This article is from 2021 and may be outdated. We're working on restoring a newer version.
Scientists believe in ghosts the same as the rest of the public do.
In other words, some believe and some don’t. They’re as likely to be skeptics (or believers) in the same percentages as non-scientists.
In public, they may not admit to believing in ghosts.
Some scientists pretend they’re hardcore, skeptical critics. That’s to protect their reputations and their jobs.
In private, those same scientists believe in ghosts, and are happy to share their evidence with those they trust.
Other scientists won’t accept the reality of ghosts without significantly more evidence. That’s a rational choice, and I respect it.
In general, scientists are accustomed to laboratory research. They rely on the scientific method. That’s why they separate their personal experiences from their professional opinions.
Healthy skepticism is important in our research. That’s why many paranormal investigators freely admit that we cannot prove that ghosts exist.
We know that something unusual is going on at some locations. For now, trying to prove that is enough of a challenge.
I’ve investigated with several MIT scientists, and several regional police officers, as well. It’s always been a positive experience.
They’re as interested in this topic as anyone else.
Stereotypes don’t apply to scientists.
Whether they believe or don’t believe in ghosts is a matter of personal opinion. That opinion is usually rooted in their personal experiences.
I believe that’s true of most ghost hunters. Unless they have another agenda, they’re looking for something that confirms (or debunks) ghosts, once and for all… at least for them.
That’s probably why you’re interested in ghost hunting, too.
Some scientists believe in ghosts. Others don’t.
If a scientist joins your research team, don’t assume he or she is going to be a skeptical critic. Avoid being on the defensive.
Adding a scientist to your ghost hunting team might be the very best thing you could do. He or she might bring tools and insights to your investigations. And, those tools might provide the breakthroughs we’re looking for.