Meta Issues in Edge Science

Status: In Progress

Description:

This project investigates the meta-issues surrounding Edge Science, highlighting the challenges researchers face in studying psi phenomena. A key focus is the defense of parapsychology amid skepticism from mainstream science, as well as the ethical implications of conducting psi and related research. 

We consider the importance of implementing additional safeguards for participants in Edge Science research, examining the motivations behind experimenters’ actions and the potential societal impacts of their findings. Ethical considerations surrounding Edge Science applications are also explored to promote responsible research practices.

As our understanding of psi and consciousness continues to evolve, some questions may remain unanswered for now. This project aims to foster an environment of ethical responsibility and thoughtful reflection within the Edge Science community, encouraging dialogue on these pivotal issues.

Resulting Publications/Presentations/Applications:

 Society for Scientific Exploration Member Workshop

Boccuzzi, M. (2022, April) took part in the monthly Society for Scientific Exploration member workshop. It was great to connect with colleagues. Mark used his timeslot to speak about some of the “meta-issues” we regularly face while working in Edge Science. Topics included Defending parapsychology, A moratorium on direct psi research on non-human animals, Additional protections for participants in psi-focused research studies, Understanding experimenter motivations, Ethical considerations for psi-based applications.

The Commodification of Psi 

Psychic ability can be understood as a resource rather than a commodity, much like trees in a forest. While individual trees may not possess significant market value until they are harvested for timber, the forest itself has intrinsic value as a vital ecosystem that supports biodiversity, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities. Similarly, psychic abilities, such as intuition or clairvoyance, represent innate capacities that individuals can develop over time. These abilities may not hold direct market value unless utilized in specific services, such as psychic readings or workshops. However, their true worth lies in their potential to enhance personal growth, decision-making, and emotional well-being. Just as a forest contributes to the environment beyond its timber, psychic abilities enrich individual lives and interpersonal relationships, providing support and insight. In this way, both trees and psychic abilities illustrate the distinction between intrinsic resource value and the commodification of individual elements.

Ethical Considerations for Applied Psychic and Afterlife Science

Beyond the Physical: Ethical Considerations for Applied Psychic and Afterlife Science is a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical implications of applying psychic (psi) abilities and afterlife (survival) science in a speculative future where they are part of the mainstream scientific paradigm. In this book, author and parapsychologist Mark Boccuzzi examines issues ranging from consent and privacy in psychic communication to potential political, social, and economic impacts.

Using a range of ethical frameworks and social justice perspectives, Boccuzzi provides a comprehensive examination of the ethical considerations related to integrating these phenomena into society. Readers will be challenged to consider topics such as autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence as they relate to the reality of these phenomena and their potential impact on society. This book offers a compelling look at the intersection of psi and survival and its ethical implications.

Available in print, Kindle, and audiobook.

View on Amzon here (Assosiates link)

Ethical Considerations for Applied Psi with Mark Boccuzzi: New Thinking Allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove

Psychologist Jeffrey Mishlove interviews Mark Boccuzzi on the ethical considerations surrounding psychic phenomena. This engaging discussion delves into Boccuzzi's work in applied parapsychology and his commitment to normalizing and utilizing psychic abilities for a more compassionate and sustainable world. As co-founder of the Windbridge Institute, he shares insights from his book, Beyond the Physical, which explores the implications of integrating psi experiences into society. The conversation highlights historical examples, such as early experiments in psychokinesis, and reflects on the importance of ethical frameworks in psi research. Boccuzzi emphasizes the need for transparency, informed consent, and protection for both practitioners and recipients of psychic services. Through thought-provoking scenarios, the dialogue invites a broader discussion on the potential impact of psi on future societal structures, ethics, and human consciousness.

Non-Human Animal Psi: Empirical Investigation of Canine-associated Micro-Psychokinesis
Status: Complete

This program closed in 2010

Description:
Micro-psychokinesis (PK) events include changes in the output of electronic sources of randomness and require statistical analyses to be detectable. This study examined the possible effects of the consciousness of a single canine companion animal (and/or her entangled guardians) on a distant random event generator (REG) through the use of the SyncTXT® service by Psyleron, Inc. Statistical analyses determined a weak but present relationship between the activity level of the canine participant (as coded under blinded conditions from recorded video footage) and the activity level reported in email messages sent by SyncTXT as a result of REG fluctuations.

Program Conclusions:
Given the “source of psi” problem and other ethical considerations, future psi research involving non-human participants should be avoided entirely.

Resulting Publications/Presentations:

Boccuzzi, M. & Beischel, J. (2010, April). Old dog, new trick: The effect of animal micro-psychokinesis on quantum events. Presented at Toward a Science of Consciousness 2010, Tucson, Arizona. 
[Click for the full abstract. Opens PDF in a new window.]

Boccuzzi, M. (2021). Rethinking Non-Human Animal Psi Research. Psi Hacking Blog.
https://www.psihacking.com/posts/rethinking-non-human-animal-psi-research/

Beyond Stigma: Advancing the Field of Parapsychology

Description:

The field of parapsychology has been a subject of intense debate, particularly regarding its terminology and the phenomena it studies. In 2018, Dean Radin, then president of the Parapsychological Association (PA), suggested a rebranding of the field. This was countered by Paul Smith in his 2021 article advocating for the preservation of established terms. Motivated by these discussions, Mark Boccuzzi moderated the PA's Psi Agora Table Talk, “In Defense of Parapsychology,” on March 5, 2022, to explore the merits of rebranding versus maintaining the current terminology. Boccuzzi emphasizes the importance of preserving parapsychology’s name, language, and history while addressing the stigma associated with it. He presented an action plan that includes self-reevaluation, open-access educational initiatives, and a proactive response to misinformation, positioning the PA to lead in promoting the integrity and acceptance of the field.

Resulting Publications/Presentations:

Boccuzzi, M. (March, 2022) PA’s Psi Agora Table TalkIn Defense of Parapsychology

See slides HERE

For More Information:

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