Abstract

In this edited collection of excerpts from Kenneth J. Batcheldor's last theoretical notebooks and correspondence with P. V G. before his death, [Batcheldor] argues that the root of the "elusiveness problem" in psi research lies in the standard negative definitions of paranormality and the research strategies to which they give rise. [Batcheldor] proposes an alternative positive definition, a "radical view" of paranormality, and a radical strategy for its study, which are, and must be, at odds with normal causation-based assumptions and approaches. This new view dc-parts in critical ways from his earlier published theories. Here lie proposes that a universal creative principle creates "paranormal" phenomena, which are defined as "localized rearrangements of normal reality" in pockets of indeterminacy that occur under unusual conditions. The nature of these conditions are then described in terms of fundamental interacting factors: some taken from [Batcheldor's] past model, such as belief, artifacts, the artifact-induction of belief, and emotional and cognitive resistances to the paranormal, are revised in accordance with the new model; and others, now more fundamental, such as belief and degrees of freedom, ambiguity of causes, acclimatization to the phenomena, and the track record of the phenomena, are proposed and discussed. Batcheldor also presents his reservations with his new theory.