WTH is Parapshychology? Is it even a real science?

Question

WTH is Parapshychology? Is it even a real science?

Answer 1

Parapsychology is a branch of investigation which attempts to utilize scientific methodology to prove or disprove paranormal phenomenon.

In the strictest sense of the word, yes, it is science:



Science: (per american heritage dictionary)

1. a) The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.

b) Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena.

c) Such activities applied to an object of inquiry or study.

d) Methodological activity, discipline, or study: I've got packing a suitcase down to a science.

2. An activity that appears to require study and method: the science of purchasing.

3. Knowledge, especially that gained through experience.



Keep in mind that a few hundred years ago, the concept of bacteria would have been laughed at by the scientific community in preference to the concept of "humors".



The heart of science is in expanding perceptions and explanations for phenomenon, not limiting them.

Answer 2

It is trying to be:



"Parapsychology tries to distinguish itself from run-of-the-mill psychics and reports of paranormal phenomena by its emphasis on science. If parapsychology is to make any of it respectable, it is through rigorous scientific testing. This is complicated by the fact that most belief in paranormal phenomena is based upon anecdotes and personal experiences — neither critical reasoning nor science are very much involved. Introducing science has, therefore, proved difficult."



It is becoming more and more legitimate all the time -- and does NOT mean all those so-called psychics and mediums and such out there!! It is about trying to find the true, scientific basis behind all these universally observed phenomena.

Answer 3

No, it's dealing with the kind of stuff you see in "Supernatural" and "The Ring" and such - reading others' minds, moving objects by thought & all other imaginray abilities.

Answer 4

Well, chemistry wasn't always a "real" science, now was it? Chemistry started out as ALCHEMY, a bunch of guys trying to turn lead into gold.



How do you define "real" in this case?



Some parapsychologists really do try to gather scientifically verifiable data about their research. They get video and audio recordings of phenomena, test the magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations in the area, interview LOTS of people about what they've seen or heard, take photos, etc. It's really not like a voodoo priestess or anything like that coming to your house. They're really, truly trying to help out and find something previously unknown.



Which is what those alchemists were doing, huh?



You never know how it'll turn out.

Answer 5

No, it's not a real science. Sure, it wants to be - they apply all the methods of science, but as soon as they do a rigourous test, their effect disappears - because there's no such thing as the supernatural, no psychics, dowsers, ghosts, or telepaths. It turns out all the people who claim there are are either lying or delusional. And that's why parapsycology will never be taken seriously by actual scientists.

Answer 6

Yes, it is a science!

Answer 7

watch Ghostbusters :)



you guys crack me up. not a "real science", huh? you don't realise that science is very limited, do u?

Answer 8

Para means like, psychology is the study of the human psyche or mind. So it is like studying the human mind and includes ESP, tests to see if people can "see the future", or are telepathic. It is a great career if you are academically minded and totally bloody useless at doing anything useful. The only alternative really is politics.

Answer 9

CHEMISTRY didn't "Start out as alchemy!!!!" Chemistry started out from physics!!!!



Just because there are liquids and heat doesn't mean it's chemistry or ANY thing like it!



And no, parapshychology is not a real science.

Answer 10

No, parscychology is NOT real science. It is superstitious nonsense. It is simply witchcraft by another name.



Yahoo should be ashamed for including this rot under the science banner.