A paradigm shift away from the ESP-PK dichotomy: The theory of psychopraxia

ABSTRACT: The traditional view in parapsychology is that ESP and PK are separate and distinct categories of psi. However, M. A. Thalbourne’s (1982, in press) theory of psychopraxia is put forward as an alternative interpretation of the paranormal that assumes there is no necessity for making that distinction. Central to this theory are 4 components: the self; the so-called pro attitude, or preference for a particular outcome; the set of necessary conditions which, together with the pro attitude, are sufficient for the outcome; and the outcome, or goal state itself. Psychopraxia may operate endosomatically or, as considered in the present case, exosomatically as psi. An examination of 12 major meta-analyses covering 9 paranormal domains is presented as evidence that the mean effect sizes (here taken as “norms”) cannot be differentiated by their magnitude alone in terms of ESP and PK categories. The evidence from these meta-analyses supports instead the single paranormal process postulated in the theory of psychopraxia. It is further argued that the absence of perceived complexity (a psychological state) in regard to the mechanical setup of the experiment is a necessary condition conducive to psychopraxia. Theoretical, experimental, and meta-analytic findings support the psychopractic hypothesis that th