PSY 429. Paranormal PSY 429. Paranormal Phenomena and ExperiencePhenomena and Experience

Andrew D. DewaldAndrew D. Dewald

What are we going to do?What are we going to do?

1.1. Social Science + Natural ScienceSocial Science + Natural Science

2.2. Religion + PhilosophyReligion + Philosophy

Importance of skepticism, scientific analysis, Importance of skepticism, scientific analysis, and valid logic when evaluating fringe and valid logic when evaluating fringe science/paranormal claims science/paranormal claims

What do I call you?What do I call you?

Dr. Dewald?Dr. Dewald?Mr. Dewald?Mr. Dewald?Professor Dewald?Professor Dewald?

ANDY!

The BooksThe Books

Penn and TellerPenn and Teller

Penn and Teller are bad men…

They say bad words….

If you are easily offended by the “F” word, and other brilliant profanities….don’t watch.

….its the law…they have to talk like jerks.

What do you have to do?What do you have to do?

1. Midterm1. Midterm 2. Final2. Final 3.Reading Responses3.Reading Responses 4. Paper4. Paper 5. SPEAK UP!5. SPEAK UP!

There is no attendance, but you must be present There is no attendance, but you must be present on the day that responses are do….somebody on the day that responses are do….somebody else may NOT hand them in.else may NOT hand them in.

Reading ResponsesReading Responses

Based on Chapters in the bookBased on Chapters in the bookYou do it…you get creditYou do it…you get creditWrite a short description of your reaction Write a short description of your reaction

to the reading, anything you have in your to the reading, anything you have in your life that relates and 1-3 questions.life that relates and 1-3 questions.

We will go over them in class and discuss.We will go over them in class and discuss.

The PaperThe Paper

1. Pick a Paranormal Topic1. Pick a Paranormal Topic 2. Explain the history and current information 2. Explain the history and current information

about it. about it. 3. Using techniques learned in class, explain 3. Using techniques learned in class, explain

why this is a paranormal belief and the tactics why this is a paranormal belief and the tactics used to convey it’s reality.used to convey it’s reality.

4. Show evidence against the proposed 4. Show evidence against the proposed phenomena based on science and empiricism. phenomena based on science and empiricism.

October 3October 3rd: Due date for proposed topic.rd: Due date for proposed topic.

ExamplesExamples Big FootBig Foot GodGod CreationismCreationism AliensAliens UFO’s UFO’s PsychicsPsychics Monsters.Monsters. Faith HealingFaith Healing LevitationLevitation GhostsGhosts Conspiracy theoriesConspiracy theories

Extra CreditExtra Credit

Experiments:Experiments:2.5 points for participation2.5 points for participationNo more than 3/ semesterNo more than 3/ semester

Local Publication coverage of paranormal Local Publication coverage of paranormal eventseventsMust be a local and current.Must be a local and current.Cut out/ print, bring in and present.Cut out/ print, bring in and present.3 points3 points (cat example)(cat example)

What we are not going to doWhat we are not going to do

This class is NOT a witch hunt.This class is NOT a witch hunt.We will not bash other beliefsWe will not bash other beliefsOne person’s “weird” thing could be One person’s “weird” thing could be

another’s cherished belief!another’s cherished belief!We will be thinking about things in an We will be thinking about things in an

empirical and skeptical manner, NOT empirical and skeptical manner, NOT ripping on, making fun of, or taunting ripping on, making fun of, or taunting others.others.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrzMhU_4m-ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrzMhU_4m-g

What are we going to do?What are we going to do?

Baruch SpinozaBaruch SpinozaDutch PhilosopherDutch Philosopher

““I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not to bewail, not to scorn human actions, but to to bewail, not to scorn human actions, but to UNDERSTAND them.”UNDERSTAND them.”

However…However… Some things are just absolutely insane….Some things are just absolutely insane….

We can have a chuckle at their expense, but be We can have a chuckle at their expense, but be sure to respect the views and feelings of your sure to respect the views and feelings of your peers in the class so as not to make enemies.peers in the class so as not to make enemies.

Discuss……don’t Argue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Discuss……don’t Argue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

About me…About me…Pennsylvania nativePennsylvania native

About meAbout me Undergrad:Undergrad: Lebanon Valley College (PA)Lebanon Valley College (PA) London Metropolitan University (UK)London Metropolitan University (UK)

My Flat!!!!!!!!

