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The Paranormal: Who Believes, Why They Believe, and Why It Matters — Occult Philosophy

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The Paranormal: Who Believes, Why They Believe, and Why It Matters

Name: The Paranormal: Who Believes, Why They Believe, and Why It Matters
Price: 19.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781616144913

✍️ Goode, Erich

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This insightful work by Erich Goode delves into the pervasive nature of paranormal belief, moving beyond the usual debates of verification or debunking. Instead, it meticulously explores *why* a significant portion of our modern, scientifically advanced society embraces phenomena like psychic abilities, UFOs, and communication with the deceased. Goode treats these beliefs as a compelling sociological puzzle, examining the underlying motivations, cultural influences, and personal impacts for those who hold them, offering a fresh, analytical perspective on a deeply human tendency.

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Occult Philosophy

Praise for this book

“It's easy enough to make fun of bizarre claims about the paranormal and supposed alternative realities, from UFOs and astrology to ghost hunting and pseudoprophecy. What Erich Goode has done, though, is to examine such claims seriously from the point of view of an experienced sociologist, showing how [such] deviant ideas arise and spread.”

— Philip Jenkins, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of History and Religious Studies, Pennsylvania State University

“Goode's unique and outstanding work directs an illuminating sociological beam of light on one of humanity's most fascinating riddles: the paranormal. His integrated analysis provides a straightforward and clear examination of who believes in the paranormal, and why. Such an integrated and significant approach has never been presented before. Goode offers truly fresh insights and a persuasive new perspective. . . .”

— Nachman Ben-Yehuda, professor of sociology and former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Hebrew University

🏛 Prometheus Books 📅 2011 📖 335 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781616144913

Fun Fact

Erich Goode's 'The Paranormal' offers a refreshing, non-judgmental analysis of belief systems, masterfully reframing the discussion from 'is it real?' to 'why do we believe it?'. While those seeking definitive answers on ghosts or UFOs will be disappointed, it's invaluable for anyone interested in the sociology of knowledge or human conviction. A significant contribution to understanding belief itself.

📝 Description: The Paranormal: Who Believes, Why They Believe, and Why It Matters

Ghosts, psychics, communicating with the dead, UFOs, angels, ESP, astrology: These and other astounding phenomena are accepted as valid by a substantial proportion of the public. Why do so many members of our scientifically sophisticated society believe in assertions that scientists have roundly and almost unanimously rejected? And what does expressing such beliefs mean for the lives of those who do? Unlike many books on the paranormal, which are focused on debunking or verifying such beliefs, this author is interested in explaining paranormal belief as a sociological phenomenon: Who believes, why, and with what consequences?

📑 What's inside

Preface And Acknowledgements
Part 1. Introduction
Chapter 1. Paranormal Beliefs: An Introduction
The Popularity of Paranormal Thinking
Paranormalism vis-A-vis Scientific Thinking
Are Scientists Always Right?
Sociologists as Scientists, Sociologists versus Scientists
Student Account: Crystal Jiminez
Chapter 2. Looking at Paranormalism
Approaches to Paranormal Beliefs
Why Study Paranormalism?
Etic versus Ernie, Ontology versus Epistemology
Student Account: Nicole Prisco
Student Account: Tina Contorno
Chapter 3. Scientific Thinking
Probabilities versus Absolutes
Uncommon versus Common Sense
Unifomitarianism versus the Exceptional Case
Falsifibility
Teleology
The Paranormalist Replies
Student Account: Chris Dlugozima
Student Account: Zaira Luz Serrano
Part 2. Paranormal Belief Systems
Chapter 4. Astrology and Psychic Predictions
Astrological Readings
Psychic Predictions
Was Nostradamus Psychic?
The Forer Effect
Anonymous Account: Astrology
Chapter 5. Creationism
Why Do Scientists Deny the Genesis Origin Account?
Do Scientists Believe in God?
Do Evolutionists Believe in God?
Epistemology
Creationists: A Sociological Portrait
Creationists View Evolution
Account: Kurt P. Wise: A Geologist Chooses to Believe in the Creation
Chapter 6. Parapsychology: Belief in Psi
Is Psi a Paranormal Phenomenon?
Practical Applications of Psi
Research on Psi
Parapsychology as a Deviant Science
Account; Robert A. McConnell: How I Became a Parapsychologist
Chapter 7. UFOs Are Real
A Brief Pre-Roswell History of UFOs
Scientists and the Public Look at UFOs
Are UFOs Real?
Why Alien Craft?
The Incident at Roswell
Alien Abductions
Account: Interview with Steven
Part 3. Institutional Connections
Chapter 8. Religion and Paranormalism
Religious Paranormal Beliefs
Paranormalism and Religion: Some Parallels
Correlations between Religious and Paranormal Beliefs
Student Account: Amanda Bowcock
Chapter 9. Paranormalism in the Media
Are Paranormal Beliefs Influenced by the Media?

