Wings of Illusion offers a unique and disquieting perspective on paranormal belief, including religious belief. Schumaker points out that reality-defying beliefs represent one of the few truly universal elements of human culture. Even during the present period, when many traditional beliefs are being weakened, very few people live without some form of paranormal belief. The object of this study is to trace the psychological origins of the paranormal and to consider the implications of the prevalence of paranormal belief for the future development of humanity.The author's conception of the paranormal differs substantially from the way in which this term has been used by previous authors. The book is not an attempt to document the existence of forces beyond those of nature; on the contrary, it regards belief in such forces as illusory. Given the illusory character of such beliefs, the author seeks to pose and answer the question: Why are paranormal beliefs so common, what functions do they serve, and what "price" do we pay for such beliefs? In discussing this issue, Schumaker is able to cast new light upon a range of psychological issues that would appear to have nothing to do directly with notions of the paranormal, such as suggestibility and various kinds of "mental disorders." He also analyzes the implications of his interpretation for current forms of Western therapy.The broad-ranging concerns of this book, and the challenging nature of the thesis it develops, should bring it to the attention of a wide audience. Professionals in psychology, the study of religion, anthropology, and sociology will find this work of importance to them. But it should also interest everyone concerned with seeking to understand the human condition in an age of crisis.

Wings of Illusion: Origin, Nature and Future of Paranormal Belief

Politics & Social Sciences

Schumaker, John F.

Anthropology

Prometheus

The contributors to this volume were asked the following questions:The term "Humanism" is widely used, as are the terms "ethical" Humanism, "scientific" Humanism and "religious" Humanism. What is Humanism? Can you define it?If there is in your judgment no clear definition in the literature, you may wish to propose one. You may also wish to focus on the relationship of Humanism to atheism, science, its ethical position, or some other theme.Those who have contributed represent a wide spectrum of Humanist opinion in the world today. They are primarily philosophers, psychologists, social scientists, ethical and religious leaders. Among the themes they discuss are historic roots of Humanism, the general problem of definition, the relationship of Humanism to ethics and morality, Humanism and religion, Humanism and atheism and Humanism on the world scene. Most of the varieties of Humanism are represented, including naturalistic Humanism, liberal Humanism, atheistic Humanism, humanistic psychology, behaviourism, Marxism, and Zen.If there is a common thread running throughout this volume, it is the conviction that Humanism is committed to the method of reason as the chief means of solving problems and the belief that mankind can survive and humans can enjoy a significant life. This conviction and this belief, however, can be realized only if men continue to have confidence in their own natural powers and abilities and the courage to use them.

The Humanist Alternative

Religion & Spirituality

Philosophy

This is a stirring document outlining a philosophy for survival and fulfilment in our time. Signed by Andrei Sakharov, B.F. Skinner, Corliss Lamont, Betty Friedan, Sir Julian Huxley, Sidney Hook, Jacques Monod, Gunnar Myrdal, and 275 other distinguished leaders of thought and action, it has been hailed as a classic.

Humanist Manifestos I and II

History

A statement by 192 scientists, including 19 Nobel Prize winners, who call the "science" of astrology a deception based on "magic and superstition."

Objections to Astrology (Impact)

Bok, Bart J.

New Age & Spirituality

For centuries, from the earliest legends of the man on the moon, mankind has fantasized and speculated about other life in the universe. With the discovery of biochemical evolution - which showed how life could evolve out of simple compounds - those speculations took on a new dimension. Most scientists now believe that it is possible that there is other intelligent life in the universe. What are the possibilities of our making contact with ETIs in the profound vastness of space (a problem, as Isaac Asimov notes, too easily dismissed by cultists)? What will be the consequences to our images of ourselves and our world of the first proven contact with beings from another planet, since they are likely to be of superior intelligence? Could we still believe in the value of life as we live it? How would it affect mankind's religions, both Western and Eastern? Would it in fact mean, as Arthur C. Clarke has said, an end to mankind's childhood? These and other questions are explored in Extraterrestrial Intelligence - from the most practical issues, such as how the news of contact should be handled, to the most exciting and troubling questions of philosophy, religion, and science. Extraterrestrial Intelligence begins the search for a cosmic context for mankind. It leads the way in reflecting on the next stage in our gradual self-discovery.

Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Science & the Paranormal Series)

This anthology of original papers considers the ethics of allowing or inducing the death of infants who are born with such severe illness or physical debilitation that they are left with incognition, extreme pain, meaningless existence, or little expectancy for life.

Infanticide and the Value of Life

People who help us understand the world and how it works are important people. They are scientists, teachers, parents, and many others. They should also help us understand what it means to be a human being. They should help us learn that human beings can best get along with one another by cooperating to make our world a beautiful and friendly place to live.They should help people to want to be good by showing everyone that being good makes the world much nicer for all of us. Then no one would have to scare anybody into being good by inventing gods.Unfortunately, many important people treat other people, especially children, as if they had no minds. They seem to think that other people will always want to do bad things.

What about Gods? (The Skeptic's Bookshelf)

Brockman, Chris

Children's Books

Taking a critical look at some of the recent controls over human life, health, and death, Fletcher draws a vivid picture of contemporary biological needs and ethical responsibility. Genetic engineering, fetal research, abortion, suicide, human experimentation, infanticide, and euthanasia are some of the issues explored.

Humanhood

FLETCHER, JOSEPH

This volume of original articles by leading sexologists, sociologists, and psychologists deals with discoveries in human sexuality. Topics include: sexual identity and sexual roles, homosexuality, adolescent sexuality, sex and the law, prostitution, transsexual surgery, and eroticism.Contributors include: John Money, Elizabeth Canfield, Helen Colton, Lester Kirkendall, Milton Diamond, and others

The Frontiers of Sex Research (New Concepts in Sexuality)

Self-Help

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Prometheus publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Prometheus

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Prometheus publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Wings of Illusion: Origin, Nature and Future of Paranormal Belief

The Humanist Alternative

The Humanist Alternative

Humanist Manifestos I and II

Objections to Astrology (Impact)

Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Science & the Paranormal Series)

Infanticide and the Value of Life

What about Gods? (The Skeptic's Bookshelf)

Humanhood

The Frontiers of Sex Research (New Concepts in Sexuality)