Henley Café Sci: Weird science: An introduction to anomalistic psychology.

Café Scientifique organises talks, usually given by scientists, followed by questions from the audience in the second half. They are a great opportunity to explore the latest ideas in science and technology, you don't need to be a scientist to enjoy the evening, everyone is welcome to ask a question or make a comment. Join us for tonight's talk:

“Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors.

This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena.

Speaker: Chris French

Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London
He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020.
Up until 2024, he was Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit.
He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the Guardian and the Skeptic magazine. His most recent book is The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal (2024, MIT Press).
Patron of Humanists UK”
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HOW TO BOOK
These events can be very popular and MUST be booked in advance. To book your places(s) please email the Henley Café Sci organiser directly at cafescihenley@gmail.com. When he has confirmed your booking please RSVP here so that we know you are coming and can look out for you.

You can arrive from 7pm for a 7:30 start. Usual format is 45 min talk followed by 45 Q&A. Liquid refreshments are available at the bar and the Coffee/Tea kitchen.

Admission is free, but the organisers ask for a voluntary contribution from about £3.

𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
If coming into Henley along the Reading Road turn right at the roundabout towards Tesco, then first left and immediately left again into the hockey club car park. The entrance is near the far end.

Avoid the Tesco Car park, gates close at 9pm.