The Philip Experiment: Creating a Ghost by Consensus (1972)

In the early 1970s, a group of parapsychologists embarked on an experiment that would challenge their understanding of the paranormal and question the very nature of consciousness itself. Known as “The Philip Experiment,” this groundbreaking study involved a group of Canadian researchers who attempted to create a ghost by consensus. This article delves into the history and background of the experiment, key events or sightings, witness accounts, investigations, and its lasting impact.

The History and Background

In 1970, the Department of Parapsychology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, initiated an ambitious project to explore the possibility of creating a ghost through collective hypnosis. The idea was based on earlier experiments conducted by J.B. Rhine at Duke University, which suggested that consciousness could exist beyond the physical body.

The experiment began in 1972 with a group of five researchers: John Palmer, William Gekoski, David Post, and two others who wished to remain anonymous. Their goal was to create an entity named “Philip,” whose existence would be verified through detailed records and witness accounts.

Key Events or Sightings

The experiment involved a series of hypnosis sessions where participants attempted to project their consciousness into the minds of each other. The first phase, which lasted from January 1972 to February 1973, focused on creating a detailed persona for Philip. This included his background, physical appearance, personality traits, and even a fictional history.

On March 5, 1973, a significant milestone was reached when one of the participants reported feeling a presence in their room. They described a sensation akin to being watched by an unseen entity. Over the next few weeks, several other researchers began reporting similar experiences, including feelings of unease and the sense that Philip was present.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence came from William Gekoski, who claimed to have seen a physical manifestation of Philip on March 17, 1973. He wrote in his journal:

> “At approximately 2:45 AM, I woke up feeling extremely cold and shivering. Suddenly, there was a figure standing by my bed. It had long hair, a gaunt face, and wore a dark suit with a white shirt. I could see its eyes and they seemed to be staring directly at me.”

Gekoski also reported experiencing telepathic communication from Philip, who allegedly left messages for other team members.

Another participant, John Palmer, documented his experiences in detail:

> “On April 10, 1973, I was lying on my couch reading when I felt a sharp pain in the back of my neck. It lasted only a few seconds but was intense enough to make me jump. A few minutes later, I heard footsteps coming from upstairs and saw a tall figure descending the stairs. It disappeared before I could get up to investigate.”

Investigations or Research

To validate their findings, the researchers meticulously documented every incident using video cameras, audio recordings, and written accounts. They also conducted experiments to measure physical phenomena that might support the existence of Philip. One notable experiment involved placing a glass of water in an unoccupied room. In multiple instances, the water was found to have frozen despite indoor temperatures being above freezing.

The group published their findings in a series of papers and presentations at various academic conferences. However, skepticism from the broader scientific community remained high due to the lack of objective proof.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite the initial success of the experiment, the researchers eventually disbanded without reaching a definitive conclusion about Philip’s existence. By 1975, funding had run out, and interest in the project waned. Today, “The Philip Experiment” remains an intriguing subject of debate among parapsychologists and paranormal enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What was the primary goal of The Philip Experiment?

A: The main objective was to create a ghost-like entity through collective hypnosis and consensus reality, which would then be verified through detailed records and witness accounts.

Q: How many researchers were involved in this experiment?

A: There were five core researchers: John Palmer, William Gekoski, David Post, and two anonymous participants.

Q: Were there any documented physical manifestations of Philip?

A: Yes, several researchers reported seeing a tall figure with long hair and wearing a dark suit. One participant even felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck followed by footsteps.

Q: How did skeptics respond to The Philip Experiment?

A: Skeptics questioned the validity of the evidence and accused the researchers of fraud or self-delusion, pointing out that there was no objective proof for the existence of Philip.

Q: What impact did this experiment have on parapsychology research?

A: While controversial, The Philip Experiment highlighted the importance of collective consciousness in creating perceived reality. It also sparked discussions about the nature of perception and the potential for paranormal phenomena to be influenced by group dynamics.