The Rhine-Jung letters: Distinguishing parapsychological from synchronistic events

Author(s): RhineFeather, S., Hall, J.

Journal/Book: J Parapsychol. 1998; 62: PO Box 6847, College Station, Durham, NC 27708. Parapsychology Press. 3-25.

Abstract: Along with the previously published works and correspondence of J. B. Rhine and C. G. Jung, we use letters recently discovered in the Rhine archives from these two pioneers to discuss their relationship. Employing Jung's definition of synchronicity as an acausal connection of meaning between inner psychological states and outer events, we argue that, contrary to Jung's view, parapsychological phenomena are distinct from synchronicity. We base our argument for this distinction on a careful consideration of the roles of causality and meaning in both parapsychological phenomena and synchronicity. We show that the distinction is true to Jung's original formulation of synchronicity, and affords a better understanding of both classes of experience. This distinction also helps illuminate the different understandings of these phenomena held by Rhine and Jung.

Note: Article Mansfield V, Colgate Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, Hamilton,NY 13346 USA

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