Anomalous Phenomena and the Limits of Science

This paper explores aspects of the scientific method which have proven inadequate to the task of producing verifiable and consistently repeatable experimental evidence for the existence of a particular category of phenomena, anomalous or psychic phenomena. The deficiencies of the method are not necessarily due to the esoteric nature of the phenomena and events being tested. Rather, the protocols of the method contribute to its inadequacy: reliance on observation, isolation of variables, and experimental controls, in short its fundamental functional criteria are perhaps its greatest impediment. The author suggests that applying the scientific method in the examination of anomalous or psychic phenomena was ill-advised from its inception because of these inadequacies, and concludes that it is quite possible that the method will never be the appropriate tool to uncover the mechanism by which anomalous phenomena manifest and operate.

Grantor dc:publisher

Temple University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Savage, Paul Brian

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bregman, Lucy

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Blankinship, Khalid Yahya

• Philosophy of Science

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Dc Identifier Other

864885969

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/2316