Keith Harary

Russell Targ is an American physicist and author known for his work in parapsychology, particularly the development of the concept of 'remote viewing.' He joined Stanford Research Institute (SRI) in 1972, where, alongside Harold E. Puthoff, he coined the term 'remote viewing' to describe the practice of obtaining information about distant or unseen targets through psychic means. Their research, which included work on the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency's Stargate Project, has faced significant criticism from the scientific community, with many characterizing it as pseudoscience due to a lack of rigor and replicable results.

Before his involvement in parapsychology, Targ had a career in laser and engineering research, contributing to advancements in laser technology at companies like Sylvania Electronic Systems and Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. His early interest in the paranormal was reportedly influenced by his father, a book editor whose work included a biography of Helena Blavatsky. Targ's research into psychic phenomena, while popularized, has been disputed by critics who point to methodological flaws and a lack of verifiable evidence. He co-authored several books on the subject, including 'The Mind Race' with Keith Harary.

Russell Targ, alongside Harold E. Puthoff, is credited with developing and popularizing the concept of 'remote viewing' during their tenure at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) starting in 1972. This practice involves attempting to perceive information about a target location or object that is physically inaccessible, utilizing what is described as extrasensory perception. Their work led to collaboration with U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency, on projects like the Stargate Project, which aimed to explore potential military applications of psychic phenomena. Despite the project's significant funding, it was ultimately terminated without producing actionable intelligence.

The research conducted by Targ and Puthoff on remote viewing has been a subject of intense scientific debate and criticism. Numerous reviews have concluded that the experiments lacked sufficient rigor and failed to provide credible evidence for the existence of remote viewing. Critics, such as psychologists David Marks and Richard Kammann, pointed to methodological flaws, including sensory cueing, and suggested that the reported successes were due to unsubstantiated hypotheses and insufficient data. The broader scientific community generally regards remote viewing as pseudoscience, citing the absence of a supporting theoretical framework and the inability to produce consistently positive results under controlled conditions.

Targ's background includes significant contributions to laser and engineering research. He earned a B.S. in physics and completed graduate studies at Columbia University before engaging in early laser development. His professional experience also includes work at Sylvania Electronic Systems and Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, focusing on electro-optics and lidar technology. This foundation in physics provided a unique perspective for his later investigations into parapsychological phenomena, though his transition into this field and the methods employed have been met with skepticism from many in the mainstream scientific community. He co-founded Delphi Associates in 1982 to offer psychic consulting services.