Deviant Understanding of Reality. On dealing with “the Paranormal” in former East Germany

Pilot Study

It is well known that the way in which a society deals with paranormal experiences is strongly influenced by historical, cultural as well as scientific traditions. Considering this general background and the context of the specific world view of the Marxist-Leninist ideology in the former G.D.R. (key terms: scientism, secularisation, atheism), this research project will try to answer the question of how – beyond religious or rather denominational issues – the private, public and scientific negotiation of paranormal and alternative religions topics has been conducted within the „actually existing socialism“. This is, because these exceptional themes and experiences (e.g. ufos, crop circles, alternative healing, occultism etc.) frequently touch upon ideological foundations and scientific principles. Additionally, the reception of these issues within modern societies is generally not unproblematic, especially with regard to processes of tabooing, exclusion and stigmatization. Therefore, the specific question is: What were the consequences arising from the engagement with topics deviant from the official scientistic “Weltanschauung”? What had those to expect who had extraordinary experiences unfitting the prevalent worldview?

Project Leader: PD. Dr. Michael Schetsche

Staff Member: Dr. Ina Schmied-Knittel