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💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Goode delivers a compelling sociological puzzle that moves beyond binary debates of verification versus debunking. The analytical perspective is fresh and necessary for anyone studying modern belief systems. However, readers seeking practical guides on how to perform psychic readings or definitive proof of the supernatural will find little here. This book does not suit those who wish to validate their paranormal experiences through empirical evidence rather than understanding their social function. It is a cerebral exploration of motivation, not a manual for engagement with the occult.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers intrigued by the intersection of psychology, sociology, and spirituality will find this book indispensable. It is particularly valuable for those seeking to understand why rational, scientifically advanced individuals embrace the unseen without falling into debunking traps or blind acceptance. You gain a fresh, analytical perspective on human motivation, revealing how paranormal beliefs serve deep personal and cultural needs. If you are fascinated by the societal mystery behind phenomena like UFOs or psychic abilities, this text offers a compassionate, rigorous look at why these convictions matter to so many people in our modern world.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're intrigued by the human mind's capacity for belief, beyond scientific validation, this book offers a deeper, sociological understanding. Ideal for those interested in cultural studies, psychology, or the broader sociology of belief systems, it provides a fresh perspective.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Goode delivers a compelling sociological puzzle that moves beyond binary debates of verification versus debunking. The analytical perspective is fresh and necessary for anyone studying modern belief systems. However, readers seeking practical guides on how to perform psychic readings or definitive proof of the supernatural will find little here. This book does not suit those who wish to validate their paranormal experiences through empirical evidence rather than understanding their social function. It is a cerebral exploration of motivation, not a manual for engagement with the occult.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this work deliberately avoids taking a stance on the objective reality of paranormal claims. Its focus is entirely on understanding the human act of believing, not on verifying the phenomena themselves.

While rooted in sociological analysis, the author presents complex ideas in an accessible manner, making it suitable for both academic readers and any curious individual interested in the dynamics of belief.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Belief as Social Phenomenon

This book uniquely positions paranormal belief not as a question of objective truth, but as a fascinating social construct. It investigates how beliefs are formed, sustained, and spread within communities, offering an academic yet accessible framework to understand widespread acceptance of the extraordinary, free from judgment or advocacy.

Understanding Why We Believe

Goode probes the diverse psychological and social factors that drive individuals to embrace paranormal assertions. From personal experiences to cultural narratives, the text explores the myriad reasons people find comfort, meaning, or explanation in the supernatural, even when confronted with scientific skepticism.

Impacts of Paranormal Faith

Beyond simply cataloging beliefs, the author examines the tangible effects these convictions have on individuals' lives and broader society. It considers how such beliefs shape worldview, influence decision-making, foster community, or even lead to marginalization, highlighting their profound societal significance.

📜 Historical context

In a field often polarized by fervent advocates and staunch debunkers, Goode's work carves a vital middle path. It joins a tradition of academic inquiry that views belief itself as a worthy subject of study, irrespective of its object's verifiable existence. This sociological approach aligns with scholars who examine the social construction of reality, placing "The Paranormal" squarely within contemporary studies of culture, religion, and deviance.

📚 Glossary

Paranormal
Sociological Phenomenon
Debunking

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a paranormal belief you or someone you know holds. What do you think are the underlying reasons for this belief, considering the sociological factors discussed in the book?
How might the societal acceptance or rejection of a particular paranormal belief influence an individual's sense of identity or community?
Considering the book's approach, what ethical responsibilities might arise when studying or discussing others' deeply held paranormal beliefs?