Parapsychology, Philosophy, and Spirituality: A Postmodern Exploration (Suny Series in Constructive Postmodern Thought) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this book, David Ray Griffin, best known for his work on the problem of evil, turns his attention to the even more controversial topic of parapsychology. Griffin examines why scientists, philosophers, and theologians have held parapsychology in disdain and argues that neither a priori philosophical attacks nor wholesale rejection of the evidence can withstand scrutiny. After articulating a constructive postmodern philosophy that allows the parapsychological evidence to be taken seriously. Griffin examines this evidence extensively. He identifies four types of repeatable phenomena that suggest the reality of extrasensory perception and psychokinesis. Then, on the basis of a nondualistic distinction between mind and brain, which makes the idea of life after death conceivable, he examines five types of evidence for the reality of life after death: messages from mediums; apparitions; cases of the possession type; cases of the reincarnation type; and out-of-body experiences. His philosophical and empirical examinations of these phenomena suggest that they provide support for a postmodern spirituality that overcomes the thinness of modern religion without returning to supernaturalism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 339 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791433161
• ISBN-13: 978-0791433164
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #715,248 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars David Ray Giffin has shown great courage in writing this bo, March 9, 1998

By A Customer

I have read a number of books on parapsychology and regard this one as the most important I've read to date. Griffin is to be applauded for his courage and originality. I would like to dialogue with anyone (including the author) who might wish to delve deeper into the book's philosphical and political implications.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars David Ray Giffin has shown great courage in writing this bo, March 9, 1998

By A Customer

I have read a number of books on parapsychology and regard this one as the most important I've read to date. Griffin is to be applauded for his courage and originality. I would like to dialogue with anyone (including the author) who might wish to delve deeper into the book's philosphical and political implications.

3.0 out of 5 stars by David Ray Griffin, May 7, 2007

By	Kate J. Phillips - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A very well-written and interesting book. Many differentiations made between
various psychological phenomenon. In the end, however, I wish the author had made some definitive statements of his own in terms of this subject. Again, very well-written, and open-minded; hope he'll write another--with his true feelings involved.