About meAbout me

Hershey Inc…..Hershey Inc…..

About me…About me…Guitars, Guns, Baseball ….Guitars, Guns, Baseball ….

Lets talk….Lets talk….

Name:Name:Year:Year:Where you from?Where you from?Why did you take this class?Why did you take this class?

What are some things you have What are some things you have heard of?heard of?

Has anybody experienced anything Has anybody experienced anything paranormal?paranormal?

Have you known anybody who has made Have you known anybody who has made these claims?these claims?

What is the general consensus in the What is the general consensus in the United States about this sort of stuff?United States about this sort of stuff?

What will we cover?What will we cover?

Ghosts Ghosts AfterlifeAfterlife ChannelingChanneling Near-death experiencesNear-death experiences PsychicsPsychics Psychology and all it’s BS!Psychology and all it’s BS! UFOs and alien abductionsUFOs and alien abductions Creationism vs. evolutionCreationism vs. evolution Religious miracles Religious miracles

How will we cover?How will we cover?

1.Reviewing the myriad of events that are 1.Reviewing the myriad of events that are considered to be paranormalconsidered to be paranormal

2. Addressing the public’s interest in paranormal 2. Addressing the public’s interest in paranormal phenomenaphenomena

3. E3. Evaluating and dispelling the myths valuating and dispelling the myths surrounding paranormal eventssurrounding paranormal events

4. Encouraging scientific rigor when examining 4. Encouraging scientific rigor when examining paranormal events paranormal events

5. Reviewing the consequences of erroneous 5. Reviewing the consequences of erroneous belief systems. belief systems.

Psychology?Psychology?

Unknown to most peopleUnknown to most people Information concerning human behavior Information concerning human behavior

and the unconsciousand the unconsciousMost who are considered to be in the field Most who are considered to be in the field

of psychology (as determined by the of psychology (as determined by the general population) are far from it.general population) are far from it.

SO WHAT?!SO WHAT?!

Psychology?Psychology?

Requires critical thinking skills!!!Requires critical thinking skills!!! More so than any other science.More so than any other science. Example: ChemistryExample: Chemistry Hydrochloric Acid and Aluminum Foil: Hydrochloric Acid and Aluminum Foil:

Predictions?Predictions?

Example: PsychologyExample: Psychology

Josh’s parents get divorced when he is 7….when Josh’s parents get divorced when he is 7….when he turns 25 he will be __________________he turns 25 he will be __________________

Skeptic?Skeptic?

What is a skeptic?What is a skeptic?Do you know of any?Do you know of any?

Skeptic?Skeptic?

Skeptic Skeptic Greek: “thoughtful or full of though”Greek: “thoughtful or full of though”

2500 years old!2500 years old!Plato and SocratesPlato and Socrates

““all I know is that I know nothing”all I know is that I know nothing”

Skeptics?Skeptics?

Modern Skepticism:Modern Skepticism:ScienceScience based movement based movementFirst “Pop” skeptic: James Randi First “Pop” skeptic: James Randi (the amazing)(the amazing)

70’s and 80’s-debunked many psychics and 70’s and 80’s-debunked many psychics and spiritualists on the Tonight Show.spiritualists on the Tonight Show.

SkepticismSkepticism

Embodies in the scientific methodEmbodies in the scientific method Skepticism is a METHOD leading to conclusionsSkepticism is a METHOD leading to conclusions A skeptic is A skeptic is “one who questions the validity of a “one who questions the validity of a

particular claim by calling for evidence to prove or particular claim by calling for evidence to prove or disprove it”disprove it”

““That’s nice…prove it”That’s nice…prove it”

SkepticismSkepticism

1.Universal Skepticism:1.Universal Skepticism:““The reality of the senses and the validity of The reality of the senses and the validity of

rational inference should be mistrusted.”rational inference should be mistrusted.”

Philosophy: this has led to Extreme Solopsism:Philosophy: this has led to Extreme Solopsism: ““The reality of the external world and even one’s The reality of the external world and even one’s

existence are doubted.”existence are doubted.”

Nothing is real?!

Universal?Universal?

Problems?Problems?

