Limits of Influence: Psychokinesis and the Philosophy of Science

By Stephen E. Braude

Book Overview

The Limits of Influence is a detailed examination and defense of the evidence for largescale-psychokinesis (PK). It examines the reasons why experimental evidence has not, and perhaps cannot, convince most skeptics that PK is genuine, and it considers why traditional experimental procedures are important to reveal interesting facts about the phenomena. It then examines why PK does not pose a clear threat to the very fabric of science, as many have proposed. The major skeptical challenges to taking large-scale PK seriously and the reason why those challenges are all unsatisfactory are considered. The evidence examined most closely is the turn-of-the-century evidence for physical mediumship, with special attention given to the cases of D.D. Home and Eusapio Palladino. The author compares and evaluates the leading theories of apparitions and considers the extent to which the evidence for collective apparitions can be interpreted as a further type of psychokinetic phenomenon. Finally, the claim that PK (and psychic functioning generally) might occur in refined and extensive forms is considered. It argues that this claim is not as outlandish as many have maintained and that we might have to accept something like the 'magical' world view associated with so-called 'primitive' societies.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761806245
• ISBN13: 9780761806240
• Release Date: December 1996
• Publisher: University Press of America
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

psychokinesis

wow

Challenging, thought provoking, and persuasive

In "The Limits of Influence," Dr. Braude presents compelling examples and arguments to support not only the validity of non-experimental psi evidence, but also its potential value as the basis for development of a theoretical framework for psychokinesis. He includes fascinating accounts of mediums at work and discusses apparitions, telepathy, ESP, precognition, and other potential psi phenomena. I found the chapter on the "super psi" hypothesis amazing. Dr. Braude examines the concept in depth and suggests that psi might play a subtle and pervasive role in our everyday lives and be a reason for such things as coincidences or why some people are luckier, healthier, etc., than others. A solid 5 star reading experience

Worth reading!

The case reports are fascinating, and that it's a very convincing refutation of skepticism regarding psychokinesis.