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2018, Vol. 82, No. 2, 148-197

Editor-in-Chief Etzel Cardeña, Ph.D.
© Rhine Research Center

Citation

Stanford, R. (2018). Pondering a Journey to the Far Reaches of Mind: An Essay Review of Transcendent Mind. Journal of Parapsychology, 82, 148-197. http://doi.org/10.30891/jopar.2018.02.06

Pondering a Journey to the Far Reaches of Mind:
An Essay Review of Transcendent Mind

Rex Stanford
Professor Emeritus, St. John’s University

Abstract: This review reflects at length on a landmark publication by the American Psychological Association, a volume whose argumentation, bolstered by reviews of empirical evidence from parapsychology and other disciplines, brings into question the view, presumably unquestioned among many psychologists, that mental functioning, including consciousness, is solely a consequence of interactions of the physical world, what the book’s authors term “materialism.” Placing their very divergent thinking in the public debate arena, these authors boldly espouse the metaphysically idealistic view that the world is essentially mental or consciousness-based. Their discussion—perhaps truly alien to many psychologists—seems to this reviewer generally careful, clearly articulated, and deeply reflective. Enhancing the volume’s high educational value, the authors usually note alternative interpretations of observations. The reviewer felt obliged to note, though, specific instances in which this generally laudable scholarship upon occasion lapsed, such as inaccurate rendering of others’ work, empirically unjustified claims, and failure to identify certain researchers whose work was discussed. It may be hoped that this conceptually engaging, rewardingly provocative volume might help awaken psychologists and other interested parties to there being reasonable grounds to start raising questions about the seemingly unquestionable.

Keywords: materialism; idealism; consciousness; time; meta-analysis

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