A New Science of the Paranormal: The Promise of Psychical Research

by Lawrence LeShan

Mainline science rejects the paranormal because it cannot be proven by the classical methods of controlled experiments. But sciences such as geology, astronomy, and anthropology also don't rely on laboratory testing for repeatable results. Moreover, psi concerns consciousness, which is by definition non-quantitative. "Psi researchers must stop acting like science's poor relations," says author Lawrence LaShan, "limiting themselves to controlled experiments such as analyzing statistics of people guessing cards being flipped in the next room" This provocative book outlines the principles of making a real study of the large, exciting events -- clairvoyance and precognition; mediumship and spirit controls; psychic healing -- that would bring mainline science into and revitalize the whole field. "And the issue is not just academic," says LeShan. "The old, materialistic worldview has not worked. Psychic research," he argues, "can transform our sense of reality itself to offer a new and more hopeful picture of ourselves and of the world."

Genres: Paranormal, Science, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2009

About the author

Also wrote as Edward Grendon.

Reviews

[Lilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Science of the Paranormal includes both a rational agenda for furthering this field known as “psychical research” and anecdotal information in the form of case studies. Psychical research is still very much held back because many view it as an inferior science. This is one of the main points LeShan brings up in the book, that we need to move beyond this thinking and understand that not all sciences can be proven using the same methods. Anthropology, astronomy, geology and others have moved on from this thinking and are still very much excepted as legitimate sciences, so why the backlash in regards to psychical study?

The answers for moving forward with this field are given by LeShan, a seasoned veteran of paranormal research, on page eighty-seven in the form of a manifesto. This is by-far the gem of the book.

A New Science of the Paranormal is just the manuscript that both veteran and aspiring paranormal investigators and researchers need to read in order to step up their game and LeShan paves the way.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent enough piece of parapsychology advocacy but it’s not mind blowing or persuasive to anyone not already open to it.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a skeptic about everything, but many of the instances of evidence in this book were irritating... This is not to say that it's impossible, but blasting science as being at fault for putting forth the proposition that everything is quantifiable is not going to bring any validation to your argument.

If one wants to prove the validity of psychical research, it needs to be repeatable.

[Fi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not care for the Ad Hominen position the author chose, nor for the way in which a point would be stated, and restated in slightly different language, then sometimes further restated. I felt the author was trying to manipulate the reader which made for a very disappointing read.