Lectures on Psychical Research: Incorporating the Perrott Lectures Given in Cambridge University in 1959 and 1960 Broad, C D
Broad, C D
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Unravel the mysteries of the mind and the paranormal with a philosophical giant.
Originally presented as influential lectures at Cambridge, this 1962 volume delves into the disciplined study of phenomena beyond conventional explanation. C.D. Broad, a distinguished philosopher, meticulously scrutinizes the theoretical foundations of psychical research. He unpacks complex subjects across three distinct parts, addressing everything from the subtle art of intuition and vivid hallucinatory experiences to the profound states of trance mediumship. It’s an intellectual journey into the very edge of human understanding, questioning what we truly perceive and how.
This work sits at the intersection of mid-twentieth-century academic philosophy and the formalized study of paranormal phenomena, representing a rigorous intellectual approach to psychical research within the British tradition. It bridges the gap between metaphysical inquiry and empirical observation during a period when such topics were increasingly subjected to scholarly scrutiny.
📝 Description: Lectures on Psychical Research: Incorporating the Perrott Lectures Given in Cambridge University in 1959 and 1960 Broad, C D
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This volume is essential for the intellectually curious seeker who approaches the paranormal not with blind faith, but with a desire for rigorous philosophical grounding. Readers interested in the theoretical underpinnings of intuition, hallucinatory experiences, and mediumship will find value in Broad’s meticulous scrutiny. It offers a disciplined framework for understanding phenomena that lie beyond conventional explanation, appealing to those who wish to question the very nature of perception and human understanding. By unpacking complex subjects through the lens of a distinguished philosopher, it provides an accessible yet deep entry point into the edge of human cognition, making it perfect for students of metaphysics and serious researchers alike.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Broad’s 1962 compilation serves as a formidable gatekeeper for those seeking structure in the chaotic realm of psychical research. The text is dense with philosophical analysis, demanding patience from the reader. It is decidedly not suited for casual enthusiasts of ghost stories or those seeking quick, sensationalist paranormal advice. Skeptics may find the premise itself unappealing, while spiritualists might find the tone too detached. However, for the academic or the serious student of consciousness, it offers a rare, unbiased examination of trance and intuition, stripping away mysticism to reveal the underlying logical structures.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're a serious student of philosophy, a curious investigator of the unknown, or simply wish to approach paranormal claims with intellectual rigor rather than blind belief or skepticism, this foundational work offers invaluable insight. Prepare for a deeply analytical exploration.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Investigating the Paranormal
Broad meticulously outlines the methodology for scientifically examining phenomena traditionally deemed outside natural laws. He champions a rigorous, philosophical approach to understanding events like telepathy or clairvoyance, moving beyond mere anecdotes to structured inquiry.
Perception Beyond Senses
The text probes the nature of perception itself, particularly focusing on experiences that seem to bypass ordinary sensory input. It explores the philosophical implications of "hallucinatory quasi-perception"—moments where reality blurs, offering insight into the mind's capacity for non-standard awareness.
States of Mediumship
Broad dedicates significant attention to the profound altered states associated with trance mediumship. He dissects the theoretical underpinnings of how individuals might serve as conduits for communication, examining the psychological and potentially paranormal aspects of such profound dissociative experiences.
💬 Quotes from the book
“Our task is not merely to catalogue anomalies, but to construct a coherent theoretical framework capable of accommodating such data within a rational understanding of existence.”
“The distinction between genuine perception and vivid mental construct becomes blurred at the edges of experience, demanding a precise re-evaluation of our epistemic assumptions.”
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Psychical Research
- Hallucinatory Quasi-Perception
- Trance-Mediumship
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How might a purely scientific approach to the paranormal change your personal understanding or skepticism regarding such phenomena?
- Consider an experience where your perception seemed to deviate from objective reality. How would Broad's concepts of "quasi-perception" help you analyze it?
- If mediumship were proven to be a genuine phenomenon, what philosophical or societal implications would arise regarding consciousness and death?
📖 From the series “Routledge Revivals”
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✍️ More books by this author Broad, C D
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🏛 Books from this publisher Routledge
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