(Introdução do texto)
PSYCHICAL RESEARCH and Parapsychology have always been devoted to
the study of supposedly unusual and sometimes amazing human capacities.
Since the works of Myers (1843-1901), James (1842-1910), Richet (1850-1935)
and many others, until the most recent advances in the experimental
research of psi, we investigate controversial experiences that could
apparently reveal a yet obscure facet of reality and human potential.
Despite the resistance and doubt that our field has been obliged to
challenge, since its very foundation, we have moved on and have learned
how to improve our methods and how to obtain partial scientific and
academic approval.
Nevertheless, a more critical evaluation of our history also indicates
important contradictions to be acknowledged. We cannot deny that our
main object of investigation is the human being. The experiences that
we study and that are so essential for us and for all that are interested
in the advancement of our field would not have any value, or even
would not exist, without those who reported and experienced them.
However, throughout history we have sometimes behaved as if those
people were not as relevant as their own capacities or the alleged
phenomena that they report. In fact, we have acted as if it would
be possible to separate an experience from its complex individual
and social context. This attitude has been proved to be a very limited
perspective by developments in psychology and social sciences since
the last century.
