Physics and Psychics

by Victor J. Stenger

This book critically examines theories of a transcendent reality in terms of all that is currently known about matter at its most fundamental level. Victor J. Stenger gives a provocative, often amusing history of psychic research and occult beliefs, offering a convincing rebuttal to those who attempt to link physics to mystical truths. Stenger examines a number of well-known paranormal claims and shows how they can be explained without resorting to supernatural or psychic hypotheses. Discussing quantum theory and relativity, he demonstrates that these concepts actually invalidate paranormal claims and that there is no scientific basis for a universe other than one composed of observable matter.

Genres: Science

323 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Victor John Stenger was an American particle physicist, outspoken atheist and author, active in philosophy and popular religious skepticism.

He published 13 books for general audiences on physics, quantum mechanics, cosmology, philosophy, religion, atheism, and pseudoscience. He popularized the phrase "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings".

Reviews

[John Michael Strubhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor J. Stenger was a physicist who wrote many books about the conflict between modern science and claims of believers in the paranormal or supernatural. In Physics and PsychicsVictor J. StengerPhysics and Psychics, Stenger points out the many fallacies in the assumptions, methods of investigation and analysis of data committed by those who propose that the supernatural and paranormal are legitimate foundations for accepting as real such claims as clairvoyance, psychokinesis, auras, cosmically connected consciousness, survival of consciousness after death, observer dependent reality and miracles. He uses the best modern scientific models as well as reasonable criticism to refute such claims and does so convincingly provided that the reader’s criteria for accepting claims as true is evidence based. His view is materialistic and steeped in philosophical naturalism. His writing is clear, matter of fact and frequently witty. If your worldview is dominated by faith and religious dogma to the point that you’ll cling to it in spite of evidence to the contrary, you’ll find this book very offensive. If you’re open-minded enough to examine a well thought out criticism of these claims, then you’ll at the very least understand why materialists like Stenger adopt the point of view that the universe is matter, energy, space and time and nothing more. Just remember this – if you’re reading this, it is because the science that made that possible is the exact same science that Stenger uses to make his point.

[David Rubenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a quick introduction to modern physics, Stenger describes some of the foremost investigations into paranormal phenomena. Science experiments must be repeatable by more than one investigator, in order to gain validity. Stenger shows that most paranormal experiments have not been replicated, and so they are subject to severe criticism. The most interesting aspect of this book, is how the author shows that many of these paranormal phenomena, if shown to be true, are quite at odds with modern science. These phenomena contradict special relativity and quantum mechanics. The author also emphasizes the use of "Occam's Razor" by scientists, in sorting out competing theories. This approach gives preference to the theory that makes the fewest, and the simplest set of assumptions. There is no reason to resort to paranormal phenomena to explain observations, when the well-accepted "Standard Model" of modern science will do quite well.

Stenger also shows that while many paranormal enthusiasts resort to quantum mechanics to justify "faster-than-light" or even instantaneous communication or influence, this is really a misunderstanding. The Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum mechanics states that a wave function is not "real" until it has been measured. The concept denies the necessity of "faster-than-light" resolution of a wave function. Parapsychologists have often ignored or even deliberately misinterpreted the Copenhagen Interpretation, in order to justify their beliefs in supernatural phenomenal.

[Angela]

It was a good book and it helped me lot by reading it the science was a little hard to grasp but as I kept reading it got easier to understand .

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting but a bit laden with quantum mechanics circa early 1990's. for which I'm grateful since I'm way behind the physics curve these days. Consciousness, the natural, the paranatural, the supernatural...we are so disconnected from the real world as it is,...I really did like the notion of keeping the requirement of locality and not reality (belying how much philosophy remains in science) and in the notion that information and information theory are important....and the concept that sufficiently complex systems can create a sort of consciousness....how much more wiggle room do we metaphysicists need?

[Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book in a rual library in the bin. As in, rubbish bin. It's a gem. The title suggests a book perhaps promotional of pseudoscience. Expecting something like Velikovsky or Fomenko, I was pleasantly suprised by this very accessable debunking of all things 'paranormal'. As well grounded as the best old fashioned physics textbook.

Goes great with Sagan. Don't know if it's still in print.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very factual book that explains a lot of paranormal experiences as having scientific causes.

[B Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physicist Victor Stenger shows how the laws of Physics rule out psychic abilities. No, abuse of Quantum Mechanics allowed.

[Vlad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tad outdated but still a good compendium.