Российский психологический журнал (Aug 2018)
On the scientific status of quantum psychology
Abstract
Introduction. The present paper analyses the origination of the quantum psychology concept, its main proposition and features, which correspond to the status of marginal science (parapsychology). Particular attention is paid to psychological characteristics of the individuals who study parapsychological phenomena. Theoretical Basis. In the second half of the 20th century postmodern changes have contributed to the decrease in the axiological status of science. Furthermore, Western scientific rationality has drawn near to Oriental mysticism. Discoveries in quantum mechanics have determined drastic changes in the view of the physical world. These discoveries were in contradiction with classical physics and common sense. Changes in the world view have been combined with postmodern transformations of science. The role of implicit knowledge, interpretative thinking, and the fundamental nonremovability of subjectivity in results of scientific knowledge has increased significantly. The application of the quantum corpuscular-wave laws to brain and psychic activity was a theoretical basis for the concept of quantum psychology. The direct use (instead of metaphorical application) of quantum effects in psychology is groundless from the point of view of academic physics and psychology. According to psychological characteristics quantum psychology is a parapsychological field of psychic phenomena, as it recognizes transmission of information without known sense organs, as well as mental influence on physical objects. From a philosophical point of view the quantum concept of consciousness is a kind of contemporary physiological (physical) reductionism, which was defined as “vulgar materialism” in the past. The study (a) analyses the reasons for a person to be interested in the paranormal, which results in the popularity of ideas of quantum psychology; (b) presents a classification of the psychological characteristics and motivation of the individuals interested in psychic phenomena; (c) highlights various negative consequences of a high social activity among authors of parapsychological concepts and practices. Conclusion. Quantum psychology has no scientific grounds for being considered as a “normal” science. Nowadays theoretical and methodological grounds for quantum psychology are discussed. Quantum psychology is considered as a marginal science.
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