Probing Parapsychology

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.

Grant R. Shafer has taught at the University of Michigan, Siena Heights University, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and Henry Ford College, and published on ancient Rome, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and early Christianity. He lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Edited by Grant R. Shafer

Foreword and Conclusion by Jay Harold Ellens

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 254
Bibliographic Info: bibliographies, index
Copyright Date: 2023
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8038-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4891-0
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Foreword
Jay Harold Ellens 1
Preface
Grant R. Shafer 3
Introduction
Stanley Krippner and Everton Maraldi 7

The History of Parapsychology
V.G. Miller 17
Extrasensory Perception: Telepathy, Clairvoyance, Precognition, and Retrocognition
Grant R. Shafer 38
Psychokinesis: Famous Cases Around the World
V.G. Miller 63
Reincarnation and ­Past-Life Memory
James G. Matlock 78
An Overview of Research on Mediums: History and Cautions
Stephen J. Pullum, Carole M. Van Camp, and Wendy Donlin Washington 96
Talking to Your Dead Uncle Teddy: Probing the Validity and Persuasiveness of TV Mediums
Stephen J. Pullum 118
­Serpent-Handling as ­Near-Death Experience
Ralph W. Hood, Jr. 140
­Near-Death Experiences 1: History, Explanations, Anecdotes
Grant R. Shafer 159
­Near-Death Experiences 2: More Rigorous Studies
Grant R. Shafer 185
Revising Our Concepts About Reality: The Challenge of Consciousness
Dean Radin 206
Theoretical Criticism of Psychic Research
Grant R. Shafer 215

Conclusion
Jay Harold Ellens 231
Epilogue
Grant R. Shafer 234
About the Contributors 237
Index 239