Overall, it can be seen that “Universal Overall, it can be seen that “Universal Skepticism is negative, self-defeating, Skepticism is negative, self-defeating, and contradictoryand contradictory

SkepticismSkepticism

2. Selective Skepticism2. Selective Skepticism If a finding seems scientifically valid, it is If a finding seems scientifically valid, it is

accepted, until a better theory comes accepted, until a better theory comes along to replace it.along to replace it.there are NO absolute lawsthere are NO absolute laws !!! !!!

……a bit bettera bit better I exist…for now

Science?Science?

What the heck is science?What the heck is science?

What science is NOTWhat science is NOT

1. Not defined by subject matter1. Not defined by subject matterBio, Chem, Psych, Physics…..what about selling Bio, Chem, Psych, Physics…..what about selling

cars?cars?

2. Not defined by use of particular 2. Not defined by use of particular instrumentation and tools.instrumentation and tools.

Do I have to blow stuff up?Do I have to blow stuff up?

So what is it then?So what is it then?

You tell me……You tell me……

A way of thinking!A way of thinking!

Science!Science!

Science and SkepticismScience and Skepticism ““a set of methods designed to describe and a set of methods designed to describe and

interpret observed or inferred phenomena, interpret observed or inferred phenomena, past or present, and aimed at building a past or present, and aimed at building a testable body of knowledge open to rejection testable body of knowledge open to rejection or confirmation.”or confirmation.”

What are some VERY important words here?What are some VERY important words here?

Scientific PrinciplesScientific Principles

InductionInduction Forming a hypothesis from existing dataForming a hypothesis from existing data

DeductionDeduction Making specific predictions based on hypothesisMaking specific predictions based on hypothesis

ObservationObservation Gathering data, driven by our hypothesis that tells us Gathering data, driven by our hypothesis that tells us

what to look forwhat to look for

VerificationVerification Testing the predictions against further observations to Testing the predictions against further observations to

confirm or falsify the initial hypothesis.confirm or falsify the initial hypothesis.

Scientific principlesScientific principles

Via the scientific method we can come to the Via the scientific method we can come to the following conclusions:following conclusions: 1.Hypothesis1.Hypothesis

A testable statement accounting for a set of observationsA testable statement accounting for a set of observations

2.Theory2.Theory A well-supported and well-tested hypothesis A well-supported and well-tested hypothesis

evolutionevolution

3.Fact:3.Fact: A conclusion confirmed to such an extent that it would be A conclusion confirmed to such an extent that it would be

reasonable to offer provisional agreement.reasonable to offer provisional agreement. The earth is not flatThe earth is not flat

RationalismRationalism

Basing conclusion on logic and evidenceBasing conclusion on logic and evidenceHow do we know the world is round?How do we know the world is round?

Dogmatism:Dogmatism:Basing conclusion on authority Basing conclusion on authority Parents said soParents said soI said soI said soTextbook says soTextbook says so

Scientific PrinciplesScientific Principles

How to ALWAYS think about explaining the How to ALWAYS think about explaining the universe…universe…

Systematic EmpiricismSystematic Empiricism

Production of Public KnowledgeProduction of Public Knowledge

Examination of Solvable ProblemsExamination of Solvable Problems

Systematic EmpiricismSystematic Empiricism

Empiricism?Empiricism?Relying in observation…good enough?Relying in observation…good enough?

STRUCTURE!!!!STRUCTURE!!!!

My car is scratched: Who did it?My car is scratched: Who did it?

Production of Public KnowledgeProduction of Public Knowledge

““No man is an island”No man is an island”

Must be public and repeatable.Must be public and repeatable.

Why is this necessary?Why is this necessary?Findings must be presented to the Findings must be presented to the

community in such a way that they can be community in such a way that they can be replicated, criticized or extended by replicated, criticized or extended by anyoneanyone

Cold Fusion?Cold Fusion?

What is it?What is it?

Pons and FleischmannPons and Fleischmann

Faulty measuresFaulty measuresRequired Special InstrumentsRequired Special Instruments

Empirically Solvable ProblemsEmpirically Solvable Problems

PredictPredict Control Control Explain Explain

What are some questions?What are some questions?

What are NOT some questions?What are NOT some questions?

Pinker: Mysteries to Problems?Pinker: Mysteries to Problems?Jefferson and Sally?! Mystery back then…Problem Jefferson and Sally?! Mystery back then…Problem

now!now!

