psychic phenomenon
Noun: * Psychic phenomenon: An occurrence or event that appears to defy conventional physical laws and suggests the possibility of causation by mental processes alone. These phenomena are often associated with the human mind's purported ability to interact with the world or acquire information beyond the scope of the known senses.
This term is used as a countable noun, typically in the plural form "psychic phenomena," to categorize and discuss a class of extraordinary events. It is primarily used in the contexts of parapsychology, spiritualism, and discussions of the supernatural. * The study aims to investigate various psychic phenomena under controlled laboratory conditions. * Reports of psychic phenomena, such as telepathy, have persisted throughout human history. * She claimed to have experienced a psychic phenomenon involving premonition of the accident.
- As a field of study: The term can refer to the collective subject matter of parapsychology.
- His lifelong interest was in psychic phenomenon and its implications for understanding consciousness.
- In skeptical or scientific discourse: Often used with qualifiers like "alleged," "reported," or "purported" to indicate the contested nature of the events.
- The committee reviewed the evidence for the alleged psychic phenomenon.
- Paranormal phenomenon: A broader term encompassing psychic phenomena as well as other events beyond scientific explanation, such as hauntings or cryptid sightings.
- Psi phenomenon: A more technical term used in parapsychology, often considered synonymous with "psychic phenomenon."
- Psychic (adj): Relating to or denoting faculties or phenomena that are apparently inexplicable by natural laws.
- psychic abilities, a psychic experience
- Psychic (n): A person considered to have psychic abilities; a medium.
- She consulted a psychic about her future.
- Paranormal event
- Psi phenomenon
- Supernatural occurrence
- Extrasensory perception (ESP) (specific type)
- Psychic ability: The purported capacity to produce or experience psychic phenomena.
- He claimed to possess the psychic ability of clairvoyance.
- Psychic research: The systematic investigation of psychic phenomena.
- The institute is dedicated to psychic research.
The term "psychic phenomenon" is highly specific and does not have common, divergent meanings in standard English. Its core meaning is consistently tied to events suggesting mental causation beyond physical laws. It should not be confused with: * Psychological phenomenon: Refers to observable events or processes within the realm of standard psychology (e.g., memory, perception, learning), which are studied as natural functions of the brain and mind.
- phenomena that appear to contradict physical laws and suggest the possibility of causation by mental processes