Introducing Malaysia to Parapsychology: The Controversial Science

Parapsychology, the study of phenomena that lie beyond the current understanding of mainstream psychology, has long been a subject of both intrigue and skepticism. To explore this unconventional field, it is essential to understand its foundations, challenges, and potential implications. This keynote presentation will provide an overview of parapsychology, focusing on its historical development, key areas of study, and the scientific methodologies employed to investigate phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis and the survival of consciousness beyond biological death. The presentation will also address the controversies that surround parapsychology, particularly the debates over its scientific legitimacy and the ethical considerations of pursuing research in this area. By examining both the possibilities and the pitfalls of parapsychological research, this presentation aims to open a dialogue on how Malaysian students can approach this field with a critical yet open-minded perspective. The presentation will consider the relevance and contributions of parapsychology to contemporary psychological science and its potential to challenge and expand our understanding of human consciousness and the mind.