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Science and the Problem of PSI

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2022

Kenneth L. Shewmaker  and
Carlton W. Berenda
Kenneth L. Shewmaker
Affiliation:
Oklahoma City V.A. Hospital and University of Oklahoma
Carlton W. Berenda
Affiliation:
Oklahoma City V.A. Hospital and University of Oklahoma
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Abstract

Some issues raised by parapsychological phenomena (psi) are examined in the light of their implications for a philosophy of science. It is shown that the kinds of problems psi poses for science vary with the way one conceives of science as well as one's conception of psi. It is suggested that psi may be a product of the fact that all of our scientific concepts are abstractions and therefore oversimplifications. This raises the possibility that our best conceptual technique for dealing with psi is a non-discursive symbolism, since this would not demand “classes” (oversimplification). Implications of this approach are considered.

Type
Research Article
Information
Philosophy of Science , Volume 29 , Issue 2 , April 1962 , pp. 195 - 203
Copyright
Copyright © Philosophy of Science Association 1962

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