Closer To Truth Chris French on the Science of Weird Shit
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Jun 4, 2025 Chris French, Emeritus Professor at Goldsmiths, dives into the fascinating realm of paranormal beliefs and their psychological underpinnings. He discusses his book, which debunks claims like ESP and alien abductions, emphasizing that these phenomena reveal much about the human mind. The conversation also navigates the complex relationship between skepticism and personal experiences, such as sleep paralysis and near-death encounters. French advocates for a nuanced understanding of these beliefs, highlighting their impact on our search for meaning beyond conventional frameworks.
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Universality of Paranormal Belief
- Paranormal beliefs exist in every society and across history, showing their psychological roots matter deeply.
- Our common brain wiring may lead us to misinterpret experiences as paranormal rather than real paranormal phenomena.
Sleep Paralysis Explains Paranormal Fear
- Sleep paralysis vividly mimics paranormal experiences involving evil presences and hallucinations.
- Understanding sleep paralysis can reassure people that these terrifying experiences are natural and not paranormal.
Learn Critical Thinking via Paranormal
- Use anomalistic psychology to learn critical thinking skills about beliefs and experiences.
- Understanding cognitive biases and reasoning errors helps evaluate paranormal claims and evidence effectively.
