Discussion post I submitted for my Atlantic University TP6100 Course – January 9, 2020.
Most of what I learned regarding parapsychology academic research occurred in the last 12 months. 2019 was quite the year for me in terms of becoming immersed in these types of topics. I began attending a psychic circle last January without much knowledge of what I was getting myself into, and it was there I was exposed to Edgar Cayce. This ultimately led me to this course of studies, membership in the A.R.E., and attending a psychic conference in VA Beach last November. I also discovered the Arthur Findlay College (AFC) in the U.K. in a casual conversation after one circle, and last September I embarked on a 1-week program focused on psychic development at AFC. Finally, the TP5020 course I enrolled in the fall – with others in this class – touched upon parapsychology as one of the 12 weekly modules.
In terms of my opinion of academic parapsychology, I was extremely impressed with the “scientific” approach underlying the discipline. Dean Radin was a presenter via video uplink as part of the A.R.E. November conference I mentioned, and his presentation blew me away. His grasp of science generally, including physics and statistics, plus the specific experiments he cited made a believer out of everyone in the room (although it was certainly a friendly crowd compared to what those in the field are used to). I’d challenge any scientist from any field to go 12-rounds with Dean!
I’ve mentioned the programs and conferences I’ve attended this past year, which certainly exposed me to the science of parapsychology. Prior to 2019, I, like most people, relied on what’s presented in the popular media and movies to understand what the paranormal is all about. And I now know after this week’s reading that most of what’s presented here is not parapsychology but actually entertainment. I’ve always been interested in this type of issue, although I have to admit the “ghost hunting” shows where they sit in a dark basement are pretty dull since nothing ever seems to happen. I loved the movie The Sixth Sense and Hereafter, starring Matt Damon (I’m surprised not more people have heard of this latter movie, it’s very powerful).
This week’s reading assignment was very helpful for me to fully understand what parapsychology includes and as nearly every source clearly mentions, what it doesn’t include. It’s an interesting parallel between Transpersonal Psychology, which is the Rodney Dangerfield of psychology, and parapsychology, which seems to have a similar struggle with trying to get respect from “formal science.” It was very useful to see exactly what parapsychology covers: ESP, PK, and Survival of Bodily Death. I also found it interesting that it includes the study of reincarnation, particularly given the field’s efforts to distance itself from other topics like UFOs. I’m glad they do and understand why since part of the science is to do field research.
I’m a history buff, so I certainly appreciate understanding the roots of parapsychology. As they say in Washington, policy is personnel, and the same can be said for any field. Knowing the players who helped establish parapsychology, their personalities, goals, struggles, and even their pitfalls and scandals help put things into perspective and provides valuable information as to where it’s headed. I’ve always considered myself a bit of a rebel and someone who loves to challenge the establishment – one of my past life regressions showed I was part of Robin Hood’s band of merry men – so I’m glad to be along for the ride in discovering such a fascinating field!