Science vs the paranormal: Paranormal pursuits play an important role in society by satisfying human needs that are not addressed by mainstream science.

The debate of science versus the paranormal has long raged in academic, scientific and social circles. Most of the scientific community has been skeptical about the authenticity and scientific basis of such scientifically inexplicable phenomenon as psychic readings, fortune telling, spoon bending and the seeing of personal auras. Scientists have dismissed these as superstition on the part of people and ways of tapping the gullibility of superstitious people on the part of those who make …

…aura, which is nothing but a sphere of the energy that the body is radiating. Thus, it could all be seen as an alternative way of thinking, albeit one which cannot be substantiated by scientific evidence. In a way, belief in the paranormal is like belief in faith healing. Those whose needs are not met by conventional medicine turn to faith healing, much as those who turn to paranormal beliefs because science leaves them cold.