Parapsychology:Dis-Proving Ghosts

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a look at the scientific explanations for the appearance of ghosts. The paper disputes the supernatural origins of ghosts and offers reasonable and scientific theories for the well-known phenomenon that occurs at a haunting.

From the Paper:

"One case in particular proves the power of imagination and suggestion in regards to those who are searching for proof that ghosts do exist. Arthur Machen, a journalist and author of paranormal fiction wrote a fictional account of the British Army's retreat from the occupying German forces from Mons, France in 1914. Machen reported in a "fanciful" tale that phantom archers and soldiers from a medieval battle between the English and French from many centuries before. The ghosts, according to Machen, supplied a "rear guard" that allowed the English withdrawal and even caused some casualties within the Germans.
Problem was the fiction quickly became "fact" as reports came in from the soldiers on the field about the "angels" assisting their efforts. Even when Machen decried the whole story as a work of fiction, people kept sending him reports of the Angels. Even after the war, a German officer claimed a horse "rear up" and tossed him off after being startled by the ghostly soldiers. (Didier, 2007)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bennett, Gillian. "Seeing Ghosts: Experiences of the Paranormal." Folklore 115.3 (2004): 373+. Questia. 10 Apr. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5008328119>.
• Didier, Matthew James. "Hoaxes". Ghosts and Hauntings Research Society 2007 <http://www.torontoghosts.org/hoaxes.htm>
• Frazier, Kendrick, ed. Science Confronts the Paranormal. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books, 1986.
• Krivyanski, J. Michael. "Probing the Phenomena Called Ghosts." World and I Aug. 2001: 140. Questia. 10 Apr. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002405713>.
• Lockman, Darcy. "Galvanizing Ghosts: Geomagnetic Fields May Be the Culprit." Psychology Today May-June 2002: 27. Questia. 10 Apr. 2007 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000767462>.

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