Abstract

This commentary analyzes the results of two protocols by Markus Maier’s team that focus on the erasure paradigm, which combines two conceptual innovations: the shift of the task from a volitional intention to a perceptual evaluation, and the deliberate introduction of a confound aimed at maintaining the psi effect (what we propose to call the “erasure-confound paradigm”). After situating this work within the context of the limits of the Rhinian paradigm – particularly with regard to the psi paradox and the principle of elusiveness – we discuss the contributions and limitations of this new research paradigm. The analysis highlights the original and promising nature of the results obtained and situates them within a broader theoretical framework concerning elusiveness aspects of psi phenomena. Several avenues are also opened to determine to what extent the strategy implemented allows for a sustainable circumvention of the principle of elusiveness.

Key-words
Psi, generalized quantum theory, principle of elusiveness, psi paradox, erasure paradigm, decay effect