Psychic
From Free net encyclopedia
Psychic or psychical is a term referring to psi or extra-sensory abilities. The term is often used to refer to a person who claims or who is believed to possess abilities including: Clairvoyance, Psychometry and Precognition. These claims are widely disputed by mainstream science, and are regularly attacked by skeptics. However supporters do exist within the field of Parapsychology as well as within wider science, including for example figures such as Cornell university's Daryl Bem who argues for a mild but significant phenomena, based upon his Ganzfeld experiments.
It is believed that a psychic is a person that possesses an extra sensory perception that enables them to acquire information. They may also have the ability to affect objects with Psycho Kinesis, which is the transfer of energy. Mediums, like psychics also have the ability to aquire information. However mediums obtain their information through spirits or those that have passed on. Mediums may also possess psychic abilities.
Popular usage
Within popular culture the term psychic is used to refer to a person who offers services based upon his or her claimed abilities for clients. This is a controversial area with many critics pointing to fraud or possible abuse. However the popularity of such services is widespread and featured regularly on radio, TV and in live performances.
See also
External links
- The Society for Psychical Research - Founded in 1882 to examine paranormal phenomena in a scientific and unbiased way
- Skeptic's Dictionary - Psychic
- James Randi Educational Foundation - Organisation setup by the well known performer
- Alternative Science - Criticisms of James Randi's $1 million challenge