Wild Beasts of the Philosophical Desert: Philosophers on Telepathy and Other Exceptional Experiences
Hans Gerding, "Wild Beasts of the Philosophical Desert: Philosophers on Telepathy and Other Exceptional Experiences"
English | ISBN: 1443854530 | 2014 | 185 pages | PDF | 1392 KB
English | ISBN: 1443854530 | 2014 | 185 pages | PDF | 1392 KB
Scientists rarely take 'paranormal experiences' seriously. Furthermore, in the recent past the concept of the 'paranormal' did not even exist in philosophy. William James, who extensively studied mediumistic phenomena, labelled them 'wild beasts of the philosophical desert'. This book demonstrates that to important philosophers - from Kant to Derrida - controversial phenomena like telepathy and clairvoyance were serious topics. The authors of this collection have studied relevant texts that have hitherto received little attention, and illustrate how each of the philosophers in question thoughtfully interpreted exceptional experiences that seem to go beyond our understanding.