Parapsychology and Chi
Merriam-Webster defines parapsychology as follows: a field of study concerned with the investigation of evidence for paranormal psychological phenomena (as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis).As indicated by the definition, parapsychology is, indeed, a “field of study”. Unfortunately, there has been a fissure between classical scientists and their brethren who investigate said phenomena.
Interestingly enough, although many members of the scientific community and [traditional] Academia would like to discount the scientific validity of parapsychology, this field of research is one of the most rigorous of the scientific fields of study. Dean Radin, Ph.D., who held positions at Princeton University, University of Edinburgh as well as the University of Nevada, had this comment regarding parapsychology in his book Entangled Minds: “parapsychology was accepted as an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the largest scientific organization in the world and the publisher of Science, one of the top-ranked scientific journals.” Radin further adds “By inclusion of in the AAAS, the Para Psychological Association is demonstrably a bona fide scientific discipline.”
Members of the Parapsychological Association define psi phenomena as: exchanges of information that do not involve currently known processes.
The research/experiments performed at various parapsychology institutes set the standard in scientific rigor and true discipline. The laboratory research methods are gleaned from psychology, biology and physics; field research uses methods from sociology and anthropology.
Parapsychology investigates the presupposed capabilities [limitations] of human potential; said potential is greatly underestimated.
Advanced technology found in “random number generators”, rooms designed so as to have no electromagnetic interference, and the concept of “double blind studies”, are the norm at places like: the Institute of Noetic Sciences; SRI International and; the Boundary Institute (just to name a select few). This self-imposed scrutiny of the parapsychologist provides true integrity with regards to their findings in psi-phenomena and the validity thereof. “The major intent of the lab work usually shifts from “proof-oriented” research to “process-oriented”, in which the goal is to discover the psychological, physiological, and physical mechanisms of each phenomenon,” (Parapsychological Association).
Parapsychology also engages in the philosophical investigation of the mind/body separation; said separation, held, as a universal/academic “truth”, may be incorrect. In fact, the Brain, Body, and Nervoius System, which laymen refer to as “the mind”, is often the subject of Parapsychological investigations and scientific scrutiny. “Because psi seems to transcend the assumed limits of material functioning, some interpret psi as supporting the idea that there is something more to mind than just the BBNS, that there is some sort of “soul” or the like,” (Parapsychological Association).
In the early sections of their FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), the Parapsychological Association (http://www.parapsych.org/) had this to say about the nature of their undertakings:
“gaining an appreciation of parapsychology today requires at least a passing knowledge of a wide range of topics, including statistics, experimental design, quantum mechanical theory, the sociology and philosophy of science, history of parapsychology, and the scientific literature on parapsychology.”
“By the same standards used to establish proof in other areas of science, we can say with high confidence that psi does exist, and we are beginning to learn a little about it, and why people develop this gift,” (PA).
Here at SPC USA, it is our Mission Charter to help each and every person achieve his/her maximum capabilities, psi-related or otherwise.
