The scientific basis of spiritualism

Name: The scientific basis of spiritualism
Price: 37.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Sargent, Epes
ISBN: 9783337334253

✍️ Sargent, Epes

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the 19th-century quest to prove spiritualism through the lens of scientific inquiry.

Step back to 1881 with Epes Sargent's seminal work, a compelling attempt to bridge the seemingly disparate realms of empirical science and spiritual phenomena. This volume meticulously presents arguments and observations, aiming to demonstrate that spiritualism is not mere superstition, but a verifiable aspect of reality awaiting proper scientific acknowledgment. Sargent endeavors to dismantle skepticism by proposing a framework where spiritual manifestations can be understood through rigorous, albeit unconventional, investigation. It's a fascinating historical document reflecting a pivotal moment in the exploration of the unseen.

Key themes

{'title': 'Science Meets Spirit', 'body': 'Sargent boldly argues that spiritualist phenomena, often dismissed as charlatanry or delusion, can be understood and validated through systematic observation and a broadened scientific perspective. He challenges the rigid materialism of his era, advocating for an empirical approach to the unseen, suggesting that what is currently inexplicable merely awaits a more comprehensive scientific understanding.'} {'title': 'Defense of Spiritualism', 'body': "This book serves as a robust intellectual defense of spiritualism, offering a counter-narrative to prevailing skepticism. Sargent meticulously compiles evidence and theoretical arguments to support the authenticity of spirit communication and other paranormal events. It's an earnest plea for intellectual honesty and open-minded inquiry into experiences that defy conventional explanation, positioning spiritualism as a legitimate field of study."} {'title': 'Mind-Body Connection', 'body': 'The work implicitly, and at times explicitly, delves into the profound relationship between consciousness, physical reality, and the potential for interaction with non-physical entities. Sargent explores how the human mind might serve as a conduit for spiritual forces, blurring the lines between internal experience and external manifestation. This exploration predates much modern psychological and parapsychological research.'}

🏛 Hansebooks 📅 2017 📖 378 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9783337334253

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Fun fact

Epes Sargent's 1881 treatise is a compelling historical artifact, offering a window into the intellectual battles surrounding spiritualism. Its strength lies in its earnest attempt to apply rational thought to the seemingly irrational, providing a rich primary source for understanding Victorian-era esoteric thought. While its 'scientific' methodology is undeniably dated for a modern reader, it admirably captures the spirit of an era. Those seeking contemporary scientific validation will be disappointed, but historians of spiritualism and intellectual thought will find it an indispensable document in their collection.

📝 Description: The scientific basis of spiritualism

The scientific basis of spiritualism is an unchanged, high-quality reprint of the original edition of 1881. Hansebooks is editor of the literature on different topic areas such as research and science, travel and expeditions, cooking and nutrition, medicine, ...

⭐ Reader reviews

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.4/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the history of spiritualism, the Victorian era's engagement with the paranormal, or the enduring tension between science and belief, this book offers a unique historical perspective. It's for those who appreciate intellectual arguments for the unseen.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is an exact reprint of an 1881 text. While it uses the language of science of its time, it should be read as a historical document reflecting 19th-century perspectives, not current scientific consensus.

Absolutely. Epes Sargent was a prominent advocate for spiritualism, and this work is a dedicated effort to provide a rational, 'scientific' foundation for its validity and phenomena, urging readers toward open investigation.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Science Meets Spirit

Sargent boldly argues that spiritualist phenomena, often dismissed as charlatanry or delusion, can be understood and validated through systematic observation and a broadened scientific perspective. He challenges the rigid materialism of his era, advocating for an empirical approach to the unseen, suggesting that what is currently inexplicable merely awaits a more comprehensive scientific understanding.

Defense of Spiritualism

This book serves as a robust intellectual defense of spiritualism, offering a counter-narrative to prevailing skepticism. Sargent meticulously compiles evidence and theoretical arguments to support the authenticity of spirit communication and other paranormal events. It's an earnest plea for intellectual honesty and open-minded inquiry into experiences that defy conventional explanation, positioning spiritualism as a legitimate field of study.

Mind-Body Connection

The work implicitly, and at times explicitly, delves into the profound relationship between consciousness, physical reality, and the potential for interaction with non-physical entities. Sargent explores how the human mind might serve as a conduit for spiritual forces, blurring the lines between internal experience and external manifestation. This exploration predates much modern psychological and parapsychological research.

💬 Quotes from the book

«The phenomena of spirit communication are not mere parlor tricks, but observable facts demanding scientific inquiry and a re-evaluation of natural laws.»

«To dismiss these experiences simply because they defy current scientific dogma is to halt progress itself. We must expand our intellectual horizons.»

📜 Historical context

Published at the height of the Spiritualist movement in the late 19th century, Sargent's work reflects a societal yearning to reconcile burgeoning scientific rationalism with profound spiritual experiences. It belongs to a tradition of attempts to legitimize esoteric practices through empirical observation, a hallmark of an era grappling with evolutionary theory and the limits of materialist philosophy.

📚 Glossary

Spiritualism
Esoteric
Occult

📔 Questions to reflect on

{'q': 'How has the relationship between science and spirituality evolved since 1881, and where do you see the primary points of convergence or divergence today?'}
{'q': "Reflect on a personal experience or observed phenomenon that challenged your conventional understanding of reality. How might Sargent's approach help frame such an event?"}
{'q': "In an age dominated by empirical evidence, what role do you believe personal testimony and subjective experience should play in our understanding of 'truth'?"}