Chapter 2 - Can You Hypnotize Me to Believe in It?
The Websters New International Dictionary defines hypnosis as the induction of a state resembling sleep or somnambulism, which is called hypnosis or hypnotic sleep; also loosely - the induced state of hypnosis.
There are degrees of hypnosis which have been characterized as lethargic, cataleptic and somnambulistic hypnosis; and again, simply as light and heavy hypnotic sleep, with corresponding variations in suggestibility.
However, Encyclopedia Britannica further states there remains no generally acceptable explanation for hypnosis, though one prominent theory focuses on the possibility of discrete dissociative states affecting portions of consciousness.
The word hypnosis is derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep. Hypnotism is often presumed to make someone go under a state of reduced consciousness while the person remains awake. The general behavior of those under hypnosis are being extremely positive to suggestions, and achieving a high level of relaxation. Daydreaming is another activity likened to hypnotism, wherein a person looks oblivious to his surroundings yet experiencing heightened imagination depending on how light the trance is.
