AIPR Advanced Certificate in Parapsychology—Unit Outline

Psi and Mainstream Science: Evidence and Explanation [para-ac06]

Scope

• the debate over the laboratory evidence for psi phenomena

• the anomalous status of the phenomena held by mainstream science in contrast to the body of evidence that has accumulated over the last century

•  addressing the problems raised by anomalous phenomena in mainstream science

•  relevant issues in contemporary philosophy of science

Essay Topic

Will the evidence for psi ever be accepted by mainstream science?

NOTE: Essay must be no longer than 3000 words and formatted in APA-style[1]

  For a guideline in how to write essays, see:

  Writing Psychology Essays: A Student Guide   

Required Reading

Alcock, J. E. (2003). Give the null hypothesis a chance: Reasons to remain doubtful about the existence of psi [Electronic version]. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 10(6-7), 29-50.

Beloff, J. (1990). Could there be a physical explanation for psi? [Electronic version]. In John Beloff, The relentless question: Reflections on the paranormal (pp. 123-132). Jefferson, NC: McFarland. 

Jenkins, H. (2006). Beyond beliefs. In D. Hurst (Ed.), Consequentiality volume II: Mythology, theology, ontology, (pp. 339-357). Tallahassee, FL: Expanding Higher Consciousness, Inc.

Khlentzos, D., & Forrest, P. (2004). Philosophy and the paranormal. University of New England Web site. Retrieved June 23, 2006, from: www.une.edu.au/arts/Philosop/pnormal.html.

Optional Reading

Radin, D. (2003). Thinking about telepathy [Electronic version]. Think: Philosophy for Everyone, 3.

Parker, A. (2003). A compendium of the evidence for psi [Electronic version]. European Journal of Parapsychology, 18, 33-51.

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