Pseudoscience/ ParanormalPseudoscience/ Paranormal

Characteristics:Characteristics:1. non-falsifiable or irrefutable hypothesis.1. non-falsifiable or irrefutable hypothesis.

What does non-falsifiable mean?What does non-falsifiable mean?No evidence can show the hypothesis to be No evidence can show the hypothesis to be

wrong.wrong.

Falsifiability?Falsifiability? Scientific theories must be presented in a way so as that Scientific theories must be presented in a way so as that

they can be shown to be false.they can be shown to be false.

What “SHOULD” happen and what will “NOT” happenWhat “SHOULD” happen and what will “NOT” happen

Predictions on JoshPredictions on Josh: He SHOULD develop some sort : He SHOULD develop some sort of behavior related to the divorce of his parent, how it of behavior related to the divorce of his parent, how it manifests itself is TBD.manifests itself is TBD.

Josh will NOT develop the power to kill a deer from 40 Josh will NOT develop the power to kill a deer from 40 yards with mind bullets, on account of his parents yards with mind bullets, on account of his parents divorce.divorce.

Lets try one…Lets try one…

I, Andrew D. Dewald: am GodI, Andrew D. Dewald: am God I created all of you I created all of you I control all of youI control all of youAnd you all have no free will.And you all have no free will. I determine everythingI determine everything

Characteristic 2Characteristic 2

Unwillingness to look closely at the Unwillingness to look closely at the phenomenon they claim exists. phenomenon they claim exists. Need for hard data completely ignored. Need for hard data completely ignored.

We never landed on the moonWe never landed on the moon

What if science can’t explain?What if science can’t explain?

If science can’t fully explain the If science can’t fully explain the phenomena COMPLETELY, reasonable phenomena COMPLETELY, reasonable explanations are ignored or dismissed and explanations are ignored or dismissed and the proponent concludes that the proponent concludes that pseudoscience is supported.pseudoscience is supported.

Why is this dangerous?Why is this dangerous?

Santa?Santa?

Who has seen him?Who has seen him? NASA Apollo 8 saw himNASA Apollo 8 saw him Santa producesSanta produces Who does the burden lie on?Who does the burden lie on?

The proponent or the Skeptic?The proponent or the Skeptic? -shifting the burden to the Skeptic is NOT a -shifting the burden to the Skeptic is NOT a

legitimate means of defending unattainable legitimate means of defending unattainable hypothesis.hypothesis.

Because I’m a nerd….Because I’m a nerd….

2 Billion Children in the World 2 Billion Children in the World (Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist (Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist

children no need to apply)children no need to apply)= 378 Million Children (Assuming they are = 378 Million Children (Assuming they are

good)good)

31 Hours to work= 821.6 visits per second31 Hours to work= 821.6 visits per second1/10001/1000thth of a second/ kid of a second/ kid

650 miles per second, 3000 times the speed of 650 miles per second, 3000 times the speed of sound =14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy per sound =14.3 QUINTILLION joules of energy per SECOND SECOND

Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy Theories

Not paranormal in nature but pop up in the Not paranormal in nature but pop up in the belief systems of proponents of claims.belief systems of proponents of claims.

Who knows some?Who knows some?

Biggest Problem?Biggest Problem?HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO NOT COME HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO NOT COME

FORWARD!FORWARD!

PolywaterPolywater

1960’s: Russia1960’s: RussiaBoils way high, freezes way lowBoils way high, freezes way lowMore stable than H20More stable than H20 If allowed to contaminate actual If allowed to contaminate actual

water…BOOM!water…BOOM!

Skeptics could not make itSkeptics could not make itRussia: You’re not doing it right!Russia: You’re not doing it right!

Conclusion:Conclusion:

Extraordinary claims need extraordinary Extraordinary claims need extraordinary proof!proof!

Science is open minded: Believers are Science is open minded: Believers are NOT!NOT!

What is the Paranormal?What is the Paranormal? A subset of pseudoscienceA subset of pseudoscience ““any phenomenon that in one or more respects any phenomenon that in one or more respects

exceeds the limits of what is deemed physically exceeds the limits of what is deemed physically possible according to current scientific possible according to current scientific assumptions”assumptions”

A reliance on explanations for alleged A reliance on explanations for alleged phenomena that are WELL outside the bounds phenomena that are WELL outside the bounds of established science.of established science.

