Zetetic Scholar

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Zetetic Scholar

A journal of academic research into occultism, cryptozoology, and related fields founded by Marcello Truzzi of the Department of Sociology at Eastern Michigan University. Originally titled Explorations, the title was changed after the second volume to avoid confusion with the Explorations Institute in Berkeley, California.

"Zetetic" derives from the Greek philosophical school of Pyrrho (365-275 B.C.E.) and indicates extreme skepticism. Zetetic Journal circulated to serious academics researching occultism and to organizations and individuals in the field. It contained critical notes and news of current events and personalities in occultism, a who's who in occult research, and valuable lists of books and articles in the fields of occultism and parapsychology. The Zetetic was given to the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of the Claims of the Paranormal. However, in 1977 Truzzi had a disagreement with the committee leadership over their handling of a research project in which false data was published in an attempt to refute astrology.

Truzzi disassociated himself from the committee and announced publication of Zetetic Scholar as an independent scientific review. The first issue appeared in 1978. In the meantime, beginning with the Fall/Winter issue, the committee continued its journal under a new name, The Skeptical Inquirer. Truzzi continued the Zetetic Scholar through the 1980s, some 15 issues appearing. The Skeptical Inquirer continues as the organ of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal.