Founded in 1882, The SPR was the first society to conduct organised scholarly research into human experiences that challenge contemporary scientific models.

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6 Jun 2013 - 6:35pm

The science delusion is the belief that science already understands the nature of reality, in principle. The fundamental questions are answered, leaving only the details to be filled in. The impressive achievements of science seemed to support this confident attitude. But recent research has revealed unexpected problems at the heart of physics, cosmology, biology, medicine and psychology. In his new book, Dr Rupert Sheldrake shows how the sciences are being constricted by assumptions that have hardened into dogmas. Should science be a belief-system, or a realm of enquiry? In the sceptical spirit of true scientific enquiry, Sheldrake turns the ten fundamental dogmas of science into questions, opening up startling new possibilities. For example, the “laws of nature” may be habits that change and evolve. The Gravitational Constant may not be constant. Minds may extend far beyond brains. The total amount of matter and energy may be increasing. Memories may not be stored as traces in our brains. Sheldrake argues that science would be better off without its dogmas: freer, more interesting and more fun.

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Latest news

The Helene Reeder Memorial Fund for Research into Life after Death

The Helene Reeder Memorial Fund for Research into Life after Death has announced grant awards for 2013: "The Helene Reeder Fund is pleased to announce the availability of grants for small and medium sized scientific research projects concerning the issue of Life after Death." read more >>

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Spirituality for a World in Crisis - meeting 8 June 2013

There will be a 'Gathering' on 8th June 2013 at the Essex Unitarian Church, London, on the theme: Spirituality for a World in Crisis: Working towards a Spiritual Alliance. read more >>

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'Altered Consciousness in Relation to Popular Culture' - Call for Papers

A two-day meeting at Queen Mary, University of London, in November will explore the theme of altered consciousness in relation to popular culture, psychology, philosophy, religion, medicine and literature during the period 1918-1980. read more >>

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Recent Publications

Hauntings: Psychoanalysis and Ghostly Transmissions, by Stephen Frosh

From the publisher’s website: Hauntings: Psychoanalysis and Ghostly Transmissions shows how the present is troubled by the past and by the future, using the idea of haunting to explore psychoanalytically how identities, beliefs, intimacies and hatreds are transmitted across generations and between people. It deals with the secrets that we inherit, the 'pull' of the past, and the way emotions, thoughts and impulses enter into us from others as a kind of immaterial yet real communication. This book demonstrates how past oppressions return, demanding acknowledgement and reparation, and explores how recognition and forgiveness can arise from this. Rooted in psychoanalysis, postcolonial and psychosocial studies, Frosh addresses the question of what passes through and between human subjects and how these things structure social and psychopolitical life.

Contents:

Acknowledgements

Introduction: Psychoanalysis as a Ghostly System

Facing the Truth about Ourselves

Ghostly Psychoanalysis

The Evil Eye

Telepathy

Transmission

Forgiveness

Conclusion

References

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Hauntings. Palgrave Macmillan, January 2013. ISBN-13: 978-1137031273