Occult sciences and paranormal phenomena, what is behind it?

The occult sciences and paranormal phenomena are topics that arouse the curiosity and interest of many people, but also the skepticism and rejection of others. 

What is behind these mysteries that defy logic and reason? Is there any scientific or rational explanation for them? Or is it mere belief, superstition or fraud?

Occult sciences and paranormal phenomena, what is behind it?

Occult science is a term that encompasses various disciplines that seek to access secret or esoteric knowledge, beyond what conventional science can explain or demonstrate. Some of these disciplines are astrology, alchemy, magic, numerology, cabal, tarot, palmistry, etc. These practices are based on the idea that there is a hidden or transcendent reality that can be known through symbols, rituals, correspondences or intuitions.

Paranormal phenomena are those that are supposed to violate natural laws or the normal expectations of human experience. Some examples are apparitions, psychophonies, telepathies, premonitions, levitations, poltergeists, etc. These phenomena are attributed to supernatural or paranormal causes, such as spirits, entities, energies, or psychic powers.

Both topics have been the object of study and research by various branches of knowledge, such as philosophy, religion, psychology, parapsychology, sociology or anthropology. However, there is no consensus or conclusive evidence about its veracity or its nature. Some argue that these are real phenomena that are beyond current knowledge and that require an extension of the scientific method. Others maintain that they are illusions, hallucinations, suggestions or deceptions that can be explained by psychological, social or cultural factors.

The truth is that the occult sciences and paranormal phenomena continue to be an enigma for humanity and a source of fascination and controversy. Perhaps we can never know for sure what is behind them, but what we can do is maintain a critical and reflective attitude towards them, without falling into dogmatism or fanaticism.

What science says

The occult sciences and paranormal phenomena are topics that arouse the interest and curiosity of many people, but what does science say about it? Is there any evidence or rational explanation for these events that seem to defy the laws of nature?

Science, as a body of knowledge based on the scientific method, observation and experimentation, does not accept the existence of the occult sciences or paranormal phenomena, since they cannot be verified or reproduced under controlled conditions. In addition, science considers that the occult sciences, such as magic, alchemy or astrology, are pseudoscientific practices that have no theoretical or empirical foundation, and that are based on beliefs, superstitions or fraud.

However, this does not mean that science cannot study or explain some of the phenomena that are attributed to the paranormal realm, such as the alleged appearances of ghosts, voices from the afterlife or near-death experiences. 

In many cases, these phenomena have a natural or psychological cause that can be analyzed from different scientific disciplines, such as physics, neurology or psychology. For example, some of the possible scientific explanations for these phenomena are:

- Auditory or visual hallucinations, which can be caused by stress, fatigue, drug use or some mental illnesses.

- Optical or acoustic effects, which can generate illusions or distortions in the perception of reality due to environmental conditions, lighting or sound.

- Cognitive or emotional biases, which can influence the interpretation of events or the memory of witnesses, causing them to see or remember what they want to see or remember.

- Fraud or deception, which can be carried out by people who take advantage of the credulity or pain of others to obtain economic or social benefits.

In conclusion, science does not recognize or validate the occult or paranormal phenomena as real or true, but seeks to explain them from a rational and objective perspective. However, this does not imply that people cannot believe or feel interested in these issues, as long as they do so with respect and without falling into fanaticism or dogmatism.

Randi uncovering fraud

The occult and the paranormal are topics that attract many people because of their mystery and their promise to reveal hidden secrets of the universe. However, they are also fields full of fraud and deceit, which take advantage of people's credulity and ignorance. 

One of the most famous debunkers of these scams was James Randi, an illusionist and skeptic who dedicated his life to exposing bogus psychics, quacks, mediums, and other quacks. Randi demonstrated through rigorous scientific testing and experiments that many of these alleged paranormal phenomena were nothing more than tricks, manipulations, and lies. 

Randi also created a foundation that offered one million dollars to anyone who could demonstrate some paranormal power under controlled conditions. Until his death in 2020, no one could claim the award.