Pseudoscience and the Paranormal

Pseudoscience and the Paranormal

Author: Terence Hines

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2010-09-30

Total Pages: 516

ISBN-13: 1615920854

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Television, the movies, and computer games fill the minds of their viewers with a daily staple of fantasy, from tales of UFO landings, haunted houses, and communication with the dead to claims of miraculous cures by gifted healers or breakthrough treatments by means of fringe medicine. The paranormal is so ubiquitous in one form of entertainment or another that many people easily lose sight of the distinction between the real and the imaginary, or they never learn to make the distinction in the first place. In this thorough review of pseudoscience and the paranormal in contemporary life, psychologist Terence Hines teaches readers how to carefully evaluate all such claims in terms of scientific evidence.Hines devotes separate chapters to psychics; life after death; parapsychology; astrology; UFOs; ancient astronauts, cosmic collisions, and the Bermuda Triangle; faith healing; and more. New to this second edition are extended sections on psychoanalysis and pseudopsychologies, especially recovered memory therapy, satanic ritual abuse, facilitated communication, and other questionable psychotherapies. There are also new chapters on alternative medicine, which is now marketed in our drug stores, and on environmental pseudoscience, with special emphasis on the evidence that certain technologies like cell phones or environmental agents like asbestos cause cancer.Finally, Hines discusses the psychological causes for belief in the paranormal despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This valuable, highly interesting, and completely accessible analysis critiques the whole range of current paranormal claims.


Book Synopsis Pseudoscience and the Paranormal by : Terence Hines

Download or read book Pseudoscience and the Paranormal written by Terence Hines and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2010-09-30 with total page 516 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Television, the movies, and computer games fill the minds of their viewers with a daily staple of fantasy, from tales of UFO landings, haunted houses, and communication with the dead to claims of miraculous cures by gifted healers or breakthrough treatments by means of fringe medicine. The paranormal is so ubiquitous in one form of entertainment or another that many people easily lose sight of the distinction between the real and the imaginary, or they never learn to make the distinction in the first place. In this thorough review of pseudoscience and the paranormal in contemporary life, psychologist Terence Hines teaches readers how to carefully evaluate all such claims in terms of scientific evidence.Hines devotes separate chapters to psychics; life after death; parapsychology; astrology; UFOs; ancient astronauts, cosmic collisions, and the Bermuda Triangle; faith healing; and more. New to this second edition are extended sections on psychoanalysis and pseudopsychologies, especially recovered memory therapy, satanic ritual abuse, facilitated communication, and other questionable psychotherapies. There are also new chapters on alternative medicine, which is now marketed in our drug stores, and on environmental pseudoscience, with special emphasis on the evidence that certain technologies like cell phones or environmental agents like asbestos cause cancer.Finally, Hines discusses the psychological causes for belief in the paranormal despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This valuable, highly interesting, and completely accessible analysis critiques the whole range of current paranormal claims.


Science Confronts the Paranormal

Science Confronts the Paranormal

Author: Kendrick Frazier

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2023-12-15

Total Pages: 382

ISBN-13: 1633889653

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A Gallop poll surveyed 506 American teenagers, aged 13 to 18 and discovered the following:- 69% believe in angels - 59% believe in ESP- 55% believe in astrology - 28% believe in clairvoyance- 24% believe in Bigfoot - 22% believe in witchcraft- 20% believe in ghosts - 18% believe in the Loch Ness MonsterCarl Sagan has said that the wonders of real science far surpass the supposed and imagined mysteries of fringe science. Yet, as statistics show, the paranormal is still an endless source of fascination for people around the world.This collection of critical essays and investigative reports examines virtually every area of fringe science and the paranormal from a refreshingly scientific and clear-minded viewpoint. The authors are noted scientists, philosophers, psychologists, and writers. All bring to the task a determination to sift sense from nonsense and fact from fiction in an area notorious for misinformation, misperception, self-delusion, and wishful thinking. They do so in a way that highlights the differences between real science and pseudoscience. They've made special efforts first to find the actual facts behind numerous claims that have popular appeal, and then to explain and communicate what scientific investigation and reasoning reveal about them. Subjects treated to incisive and entertaining examination include astrology, ESP, psychic detectives, psychic predictions, parapsychology, remote-viewing, UFOs, creationism, the Shroud of Turin, coincidences, cult archaeology, palmistry and fringe medicine.There are also explorations of the implications of paranormal beliefs for science education.


