Pesquisa em mediunidade e relação mente-cérebro: revisão das evidências

Abstract

Background: Mediumship, an experience widespread throughout human history, can be defined as an experience in which an individual (the so-called medium) purports to be in communication with, or under the control of, a deceased personality or other non-material being. Since the 19th Century there is a substantial, but neglected tradition of scientific research about mediumship and its implications for the nature of mind. Objective: To discuss the historical and current importance of mediumship to the mind-brain problem, focusing on studies investigating the origins, the sources of mediumistic communications. Methods: This paper starts discussing what would be evidence for personal identity and its persistence beyond the brain, then empirical evidence provided by studies on mediumship are presented and analyzed, including a more detailed analysis of two very productive mediums: Mrs. Leonora Piper and Chico Xavier. Results: Old and recent well controlled studies suggest that mediums can exhibit skills and knowledge unlikely to have been acquired by ordinary means and compatible with deceased personalities. Discussion: Applying contemporary research methods to mediumistic experiences may provide a badly needed broadening and diversification of the empirical basis needed to advance our understanding of the mind-body problem.