Past Events
February 7, 2011
WILLIAM JAMES (1842-1910) was the greatest American thinker of his generation, whose contributions spanned philosophy, religion, psychology and psychical research. His approach of radical empiricism meant that the boundaries of his thought were far wider than many of his contemporaries and he was an early critic of what he called ‘medical materialism.’ He regarded psychical research as a valid branch of psychology and his Ingersoll Lectures on Immortality pose questions as yet unresolved over a…
November 27, 2010
The apparent dependence of a lucid mind on the existence of a normal brain presents a severe obstacle to the possibility of minds continuing to operate despite the cessation of brain functions. We see thoughts and personalities disintegrating when the supporting brain is afflicted with diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and faculties may be wiped out by brain injuries. But just as in other aspects of psychical research we see events and effects that contradict a materialist interpretation so also…
October 7, 2010
David Rousseau is a specialist in Systems Practice and an advocate of the value of systems approaches in the study of exceptional experiences. He is the Hon. Treasurer of the SPR and Projects Director of C-FAR.org. He will show how different philosophical presuppositions lead to different ways of interpreting evidence about the nature of minds and consciousness. He will outline which presuppositions have to be changed in order for mind–body dualism and a theory of survival to be scientifically…
September 10, 2010
As usual, the conference features a wide range of fascinating topics from field research to experimentation, from psychology to philosophy. Speakers include David Luke, Richard Broughton, Michael Potts, Chris French and Chris Roe. Click through for the programme details, location information and booking form.
July 13, 2010
Richard Milton lectured to the Society in October 1994, with the title, Forbidden Science: A Review of Scientific Heresies from the Paranormal to Cold Fusion. It was noted that he was the author of two controversial books on scientific problems. Today he will bring us up to date with some subsequent developments.
June 17, 2010
Myers Memorial Lecture by Prof Erlendur Haraldsson. Professor Haraldsson is a distinguished researcher and academic writer. Having worked with Professor Ian Stevenson, he has published several books and research papers in the area of reincarnation and, with continuing support from the SPR, is actively collecting reports of cases of this type involving children in the Lebanon.
May 6, 2010
Paul Devereux gives the Gwen Tate Memorial Lecture, describing direct encounters of anthropologists with various types of psi phenomena in cultures other than our own, including instances of apparent post-mortem survival. He will emphasise the need for fresh thinking, based on recent advances in neuroscientific research, about that hypothesised otherworld beyond the grave.
April 17, 2010
A whole day of talks from a range of speakers who are involved in this field, with group discussion.
To be held at St Philips Church, Earls Court Road, London, W8 6QH
To be held at St Philips Church, Earls Court Road, London, W8 6QH
April 6, 2010
Speaker: Marilyn Mandala Schlitz. A special lecture event in collaboration with the Scientific and Medical Network. Dr Schlitz is a clinical research scientist,medical anthropologist, writer, and thought leader. Her work over the past three decades explores the interface of consciousness, science, and healing. She is the President and CEO for the Institute of Noetic Sciences and Senior Scientist at the Research Institute,California Pacific Medical Center.
March 4, 2010
Jack Hunter runs a very active blog on Investigating Discarnate Intelligence. He will be discussing anthropological approaches to the study and investigation of the paranormal and the benefits of such approaches. He is a recent graduate in anthropology from Bristol University.
February 4, 2010
Can there ever be a scientifically satisfactory explanation as to what happens to human consciousness at the point of death? Anthony Peake believes there may be. Using the latest evidence from the fields of quantum physics, neurology, consciousness studies and psychology, he proposes an original hypotheses which he calls 'Cheating The Ferryman'. A new member of the SPR, Anthony Peake is a member of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, SMN and IANDS. With books published on this topic, he…
December 3, 2009
As long as there have been battles there have been reports of ghostly activity after - and even during - the action. This lively talk considers some of these ghost stories from thoughout history and all over the world - from ghostly Roman soldiers to the famed Angels of Mons, and asks if there are such things in heaven and earth. Mr. Orme is based at Peterborough Museum and regularly presents talk on ghosts and local history.