ABSTRACT
The key issues fall into the following categories: the role of unconscious mentation in hypnosis; phenomenological versus behavioristic aspects of hypnosis—with special emphasis on the confusion of metatheories with scientific methodology; and physiological changes and psychological behaviors distinguishing hypnosis from the waking state. Despite such credentials in the way of background, manpower, and impact, the study of hypnosis has not yet reached an advanced stage of scientific development. In terms of clinical skill and practical application the authors know a great deal about hypnosis, but the art of its application is far ahead of its scientific elucidation. A variety of scientific theories can flow from both philosophic positions. Scientific theories and philosophical commitments, however, are in different realms of discourse. The situation is analogous to the scientific study of humor. Everyone has an intuitive grasp of humor, and comedians and writers of comic drama have practiced their craft for many centuries.
