Is parapsychology recognised as an actual science?

Question

Or is it a 'fringe' science?

Answer 1

Not really anymore.

During the 1960's it was taken quite seriously, even Universities like Princeton and Dukes in the US had parapsychology departments, but scientific interest has waned since then. Experimental results were found not to be reproducible, essential in modern science, and many of the anomalies and supposedly paranormal events were found to have normal causes as the rigour and quality of testing improved.

While still studied in some places, like Edinburgh and Northampton Universities in the UK, these investigations are funded by private institutions and are definitely considered to be 'fringe' rather than mainstream science. Although not to those involved, of course.

Answer 2

no, it is a pseudoscience at most

Answer 3

Yes, it is a science and is recognized as such by the largest scientific organization in the world, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (link below). The Parapsychological Association has been an affiliate since 1969.

Once again skeptics attempt (poorly) to misinform people.

The Parapsychological Association and the American Alpine Association are affiliates because both meet the criteria for AAAS affiliation including:

"Its program and record of activities demonstrate interest in or substantial support of research, publications, or teaching in science or the advancement of science."

(link to full criteria below)

Skeptics have a hard time answering (as usual) exactly which science the PA is demonstrating interest in, provides substantial support for the research of, publishes and teaches if it is not the science of parapsychology.

Yes, in the world of the science dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge parapsychology is a science.

Psi

Answer 4

I would agree with Webster and call it a field of study. The etymology is the International Scientific Vocabulary, which does indicate it could be a science.

I suppose it's all in how you approach it. If I were to put on a costume and start guessing the future for people it wouldn't be very scientific. If I tried new and logical ways of testing and investigating reported phenomena and kept accurate records, that would be much more scientific.

Answer 5

Well if you wanted to be a Biologist,Chemist or Ichthyologist.There are hundreds,no thousands of colleges you could study at.Parapsychology is a little harder to find. Why not look for yourself?Most of it is pseudo-science.You don't need psychic powers to figure that out.

Answer 6

I would say that most would recognize parapsychology as a pseudoscience or fringe science.  If you are a parapsychologist, you might recognize it as a science.  

As for my opinion, I think it cannot be considered an Empirical or physical science.  A central concept in science and the scientific method is that all evidence must be empirical, or empirically based, that is, dependent on evidence or consequences that are observable by the 5 physical senses.  

In the case of parapsychology, the phenomena it studies cannot be observed by the 5 physical senses.  Rather, it studies supernatural abilities that use the "non-physical" senses and supernatural abilities such as telepathy and telekinesis.

Any study that claims to be a science that studies phenomena not able to be physically sensed will be labeled by the majority as a pseudoscience or fringe science.

Anyone who claims parapsychology is a science has "supernatural" abilities  and/or has developed their non-physical senses.  Otherwise, it would require faith to believe it is a science.  

Perhaps in the future, science will be categorized under physical and non-physical sciences.  Those who have no non-physical abilities or senses could choose to ignore non-physical science.  

Consider this, did it take faith for Hellen Keller(blind and deaf) to believe in something she could not see or hear, yet others with those senses communicated to her it was true?

Answer 7

It's not science at all. Not even close. It's mostly a mixture of physics, psychology and lies.

Answer 8

No.  It's pseudoscience.

Answer 9

Yahoo Answers thinks so! :)

Answer 10

think it is & I want a degree in it

Answer 11

Depends on who you ask. Look at all the universities in the US and not a single one offers a major in parapsychology. That speaks volumes.

On the other hand, it is often argued by True Believers that parapsychology is recognized as a science since the Parapsychological Association (PA)  is an elected affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). That seems impressive, but then, the American Alpine Club is an AAAS affiliate as well. Both the PA and the Alpine Club sponsor research, but if rock climbing isn't a recognized area of science, then AAAS affiliation is no reason to say that parapsychology is one either.

I would classify parapsychology as still being lost in the wastelands of pseudoscience.

Answer 12

Definitely fringe science.

Answer 13

Yes. I recognize it as an actual science.

Answer 14

I would consider it a 'pseudoscience'

Answer 15

Knowledge is being aware that a tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom stops you putting it in a fruit salad.

I think you will find your answer in “wisdom”

This is a very good question.