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Telepathy and the Subliminal Self

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About this book

"Telepathy and the Subliminal Self" by R. Osgood Mason is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book delves into recent investigations related to hypnotism, telepathy, automatism, dreams, phantasms, and other psychical phenomena. It aims to explore and clarify the burgeoning field of psychical research amidst rising public interest and skepticism surrounding these subjects. The opening of the book presents a preface that sets the stage for the exploration of psychical research, highlighting the contrasting views between skeptical scientific circles and the curious public eager to understand phenomena like telepathy and hypnotism. Mason emphasizes the importance of approaching these subjects with an open mind, advocating for systematic inquiry into the human psyche and its unexplained powers. He introduces the reader to key concepts such as thought-transference and the history of psychical research while preparing them for in-depth discussions on various psychical experiences that challenge conventional scientific understanding.
Language
English
Publisher
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Unknown
Downloads
322

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A clearer way to understand Telepathy and the Subliminal Self through themes, characters, and key ideas

This reading guide highlights what stands out in Telepathy and the Subliminal Self through 3 core themes. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.

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Get the shape of the book before you commit: what it is about, what mood it carries, and what ideas readers tend to stay with afterward.

~10h readadvancedInvestigativeChallengingAnalytical

What the book is doing

R. Osgood Mason's "Telepathy and the Subliminal Self" is a seminal late 19th-century scientific inquiry into psychical phenomena, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific skepticism and burgeoning public interest. The book systematically investigates hypnotism, telepathy, automatism, dreams, and phantasms, positing the existence and influence of a 'subliminal self' responsible for these unexplained powers. Mason advocates for an open-minded, rigorous scientific approach to understanding the deeper aspects of the human psyche, challenging the conventional scientific materialism of his era. It serves as a foundational text in the early history of psychical research and a significant contribution to the evolving understanding of consciousness.

Key Themes

The Subliminal Self and Consciousness

This is the central organizing principle of the book. Mason posits the existence of a 'subliminal self' – a deeper, often unconscious, aspect of the human mind that operates beyond the ordinary waking consciousness. He argues that this subliminal self is the source of various psychical phenomena, including telepathy, automatism, and dreams, and possesses powers not yet fully understood by conventional science. The theme explores the expansion of the definition of human consciousness beyond purely rational, sensory experience.

Scientific Inquiry vs. Skepticism

Mason grapples with the inherent tension between the rigid scientific materialism of his era and the need for open-minded investigation into phenomena that defy easy explanation. He critiques dogmatic skepticism that dismisses evidence without proper examination, advocating for a more inclusive, systematic, and empirical approach to psychical research. This theme highlights the challenges faced by pioneering scientists who venture into controversial or uncharted territories.

A line worth noting
"The time has surely come when these phenomena, no longer to be ignored, should be subjected to careful scientific inquiry."
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How does Mason's approach to psychical research compare to contemporary scientific methodologies, particularly in fields like neuroscience or parapsychology?

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