Society for Psychical Research

British science organization

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July 13, 2026

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The Society for Psychical Research, founded in London in 1882, is a British science organization dedicated to investigating parapsychological phenomena. These phenomena are events that cannot be explained by natural law or known sensory abilities.

The field, known as parapsychology, studies two main types of events:
* Cognitive phenomena, such as clairvoyance, telepathy, and precognition, which involve acquiring knowledge through means other than the usual senses. This is often referred to as extrasensory perception (ESP).
* Physical phenomena, like the movement of objects or the influence on random events (e.g., dice rolls), which are sometimes attributed to psychokinesis.

The society's work, along with similar organizations in the U.S. and Europe, aims to scientifically explore these unexplained occurrences.

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parapsychological phenomenon
In 1882 the Society for Psychical Research was founded in London, followed six years later by the founding of a similar society in the United States, partly through the efforts of psychologist William James. Such societies were founded later in most European countries, and active work is carried…
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In 1882 the Society for Psychical Research was founded in London, followed six years later by the founding of a similar society in the United States, partly through the efforts of psychologist William James. Such societies were founded later in most European countries, and active work is carried…
Read More