Science Vs
Ghosts: The Science of Spooky Encounters
Oct 24, 2024
Join Dr. Katie Mack, a theoretical astrophysicist, Dr. Baland Jalal, a Harvard neuroscientist, and Prof. Chris French, an expert in the psychology of paranormal beliefs, as they dive into the chilling world of ghosts. They explore fascinating concepts like the connection between sleep paralysis and spectral sightings, and whether electromagnetic fields can reveal ghostly presences. With humor and science, they investigate a haunted house, debating the possibility of ghosts across dimensions and the psychological factors influencing our spooky encounters.
46:38
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights that a significant portion of Americans believe in ghosts, driven by personal experiences and cultural fascination with the paranormal.
- Scientific theories, including the role of psychological phenomena like sleep paralysis, provide alternative explanations for ghost sightings and encounters.
Deep dives
The Prevalence of Belief in Ghosts
A significant number of Americans believe in ghosts, with roughly 40% expressing this belief as well as one in five claiming to have had a ghostly encounter. The increase in such beliefs since the 1990s underscores the cultural fascination with the paranormal, particularly during times like spooky seasons. The podcast explores the phenomenon through personal anecdotes and historical context, highlighting how encounters with ghosts evoke strong emotions and memories. This widespread belief suggests a collective human curiosity about life after death and the unknown.
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