JOURNAL ARTICLE

A faith in science: Gardner Murphy and parapsychology.

  • Published In: History of the Human Sciences, 2025, v. 38, n. 1. P. 78 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Cypert, Rick; Petro, Marilyn S. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on Gardner Murphy, a prominent 20th-century American psychologist known for his biosocial theory of personality and his persistent, scientifically grounded interest in psychical research and the survivalist hypothesis—the idea that consciousness might survive bodily death. Influenced by his religious upbringing in an Episcopalian family and the Transcendentalist philosophy of Concord, Massachusetts, Murphy sought to bridge conventional psychology and parapsychology by applying rigorous empirical methods to study paranormal phenomena, despite skepticism from many in the scientific community. His work emphasized the integration of biological, social, and psychological factors in understanding human behavior and paranormal experiences, advocating for open, multidisciplinary inquiry while maintaining scientific rigor. Murphy's legacy reflects a nuanced attempt to reconcile scientific monism with spiritual questions, encouraging ongoing exploration of "unfinished business" in the study of consciousness and survival beyond death.

Additional Information

  • Source:History of the Human Sciences. 2025/02, Vol. 38, Issue 1, p78
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Psychology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0952-6951
  • DOI:10.1177/09526951241280534
  • Accession Number:182437127
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