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Joseph Banks RhinePsychologist and parapsychologist
Date of Birth: 29.09.1895
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Joseph Banks Rhine: Founder of American Parapsychology
- Parapsychology Research
- Concepts and Methodology
- Legacy and Contributions
Joseph Banks Rhine: Founder of American Parapsychology
Early Life and EducationJoseph Banks Rhine (September 29, 1895 - September 20, 1980) was born in Juniata, Pennsylvania. After studying theology for a year and a half, he joined the Marine Corps in 1917. Following the war, Rhine obtained a degree in plant physiology from the University of Chicago and worked at West Virginia University. He later taught philosophy and psychology before moving to Duke University in 1930.
Parapsychology Research
At Duke, Rhine began researching parapsychology under the guidance of William McDougall. He investigated life after death (1928-1935), clairvoyance (1935-1940), telepathy (1945-1950), and the paranormal abilities of animals (1950 onward). His most famous experiments were conducted with Karl Zener, using cards known as "Zener cards."
Concepts and Methodology
To explain parapsychological phenomena, Rhine proposed the concept of "psi-function," which operates outside the known laws of physics. He advocated for a shift from the traditional "transmitter-channel-receiver" model to a "psycho-quantum" model. However, this idea was not fully implemented in his research.
Legacy and Contributions
Rhine founded the Journal of Parapsychology in 1937. He established two main branches of scientific parapsychology:
- Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP):The ability to receive or transmit information through unknown sensory channels.
- Psychokinesis (PK):The ability to exert direct mental influence on physical systems.
Rhine's work laid the foundation for the field of parapsychology and influenced the study of non-physical phenomena in the United States. He is widely considered, along with Leonid Vasiliev in Russia, as a pioneer of scientific parapsychology.