ParanormalParanormalPseudosciencePseudoscience

Pseudo vs. ParanormalPseudo vs. Paranormal

UFO’s-You tell me.UFO’s-You tell me. We have been visited by aliens who use We have been visited by aliens who use

wormhole technology to warp space to reach us.wormhole technology to warp space to reach us.

All UFO space craft is actual psychic projections All UFO space craft is actual psychic projections from the dead spirits of the Universe.from the dead spirits of the Universe.

Who cares?Who cares?

What does it matter if people believe crazy stuff?What does it matter if people believe crazy stuff?

What do you think?What do you think?

Who cares?Who cares?

Late 19Late 19thth/ Early 20/ Early 20thth century: century: People started to carePeople started to careSpiritualists were exposed by magicians.Spiritualists were exposed by magicians.

Today:Today:CSICOP (1970)CSICOP (1970)

Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. of the Paranormal.

CSICOPCSICOP

CSICOP established several CSICOP established several goals:goals: A. “to encourage the investigation of paranormal A. “to encourage the investigation of paranormal

and fringe-science claims in a and fringe-science claims in a responsible, responsible, scientific way”scientific way”

B. “to obtain and disseminate to the public B. “to obtain and disseminate to the public accurate, scientifically reliable information about accurate, scientifically reliable information about the paranormal.”the paranormal.”

Who cares?Who cares?

http://www.csicop.org/

?

Question:Question:

Is teaching skepticism harmful to curiosity Is teaching skepticism harmful to curiosity and creativity?and creativity?

What do you think?What do you think?

Why do they care?Why do they care?

I. Claims might be true!I. Claims might be true!A.HypnotismA.Hypnotism

Franz Anton Mesmer 1700’sFranz Anton Mesmer 1700’s

B. Stones from space?(17B. Stones from space?(17thth c) c)C. Acupuncture?(70’s)C. Acupuncture?(70’s)

Aliens?Aliens? (sure)(sure)

Why do they care?Why do they care?

II. II. Responsibility to inform the publicResponsibility to inform the public::America is easy:America is easy:Nisbet (1998)Nisbet (1998)

45%-Faith Healing45%-Faith Healing30%-UFO’s (like actually here now)30%-UFO’s (like actually here now)37%- Astrology (like in the paper!)37%- Astrology (like in the paper!)25%-Reincarnation (Christians)25%-Reincarnation (Christians)

Why do they care?Why do they care?

II. II. Responsibility to inform the publicResponsibility to inform the public::The public spends a lot of time and MONEY The public spends a lot of time and MONEY

on this junk.on this junk.Fraud (John Edward)Fraud (John Edward)Uncritical coverage of paranormal claims Uncritical coverage of paranormal claims

(Faith healers, prayer, Mary on toast)(Faith healers, prayer, Mary on toast)Alternative Medicine (10 BILLION/ year)Alternative Medicine (10 BILLION/ year)

Why do they care?Why do they care?

III. Dangers in belief:III. Dangers in belief:So what if I believe?So what if I believe?3 levels of why this is trouble:3 levels of why this is trouble:

1.Philosophical1.Philosophical2. Practical2. Practical3. Social3. Social

Philosophy:Philosophy:

False beliefs about how the world actually False beliefs about how the world actually works= DANGEROUS!works= DANGEROUS!

Truth=goodTruth=good

Holding an incorrect view of how the world Holding an incorrect view of how the world works is referred to as a?works is referred to as a?

PracticalPractical

New Kona CoffeeNew Kona Coffee::200% the regular caffeine! (only has 10%)200% the regular caffeine! (only has 10%)Problems?Problems?

The Amish (sorry boys):The Amish (sorry boys):Prayer over inoculationPrayer over inoculation

SocialSocialBringing it to the masses!Bringing it to the masses!

Uncritical acceptance of paranormal belief Uncritical acceptance of paranormal belief systems can be extremely damagingsystems can be extremely damaging

Examples:Examples:

Conclusion:Conclusion:

Those are extremesThose are extremes

However: If one accepts faulty evidence, However: If one accepts faulty evidence, intellectual shoddiness and fraud and intellectual shoddiness and fraud and twisted logic for little things…it be comes twisted logic for little things…it be comes EASIER to accept the same type of EASIER to accept the same type of evidence in support for REALLY bad stuff.evidence in support for REALLY bad stuff.