Psionics
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Psionics is the practice of using a variety of psychic abilities. Although the evidence of psychic abilities in a controlled setting is controversial, believers in psychic phenomena have developed numerous hypotheses on its function. Beliefs on how these claimed abilities work vary greatly.
The term, psionics, is also a recurring element in fiction, usually works of fantasy and science fiction as well as video games, especially role-playing games.
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History and terminology
B. P. Wiesner and Robert H. Thouless first proposed the term "psi" in 1942 as a more general term to include both extrasensory perception and psychokinesis. The original terminology proposal divided psi into psi-gamma, for cases of perception, and psi-kappa, for cases of action. These terms were later modified into "passive psi" and "active psi". [1] [2]
Remote viewing
- Main article: Remote viewing
In the 1970s the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in an exploration of the potential military value of a particular psionic ability: that of visualizing a location without physical travel or "remote viewing". In the United States, this project, begun at the behest of the CIA at the Stanford Research Institute, became widespread public knowledge in the mid 1980s and was terminated based on concerns about effectiveness in 1995.
Energy
The "psi" catalyst, as with many paranormal forces, is often referred to generally as an "energy" whose physical properties are generally thought to be difficult or impossible to measure in terms of standard physics. Psionic energy can also be compared to many eastern forms of bioenergy including the Qi in Qigong or prana in Indian meditation.
Although some claim that any energy that can be manipulated solely by the mind is considered psi, others contend that there are distinctions that can be made between energy forms. Common distinctions are between 'life energy', 'earth energy', and psi energy. Those who make these distinctions usually do so on the basis that the different energies have a different 'feel' to them, and thus can be separated. Common ways energy can be manipulated is by generation, changing direction or velocity, density, and shape. This is done through intention coupled with intense focus usually also including the use of visualization for beginners. Additional suggested mechanisms for manipulation of such energies include connections with the subconscious mind, and special breathing techniques.
Psionics are usually claimed to be strictly mental abilities which do not include any magick or rituals. The main source of power is from the mind, and many supposed practioners draw a distinction between psychic abilities and spirituality. However, there are also those who believe that psychic and spiritual or mystical abilities are related, or even indistinguishable, including some who claim to be psychics. Because of the subjective nature of these experiences, and the lack of measurable proof, the lines between psionics and mysticism are not clear.
Constructs
According to some psionic practices, constructs are masses of dense psionic energy that have been formed into a specific shape and given a specific task to perform. This can range from a simple shield (a shield being a construct that regulates or stops the energy passing through it), on up to creating artificial "entities", or constructs with programmed sentience. A common example that many beginning psions start out with is a 'psiball', which is essentially a simple construct programmed to retain a spherical shape.
Passive abilities
Passive abilities generally deal with the mind and/or nervous system. This area is generally considered to include telepathy (Sensing or affecting thoughts), empathy (sensing or affecting emotions), precognition (predicting future events), remote viewing (seeing a location without the use of physical eyes), and nervous system-related effects (sensing or affecting the senses and/or nerves of others).
Physical abilities
Psionics that affect the physical world are sometimes broadly referred to as psychokinesis or PK, but different sources may have slight differences in terminology. The claims of a select few to be able to move small objects with their minds is controversial and many experiments have been attempted to assess the validity of these claims.
Fiction
Psionics in fiction take on nearly as many forms as magic, and are often deeply entwined with many related paranormal or science fiction phenomena.
The most widely utilized psionic ability in fiction is telepathy, which is often attributed to magical or highly technologically or mentally advanced cultures as a matter of course. As an example, the Star Trek Vulcans were given limited telepathic abilities in order to make them appear more alien. Psionic abilities are often displayed by beings who do or are in process of trancending their physical existence (e.g. humans in the SF classic, Childhood's End).
Telekinesis and precognition, as exibited by the Jedi in Star Wars is also quite common in fictional psionics.
See also: List of powers in superhero fiction
Role-playing and other games
- Main article: Psionics (role-playing games)
Psionics are used in a wide variety of role-playing games including the popular d20 System, often as a substitute for magic. One of the base classes under this system is the psion.
Psionics were utilised as a paranormal power of agents in the X-COM series of computer games by MicroProse, which was inspired by popular-culture appreciation of psionic abilities of aliens. Psionic abilities included mind control and telekenesis.
See also
External links
Please be aware that the accuracy and validity of this subject and of the following external links are controversial.