The Paranormal

This is an insightful and engaging exploration of paranormal belief as a sociological phenomenon. Angels, ESP, psychics, ghosts, communicating with the dead, UFOs - these are just some of the astounding phenomena accepted as valid by a substantial proportion of the public. Why do so many members of our scientifically sophisticated society believe in phenomena that scientists roundly and almost unanimously reject? Unlike many books on the paranormal, which usually focus on debunking or verifying such beliefs, this volume explores paranormal beliefs as a social phenomenon - who believes, why, and what are the consequences?