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"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"--
List of contents
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
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
About the author
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.
Summary
Offers 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.
