The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) is the oldest psychical research organization in the United States dedicated to the study of parapsychology. Founded in 1884, the ASPR is headquartered in New York City and is open to both members and the general public. The organization has an open membership policy, inviting anyone with an interest in psychical research to join.
The society publishes a quarterly journal titled “Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research.” The ASPR was established following William Fletcher Barrett’s visit to America, which led to the formation of the society in December 1884. Notable intellectuals such as Edward Charles Pickering, Simon Newcomb, Alexander Graham Bell, and William James were persuaded by Barrett that psychical phenomena warranted scientific investigation.
History
Founded in 1884 after William Fletcher Barrett’s influential American visit, The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) gained traction with advocates like Alexander Graham Bell and William James. The initial meetings convened at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, featuring notable members such as G. Stanley Hall and Edward Charles Pickering.
However, ASPR’s early years faced hurdles. In 1889, financial constraints led to a temporary merger with the Society for Psychical Research. After Richard Hodgson’s passing in 1905, ASPR regained independence. Under James H. Hyslop’s leadership, it centered on parapsychology from New York City.
ASPR notably investigated medium Leonora Piper and weathered internal divisions in the 1920s, culminating in a temporary split from the Boston Society for Psychical Research before reuniting in 1941.
Throughout its history, ASPR has navigated challenges, controversies, and discoveries, leaving an indelible mark on scientific exploration of the unknown. From William James’ pioneering work with Piper to its enduring commitment to investigating the unexplained, ASPR remains a steadfast institution dedicated to unraveling the enigmas of human consciousness.
Structure and Organization
The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) stands as a pivotal institution in the realm of parapsychological studies in the United States. Established in 1884, the ASPR is headquartered in New York City, making it easily accessible to both members and the broader public. The society’s primary mission revolves around the scientific exploration of parapsychology, delving into phenomena that don’t yet have a conventional scientific explanation.
The organizational structure of the ASPR is designed to foster research, discussion, and dissemination of findings in the field of psychical research. One of its main organs is the “Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research,” a quarterly publication that offers a platform for researchers to share their studies, findings, and theories. This journal plays a crucial role in maintaining the academic and scientific rigor of the society’s endeavors.
Membership in the ASPR is open, inviting anyone with a keen interest in psychical research to join. This inclusive approach ensures a diverse pool of members, ranging from seasoned researchers to curious enthusiasts. The society also maintains affiliations with other research organizations, such as the Society for Psychical Research, to promote collaboration and shared knowledge.
Furthermore, the ASPR boasts a library in New York City, serving as a repository of valuable resources on parapsychology. This library is not just for members but is open to the general public, emphasizing the society’s commitment to education and public engagement.
Functions and Operations
The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) has been at the forefront of parapsychological studies in the United States since its inception in 1884. Its functions and operations are rooted in its commitment to understanding, researching, and disseminating knowledge about psychical phenomena.
- Research and Investigation: One of the primary functions of the ASPR is to conduct scientific research into psychical phenomena. This includes studying events and experiences that currently lack a conventional scientific explanation, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and mediumship. The society employs rigorous methodologies to ensure the credibility and validity of its findings.
- Publication: The ASPR publishes the “Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research” on a quarterly basis. This journal serves as a platform for researchers and scholars to share their studies, findings, and theories with the broader academic community and the public. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the scientific integrity of the society’s work.
- Education and Public Engagement: The society is dedicated to educating the public about psychical research. It achieves this through lectures, seminars, and workshops. The ASPR’s library in New York City, open to both members and the general public, is a testament to its commitment to public education. It offers a vast collection of resources on parapsychology and related fields.
- Membership and Collaboration: The ASPR has an open membership policy, welcoming anyone interested in psychical research. This inclusivity fosters a diverse community of members, from seasoned academics to curious enthusiasts. Additionally, the society collaborates with affiliated organizations, such as the Society for Psychical Research, to promote shared knowledge and research endeavors.
- Events and Conferences: The ASPR regularly organizes events, conferences, and symposiums, bringing together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts. These events facilitate discussions, debates, and the exchange of ideas, furthering the society’s mission.
Controversy
Since its establishment in 1884, the American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) has not been without its share of controversies.
- Internal Divisions: One of the most significant controversies arose in the 1920s when the ASPR experienced a deep internal rift. A faction within the society, which was broadly pro-Spiritualism and often comprised of Spiritualists, clashed with a more conservative group. The latter was skeptical of ‘discarnate spirits’ as explanations for psychical phenomena and even questioned the existence of such phenomena. This division led to the formation of a splinter group, the Boston Society for Psychical Research, in 1925. However, by 1941, the two societies reconciled and reintegrated.
- The ‘Margery’ Case: The purported mediumship of ‘Margery’ (Mina Crandon) became a focal point of contention within the ASPR. Frederick Edwards, a prominent Spiritualist and then-President of the ASPR, supported Margery’s mediumistic claims. This support led to significant disagreements, with the ‘conservative’ faction of the society, including researchers like Walter Franklin Prince, asserting that the society was becoming less academic and more credulous. The controversy surrounding Margery’s mediumship played a significant role in the aforementioned split of the society.
- Criticism from Prominent Figures: Over the years, the ASPR’s investigations and endorsements of certain mediums and psychic phenomena have drawn criticism from notable figures. For instance, Harry Houdini, the famous magician and escape artist, worked with the Boston Society for Psychical Research and was involved in exposing the alleged fraud of Mina Crandon.
- Skepticism from the Scientific Community: Given the nature of its research, the ASPR has often faced skepticism from the broader scientific community. Many scientists and academics have questioned the methodologies, findings, and conclusions of the society, labeling them as pseudoscientific.
Impact on Ufology
The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) has been a significant player in the realm of psychical and paranormal research since its inception in 1884. However, when it comes to the specific field of Ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and potential extraterrestrial encounters, the available information from the provided content does not explicitly detail the ASPR’s direct impact on Ufology.
The ASPR’s primary focus has been on phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, mediumship, and other psychical events. Over the years, the society has been involved in various controversies, especially concerning the validation of mediumistic claims, as seen in the case of ‘Margery’ (Mina Crandon). The society’s approach to research, characterized by rigorous investigation and a commitment to scientific methodology, has undoubtedly influenced the broader field of paranormal research.
While the provided content does not directly address the ASPR’s role in Ufology, it’s worth noting that the methodologies and standards set by organizations like the ASPR can indirectly shape how other paranormal phenomena, including UFO sightings and encounters, are approached and studied. Rigorous investigation, skepticism, and a commitment to scientific inquiry are principles that can be applied across various fields of paranormal research, including Ufology.
Conclusion
The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) has been instrumental in the field of paranormal research since 1884. While its primary focus has been on psychical phenomena, its rigorous scientific methodologies have indirectly influenced the broader realm of paranormal studies, including Ufology. However, the specific impact of the ASPR on Ufology is not explicitly detailed in the provided content.