This informative and illuminating volume covers the entire field of parapsychology and paranormal events, exploring it from scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives. Readers will be fascinated by the existence of evidence supporting the possible reality of the paranormal but will also consider the arguments of skeptics.Parapsychology encompasses a wide range of phenomena and paranormal abilities, from psychokinesis and extrasensory perception (ESP) to near death experiences (NDE), life after death, and ghosts and haunting. While this field is viewed by some as a fringe science, parapsychology remains a popular and fascinating subject worthy of investigation and consideration. Probing the Paranormal: Exploring Modern Parapsychology investigates the full range of topics that have for centuries mystified all humans—a diverse world of experiences comprising a mysterious and unexplained field of mental, psychological, and spiritual perception. Regardless of whether readers believe events claimed to be paranormal are real or fake, they will find the information in this book enthralling, thought-provoking, and surprising. The book begins with an overview that explains what paranormal phenomena are—and what they aren't—and explores what parapsychologists claim is the underlying cause. Readers will learn about how the paranormal was seen and explained in previous eras, parapsychology's relationship with mainstream science, and the three main areas of parapsychological study—ESP, mind-matter interaction, and life after death. The chapters provide historical and cultural context to the discussions of specific phenomenon; describe famous cases, experiments, and research methods; and examine criticisms and alternate explanations offered by mainstream science. The book also considers the treatment of paranormal phenomena in popular culture and media today.• An ideal resource for students or general readers seeking in-depth information about paranormal experiences and events beyond the bounds of empirical science• Supplies an invaluable historical perspective that explores how the paranormal was conceptualized during earlier times, including religious and spiritual explanations• Explains how experimental research is conducted on paranormal phenomena and how both believers and skeptics interpret the results of these studies• Presents contributions from senior scholars and experts in the field of paranormal experiences and events