Book Synopsis Science Confronts the Paranormal by : Kendrick Frazier

Download or read book Science Confronts the Paranormal written by Kendrick Frazier and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2023-12-15 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Gallop poll surveyed 506 American teenagers, aged 13 to 18 and discovered the following:- 69% believe in angels - 59% believe in ESP- 55% believe in astrology - 28% believe in clairvoyance- 24% believe in Bigfoot - 22% believe in witchcraft- 20% believe in ghosts - 18% believe in the Loch Ness MonsterCarl Sagan has said that the wonders of real science far surpass the supposed and imagined mysteries of fringe science. Yet, as statistics show, the paranormal is still an endless source of fascination for people around the world.This collection of critical essays and investigative reports examines virtually every area of fringe science and the paranormal from a refreshingly scientific and clear-minded viewpoint. The authors are noted scientists, philosophers, psychologists, and writers. All bring to the task a determination to sift sense from nonsense and fact from fiction in an area notorious for misinformation, misperception, self-delusion, and wishful thinking. They do so in a way that highlights the differences between real science and pseudoscience. They've made special efforts first to find the actual facts behind numerous claims that have popular appeal, and then to explain and communicate what scientific investigation and reasoning reveal about them. Subjects treated to incisive and entertaining examination include astrology, ESP, psychic detectives, psychic predictions, parapsychology, remote-viewing, UFOs, creationism, the Shroud of Turin, coincidences, cult archaeology, palmistry and fringe medicine.There are also explorations of the implications of paranormal beliefs for science education.


The Paranormal Source Book

The Paranormal Source Book

Author: Jenny Randles

Publisher: Piatkus Books

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13:

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This revised edition contains all the main paranormal topics, ranging from apparitions and zoological mysteries, to ball lightning, crop circles, ESP, poltergeists, premonitions and UFOs, as well as new information on conspiracy theories, ancient wisdom and electronic pollution. The author gives details of the main cases in each area plus up-to-the-minute events, thinking, research and experiments. It also offers a comprehensive reading list of books and publications available within each topic, and addresses of recommended research organisations around the world.


Book Synopsis The Paranormal Source Book by : Jenny Randles

Download or read book The Paranormal Source Book written by Jenny Randles and published by Piatkus Books. This book was released on 1999 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This revised edition contains all the main paranormal topics, ranging from apparitions and zoological mysteries, to ball lightning, crop circles, ESP, poltergeists, premonitions and UFOs, as well as new information on conspiracy theories, ancient wisdom and electronic pollution. The author gives details of the main cases in each area plus up-to-the-minute events, thinking, research and experiments. It also offers a comprehensive reading list of books and publications available within each topic, and addresses of recommended research organisations around the world.


The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal

The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal

Author: Gordon Stein

Publisher:

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 902

ISBN-13:

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The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal contains over 90 articles by more than 50 experts on topics including the strictly paranormal (psychokinesis, channeling, levitation, astrology, phrenology, palmistry); the historical (mediums, psychic research, alchemy, Houdini); the philosophical (miracles, survival of death, reincarnation); and work on investigatory photography, statistics, the media and the Bermuda Triangle. In his foreword, Carl Sagan says, "I wish [this book] were on the shelves of every newspaper editorial desk and every television newsroom, to encourage more skeptical backbone in reporting . . . . [I]n school libraries so that children would have some counterbalance to the many paranormal and mystical claims in our society."


Book Synopsis The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal by : Gordon Stein

Download or read book The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal written by Gordon Stein and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 902 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Encyclopedia of the Paranormal contains over 90 articles by more than 50 experts on topics including the strictly paranormal (psychokinesis, channeling, levitation, astrology, phrenology, palmistry); the historical (mediums, psychic research, alchemy, Houdini); the philosophical (miracles, survival of death, reincarnation); and work on investigatory photography, statistics, the media and the Bermuda Triangle. In his foreword, Carl Sagan says, "I wish [this book] were on the shelves of every newspaper editorial desk and every television newsroom, to encourage more skeptical backbone in reporting . . . . [I]n school libraries so that children would have some counterbalance to the many paranormal and mystical claims in our society."


The World of the Paranormal

The World of the Paranormal

Author: Grange Books PLC

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13:

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Presents cultural, social and historical interpretations of paranormal phenomena and the people involved.


Book Synopsis The World of the Paranormal by : Grange Books PLC

Download or read book The World of the Paranormal written by Grange Books PLC and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presents cultural, social and historical interpretations of paranormal phenomena and the people involved.


Music and the Paranormal

Music and the Paranormal

Author: Melvyn J. Willin

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2022-01-19

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 1476685983

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Exploring the paranormal through musical phenomena, this encyclopedia covers a range of anomalies, from musical mediumship to locations throughout the world where music has been heard with no obvious source. Other manifestations, such as the abilities of musical savants and the anesthetic use of music during surgical procedures, are included with a focus on paraphysical aspects. Entries describe examples from earliest history up to the present--interpretation is left to the reader. Broader themes and concepts are discussed in appendices, with additional references provided for further study.


Book Synopsis Music and the Paranormal by : Melvyn J. Willin

Download or read book Music and the Paranormal written by Melvyn J. Willin and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2022-01-19 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exploring the paranormal through musical phenomena, this encyclopedia covers a range of anomalies, from musical mediumship to locations throughout the world where music has been heard with no obvious source. Other manifestations, such as the abilities of musical savants and the anesthetic use of music during surgical procedures, are included with a focus on paraphysical aspects. Entries describe examples from earliest history up to the present--interpretation is left to the reader. Broader themes and concepts are discussed in appendices, with additional references provided for further study.


