Society for Psychical Research
Society for Psychical Research
The Society for Psychical Research (pronunciation: /səˈsaɪəti fɔːr ˈsaɪkɪkəl rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/) is an organization dedicated to the study of events and abilities commonly described as Psychic or Paranormal.
Etymology
The term "psychical" is derived from the Greek word "psyche", meaning "soul" or "mind". "Research" comes from the Old French "recercher", meaning to seek out or search closely. The Society for Psychical Research was named as such due to its focus on investigating alleged psychic phenomena.
History
The Society for Psychical Research was founded in the United Kingdom in 1882 by a group of distinguished scholars and scientists. Its purpose was to provide a scientific investigation into alleged phenomena that could not be explained by established laws of science. Early members included philosopher Henry Sidgwick, classical scholar Frederic W.H. Myers, and scientist William Fletcher Barrett.
Related Terms
- Parapsychology: A field of study concerned with the investigation of paranormal and psychic phenomena.
- Extrasensory Perception: Perception that occurs independently of the known sensory processes.
- Telepathy: The supposed communication of thoughts or ideas by means other than the known senses.
- Psychokinesis: The supposed ability to move objects by mental effort alone.
See Also
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