The Psychology of the Psychic [Paperback]

David F. Marks (Author), Richard Kammann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2000

"The X Files", "The Haunting", "The Sixth Sense", and "The Blair Witch Project" clearly show that the public has a tremendous fascination with the paranormal and the occult, and the media is all too eager to cater to people's wildest fantasies and fears. At a time when there is growing acceptance of pseudoscience and claims of psychic phenomena, this penetrating analysis of so-called psychic abilities is a long overdue and thorough refutation of the whole PSI craze. In regard to ESP, the Ganzfeld research, and the extraordinary claims of 'mentalists', psychologist David Marks uncovers a long trail of deception, conjuring tricks, and scientific bungling. He also goes to great pains to examine the claims of serious parapsychologists such as Russell Targ, Harold Puthoff, Edwin C. May, the late Charles Honorton, Rupert Sheldrake, Jessica Utts, and Nobel Prize winner Brian D. Josephson. Not only does he provide an interesting account of what these leading figures think they have discovered, but he also offers lucid explanations of why they are mistaken. Included along with these fascinating investigations is a discussion of why so many people today are prone to believe in the reality of PSI phenomena. In the final chapter, titled 'The Art of Doubt', the author explores the positive role of skepticism in the progress of genuine science. For all those who value science's ability to separate sense from nonsense, this book will come as welcome relief. The devastating conclusions will shock those who believe that PSI is a proven reality. The book gives PSI the knockout blow!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is an excellent book...actually an improvement on the original...You should read this book." -- Skeptical Inquirer, Jan/Feb 2002

About the Author

David Marks, Ph.D., is aprofessor of psychology and research director, Centre for Health and Counseling, City University, London, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 2 Sub edition (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573927988
• ISBN-13: 978-1573927987
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,195,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A critical look at psychic phenomena and human nature, July 8, 2001

By 

John F. Schiff "aka JohnDopp, Doppler, Dopp" (Santa Monica, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Psychology of the Psychic (Paperback)

If you're a firm believer in psychic abilities, you may find this book's skeptical stance to be a little disheartening. Read it anyway! It's loaded with useful and fascinating information.

Psychology of the Psychic is a fair and honest look at mentalists, psychics, clairvoyants, "spoonbenders", and others who claim paranormal talents.

Of particular interest to me were the techniques that showmen and charlatans use to convince others of their abilities, and how those techniques may be inadvertently used by those who believe they have experienced psychic phenomena.

If you're a believer, this book will allow you to separate the wheat from the chaff, and identify the outright frauds.

If you're a non-believer, this book will show you why so many people have faith in the paranormal, and will give you lots of ammunition when Aunt Bertha tells you about the marvelous new psychic she's been consulting (and handing over her checkbook to).

A terrific, thorough book, with solid research presented in an easy-to-read and enjoyable manner.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A skeptic's look at the paranormal, March 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Psychology of the Psychic (Science & the Paranormal Series) (Paperback)

Kammann and Marks take a serious, scientific approach to debunking many popular misconceptions, such as myths about the full moon. Although "psychic" spoonbender Uri Geller has long been forgotten by most people, their experiments on his "powers" and their look at the Stanford Research Institute's validation of those powers is fascinating. A must-read for people who are interested in critical thinking and in knowing the truth rather than accepting what they're told without question.

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative and funny too, November 17, 2001

By 

"baudinusfr" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Psychology of the Psychic (Science & the Paranormal Series) (Paperback)

I agree with another reviewer that this book is useful even for the staunch believer in ESP. It is a very entertaining reading which is not often the case (I found Martin Gardner`s books rather boring and sometimes arrogant). The two authors are never arrogant. I particularly loved the last chapters that show how common "non-scientific" thinking is among said scientific communities. He gives some examples then concerning psychiatry and medicine. If you remember the Uri Geller craze you will enjoy the opening chapters also.