Paranormal America (second Edition)

Paranormal America (second Edition)

Author: Christopher D. Bader

Publisher: NYU Press

Published: 2017-04-18

Total Pages: 319

ISBN-13: 1479819654

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"Based on extensive research and their own unique personal experiences, the authors reveal that a significant number of Americans hold these beliefs, and that for better or worse, we undoubtedly live in a paranormal America. Readers will join the authors as they participate in psychic and palm readings, and have their auras photographed, join a Bigfoot hunt, follow a group of celebrity ghost hunters as they investigate claims of a haunted classroom, and visit a support group for alien abductees."--Provided by publisher.


Book Synopsis Paranormal America (second Edition) by : Christopher D. Bader

Download or read book Paranormal America (second Edition) written by Christopher D. Bader and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 2017-04-18 with total page 319 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Based on extensive research and their own unique personal experiences, the authors reveal that a significant number of Americans hold these beliefs, and that for better or worse, we undoubtedly live in a paranormal America. Readers will join the authors as they participate in psychic and palm readings, and have their auras photographed, join a Bigfoot hunt, follow a group of celebrity ghost hunters as they investigate claims of a haunted classroom, and visit a support group for alien abductees."--Provided by publisher.


Science and the Paranormal

Science and the Paranormal

Author: George Ogden Abell

Publisher: Scribner Paper Fiction

Published: 1983

Total Pages: 444

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Science and the Paranormal by : George Ogden Abell

Download or read book Science and the Paranormal written by George Ogden Abell and published by Scribner Paper Fiction. This book was released on 1983 with total page 444 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Paranormal and Popular Culture

The Paranormal and Popular Culture

Author: Darryl Caterine

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-02-18

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 1351731815

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Interest in preternatural and supernatural themes has revitalized the Gothic tale, renewed explorations of psychic powers and given rise to a host of social and religious movements based upon claims of the fantastical. And yet, in spite of this widespread enthusiasm, the academic world has been slow to study this development. This volume rectifies this gap in current scholarship by serving as an interdisciplinary overview of the relationship of the paranormal to the artefacts of mass media (e.g. novels, comic books, and films) as well as the cultural practices they inspire. After an introduction analyzing the paranormal’s relationship to religion and entertainment, the book presents essays exploring its spiritual significance in a postmodern society; its (post)modern representation in literature and film; and its embodiment in a number of contemporary cultural practices. Contributors from a number of discplines and cultural contexts address issues such as the shamanistic aspects of Batman and lesbianism in vampire mythology. Covering many aspects of the paranormal and its effect on popular culture, this book is an important statement in the field. As such, it will be of utmost interest to scholars of religious studies as well as media, communication, and cultural studies.


Book Synopsis The Paranormal and Popular Culture by : Darryl Caterine

Download or read book The Paranormal and Popular Culture written by Darryl Caterine and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-02-18 with total page 449 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Interest in preternatural and supernatural themes has revitalized the Gothic tale, renewed explorations of psychic powers and given rise to a host of social and religious movements based upon claims of the fantastical. And yet, in spite of this widespread enthusiasm, the academic world has been slow to study this development. This volume rectifies this gap in current scholarship by serving as an interdisciplinary overview of the relationship of the paranormal to the artefacts of mass media (e.g. novels, comic books, and films) as well as the cultural practices they inspire. After an introduction analyzing the paranormal’s relationship to religion and entertainment, the book presents essays exploring its spiritual significance in a postmodern society; its (post)modern representation in literature and film; and its embodiment in a number of contemporary cultural practices. Contributors from a number of discplines and cultural contexts address issues such as the shamanistic aspects of Batman and lesbianism in vampire mythology. Covering many aspects of the paranormal and its effect on popular culture, this book is an important statement in the field. As such, it will be of utmost interest to scholars of religious studies as well as media, communication, and cultural studies.


The Big Book of Paranormal

The Big Book of Paranormal

Author: Tim Rayborn

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2021-08-17

Total Pages: 576

ISBN-13: 1646430522

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Prepare to be baffled with The Big Book of Paranormal! Dive deep into urban legends, creepy hauntings, and tales of the unexplained with the Big Book of Paranormal. Featuring over 300 hair-raising, spine-chilling stories around Bigfoot, the Loch Ness, UFOs, aliens, curses, ghosts, and unsolved mysteries. Otherworldly illustrations and images bring these mystical and frightening tales to life and make the stories creep off the page. This is the perfect gift for the little ghost-hunter or paranormal enthusiast in your life!


Book Synopsis The Big Book of Paranormal by : Tim Rayborn

Download or read book The Big Book of Paranormal written by Tim Rayborn and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2021-08-17 with total page 576 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prepare to be baffled with The Big Book of Paranormal! Dive deep into urban legends, creepy hauntings, and tales of the unexplained with the Big Book of Paranormal. Featuring over 300 hair-raising, spine-chilling stories around Bigfoot, the Loch Ness, UFOs, aliens, curses, ghosts, and unsolved mysteries. Otherworldly illustrations and images bring these mystical and frightening tales to life and make the stories creep off the page. This is the perfect gift for the little ghost-hunter or paranormal enthusiast in your life!