The Philip Experiment

In 1972, the Toronto Society for Psychical Research conducted an experiment: could a group create a ghost through collective imagination? They invented a fictional spirit named Philip and held séances to contact him. Remarkably, he answered.

The Experiment

Members created a detailed biography for Philip, a fictional 17th-century aristocrat. They visualized him, discussed him, and eventually held séances attempting contact. The group knew Philip was invented.

The Results

After months of unsuccessful attempts, phenomena began occurring. The table moved. Rapping sounds answered questions. The table levitated, witnessed by skeptics and documented on film.

The Communications

Philip answered questions about his invented biography correctly. He developed personality quirks. When researchers challenged his reality, phenomena ceased. When they returned to believing in him, phenomena resumed.

The Implications

The experiment suggested that belief and collective focus could produce genuine phenomena without any “real” ghost. This challenged both skeptical and believer positions.

Assessment

The Philip Experiment remains controversial. Critics argue the group unconsciously moved the table. Supporters note the phenomena exceeded what unconscious movement could produce. Either way, it demonstrated the power of collective consciousness.