Abstract

Discusses I. W. Mabbett's (see record 1984-05507-001) consideration of the definition of the concept paranormal and its place in debates on the scientific status of parapsychology. It is suggested that Mabbett's argument about the inconsistency of the definition is circular. It is also argued that Mabbett's contention that a phenomenon explicable by science cannot be a genuine paranormal phenomenon is basically a metaphysical or religious argument, not a scientific one. A scientific approach to the subject matters of parapsychology is advocated.