between the gulf between phenomena that can be accounted for medically; mechanically, and rationally, with the phenomena that encompasses the reverse.
The essence of the enquiry is that, whilst an experience or event that has been witnessed by an individual or group of individuals, may, when recouunted, seem "crazy" or "deeply subjective and unproven", it should not be written-off simply because we cannot explain or measure the event "scientifically".
In essence, there is a role that the qualitative can play in the scientific investigation of events, and experiences, that go beyond the accepted boundaries the current scientific paradigm, without being indulgent.
These experiences may assist with the identification, and analysis, of socio-psychological variables which shape the human condition, and therefore determine the empirical. The balanced approach that the Authors call-for should be viewed as a contribution to the expansion of scientific understanding and enquiry, as opposed to the current retrenchment and hostility of others.
Displaying 1 of 1 review