Extrasensory Perception: Support, Skepticism, and Science [2 volumes]

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Description

Scholars from around the world collaborate to explain the history of parapsychology, the study of extrasensory perception (ESP), and the arguments of skeptics and supporters in this fascinating collection. This two-volume set introduces ESPalso known as anomalous cognitionand psychokinesis, addressing the history, research, philosophy, and scientific theories surrounding the phenomena. With contributions from leading research scientists from within the field of parapsychology and other areas of study, this reference addresses the fundamental questions that the evidence of ESP evokes; examines parapsychology research from all over the world; and explores the controversies, skepticism, and contemporary criticism disparaging the field. Written for a multidisciplinary audience ranging from physicists to psychologists to lay persons, the volumes present the scientific validity of the field. Volume 1 addresses the historical, philosophical, skeptical, and research viewpoints; volume 2 lays out the current theories on ESP. Chapters reveal how strict scientific protocols and state-of-the-art technologies enable scientistsat sites such as Harvard and Cornell universities to their international counterparts in Amsterdam, Austria, and Asiato pinpoint and investigate ESP abilities. Appendices include a glossary of key terms in parapsychology, ESP research protocol, ESP research organizations, skeptic associations, and recommended reading.

Reviews

The evidence is impressive. I say this with some confidence, even in the face of the claptrap often associated with claims of the paranormal and the dull or cunning shysters who try to sell bogus 'psychic readings' or inflated 'remote viewing courses.' There's substantial evidenceboth anecdotal and laboratorialfor some paranormal phenomena, but it takes scientific savvy to sort out the trustworthy from the vast piles of dross. . . . The most valuable parts of these books are the substantial and various treatments of physicalist theories of psi. * Los Angeles Review of Books *
Whether or not one believes in the reality of ESP, the data presented in this remarkable set make the case that ESP can no longer be ignored. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and practitioners. * Choice *

Author Bio

Edwin C. May, PhD, is the president and founder of the Laboratories for Fundamental Research. Formerly, he was a director in the U.S. Government's secret ESP program popularly known as STARGATE. Sonali Bhatt Marwaha is a research associate with the Laboratories for Fundamental Research.