theguardian.com
A Parapsychologist's Quest: Tony Cornell and the Search for the Supernatural
Ben Machell's biography details the life and work of Tony Cornell, a parapsychologist who dedicated decades to investigating paranormal claims for the SPR, using a rigorous "probing-doubt" approach, exposing hoaxes while remaining open to unexplained phenomena.
- What was Tony Cornell's unique contribution to the field of parapsychology, and what impact did his approach have on the study of paranormal phenomena?
- This biography of Tony Cornell, a parapsychologist, details his decades-long, unpaid work investigating paranormal claims for the Society for Psychical Research (SPR). Cornell's rigorous approach, termed "probing-doubt," involved meticulously examining evidence, separating genuine phenomena from hoaxes. His work, though largely unheralded, significantly contributed to the field's history.
- What are the long-term implications of the shift from rigorous scientific investigation to entertainment-driven approaches in the study and public perception of paranormal phenomena?
- The book highlights the shift in public perception of the paranormal, from a focus on spirit communication to a modern fascination with entertainment and digital media. Cornell's dedication to rigorous investigation stands in stark contrast to the current trend toward sensationalism over scientific accuracy. The lack of financial incentive for careful analysis in today's media landscape is a key concern.
- How did the changing cultural and political contexts, including the Cold War and the rise of popular media, influence the direction of parapsychological research during Cornell's lifetime?
- Cornell's career reflects the evolving landscape of parapsychology, from its early spiritualist roots to the rise of secular approaches influenced by figures like JB Rhine. His investigations encompassed a wide range of alleged paranormal events, highlighting the tensions between scientific skepticism and public fascination with the supernatural. His experience in postwar India significantly shaped his career path.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is structured to present Tony Cornell as a rational, meticulous investigator in a field often dominated by credulity and sensationalism. This framing is established early on through the description of Cornell's work and his approach to investigating paranormal claims. The headline (if there were one) and opening paragraphs likely contribute to this portrayal, emphasizing Cornell's skepticism and rigorous methodology. This framing, while respectful, could unintentionally downplay other aspects of the history of parapsychology or the complexity of paranormal research.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, although descriptive words like "entrancing biography," "elegantly thrilling yarn," and "mind-boggling experience" reveal a positive bias toward Cornell and his work. These terms are not inherently biased, but using more neutral language (e.g., "comprehensive biography," "detailed account," "unusual experience") might enhance the article's objectivity. The repeated use of "rational" to describe Cornell could also be interpreted as subtly biased, as it might imply that other approaches to paranormal research are irrational.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Tony Cornell and his work within the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), potentially omitting other significant figures or perspectives within parapsychology or paranormal investigation. While acknowledging the practical constraints of scope, the lack of diverse viewpoints could limit the reader's understanding of the broader field. For example, the article mentions JB Rhine's work briefly, but a more in-depth comparison between Rhine's approach and Cornell's might provide a more nuanced perspective. The article's emphasis on Cornell's experience might inadvertently downplay other notable contributions or controversies in the field.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present false dichotomies, but the narrative subtly implies a contrast between genuine investigation (represented by Cornell) and entertainment-driven ghost hunting. While this is a valid observation, the article could benefit from acknowledging that some entertainment-focused investigations might still uncover valuable data or insights, even if not approached with rigorous scientific methodology.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. The text focuses primarily on male figures in the field (Cornell, Rhine, Dingwall, Doyle, etc.), which reflects the historical demographics of the field. However, the author could have included more female voices and perspectives in parapsychology to provide a more balanced representation.