Peeranormal’s inaugural Halloween episode focuses on academic research into vampires and ghosts with special guest Dr. Judd Burton from burtonbeyond.com. Our hosts take a look at vampirism as centuries-old myth and modern phenomenon. Where did the vampire legend come from? What were the historical circumstances since the late 18th century that contributed to belief in the fateful undead, hungry for blood? What about ghosts? Is there any empirical evidence that would suggest people can experience a supernatural presence in places said to be haunted? How would scientists try to make that case?
Readings:
Michael Bell, “Vampires and Death in New England, 1784 to 1892,” Anthropology and Humanism 31:2 (2006): 124–140
Jaffe and Cataldo, “Clinical Vampirism: Blending Myth and Reality,” Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatric and the Law 22:4 (1994): 533-544
Moreno Tiziani, “Vampires and Vampirism: Pathological Roots of a Myth,” Antrocom 5:2 (2009): 133-137
Michaeleen Maher, “Quantitative Investigation of the General Wayne Inn,” Journal of Parapsychology 64 (2000): 365-390
Wiseman, Watt, Stevens, Greening, O’Keefe, “An Investigation into Alleged Hauntings,” British Journal of Psychology 94 (May 2003): 195-211