James Alcock, Jean Burns and Anthony Freeman, Editors

At the heart of the parapsychology (psi) battle are two types of phenomena. One is extra-sensory perception (ESP), the reception of information without any normal sensory means. Foretelling future disasters is an example of this. The second is psycho-kinesis (PK), using the mind to influence physical states without any direct physical contact - as Uri Gellner claims to do. Ordinary scientists say both are impossible, and alleged cases must therefore be imaginary or fraudulent. So parapsychologists with experimental evidence for psi are accused of bad science or bad faith or both. That is how the battle lines in the Psi Wars are usually drawn. This collection of essays shows that a straight division into 'sceptics' and 'believers' is too simple. The real struggle, for all interested in such claims - is to get a secure hold on the subject itself. Originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Consciousness Studies (Vol.10, No.6-7, 2003).

Table of Contents

• Contributors
• Anthony Freeman, A Long Time Coming: A Personal Reflection
• Jean E. Burns, What Is Beyond the Edge of the Known World?
• James E. Alcock, Give the Null Hypothesis a Chance: Reasons to Remain Doubtful about the Existence of Psi
• John Palmer, ESP In the Ganzfeld: Analysis of a Debate
• Matthew D. Smith, The Role of the Experimenter in Parapsychological Research
• Simon J. Sherwood and Chris A. Roe, A Review of Dream ESP Studies Conducted Since the Maimonides Dream ESP Studies
• Adrian Parker, We Ask, Does Psi Exist? But Is This the Right Question and Do We Really Want an Answer Anyway?
• Stanley Jeffers, Physics and Claims for Anomalous Effects Related to Consciousness
• Christoper C. French, Fantastic Memories: The Relevance of Research into Eyewitness Testimony and False Memories for Reports of Anomalous Experiences
• Geoffrey Dean and Ivan W. Kelly, Is Astrology Relevant to Consciousness and Psi?
• Fotini Pallikari, Must the ‘Magic’ of Psychokinesis Hinder Precise Scientific Measurement?
• P. Brugger and K.I. Taylor, ESP: Extrasensory Perception or Effect of Subjective Probability?

James Alcock is professor of psychology at York University, Toronto. Jean Burns, a physicist, and Anthony Freeman, a theologian, are both editors of the Journal of Consciousness Studies.

· ISBN 0-907845-48-7 · Published July 2003 by Imprint Academic · Paperback · 246 pages · $29.90 ·

Order Online:

For more information contact us at 800-444-2419; 434-220-3300, or by e-mail at order@pdcnet.org .