Spiritualism and the New Psychology: An Explanation of Spiritualist Phenomena and Beliefs in Terms of Modern Knowledge

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the explanation of spiritualist phenomena and beliefs through the lens of modern psychological principles, suggesting that many so-called supernatural occurrences can be better understood using contemporary scientific knowledge. The author aims to debunk the mystical interpretations of spiritualist practices while providing insight into the underlying psychological mechanisms. The opening of the book begins with Culpin's preface, where he lays out his objective of demystifying spiritualist phenomena, highlighting the prevalent credulity surrounding them. He discusses the honesty and apparent simplicity of mediums, whom he asserts can engage in elaborate trickery despite their genuine beliefs in their abilities. Culpin introduces key psychological theories, referencing the works of Freud and Janet, emphasizing how concepts such as the unconscious mind and dissociation play crucial roles in understanding these phenomena. Overall, the initial chapters set a tone of skepticism, aiming to equip readers with a scientific framework to critically analyze spiritualist claims based on modern psychology.