Probing Parapsychology: Essays on a Controversial Science

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.