The Validity of Psychic Powers
Radio Q&A: 8 July 2012, Question 1
I answered a question on the validity of psychic powers on 8 July 2012. You can listen to or download the podcast of just this question below – or check out the whole episode of Philosophy in Action Radio.
Are psychic powers bunk? A friend convinced me to join him in visiting a psychic for a tarot card reading. Although I am opposed to mysticism, I didn't mind going and thought it would be funny. I was surprised to find this psychic knew things about me that (while vague) were very accurate descriptors, and could not have been known from my appearance (nor prior knowledge since it was an impromptu visit). It seems highly unlikely they could have guessed (and have guessed so accurately) correct character traits, issues and feelings. Is this evidence in favor of psychic powers? Or have I been misled?
My Answer, In Brief: Psychic powers are bunk, and psychics use a variety of well-known techniques to fool their clients.
Tags: Epistemology, Paranormal, Proof, Psychology, Rationality
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- Duration: 18:06
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Relevant Links
- Skeptic: Learn to Be a Psychic in Ten Easy Lessons
- On the PT Barnum Effect or Forer Effect: Wikipedia Skeptic's Dictionary
- On Cold Reading: Wikipedia Skeptic's Dictionary
- South Park: The Other Side
- Manager Tools Podcasts on DiSC: Improve Your Feedback With DiSC, The "D" in DiSC, The "I" in DiSC, The "S" in DiSC, The "C" in DiSC, Simple Behavioral Communication Clues
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About Philosophy in Action
I'm Dr. Diana Brickell. I'm a philosopher specializing in the application of rational principles to the challenges of real life. I received my Ph.D in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2009. My book, Responsibility & Luck: A Defense of Praise and Blame, is available for purchase in paperback and Kindle. The book defends the justice of moral praise and blame of persons using an Aristotelian theory of moral responsibility, thereby refuting Thomas Nagel's "problem of moral luck."
My radio show, Philosophy in Action Radio, broadcasts live over the internet on most Sunday mornings and some Thursday evenings. On Sunday mornings, I answer questions applying rational principles to the challenges of real life in a live hour-long show. Greg Perkins of Objectivist Answers co-hosts the show. On Thursday evenings, I interview an expert guest or discuss a topic of interest.
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