http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychic
Psychic, from the Greek psychikos meaning "mental, of the soul" (in
turn derived from psyche meaning "soul, mind"), is a term used to
describe phenomena or abilities that are said to originate from the
brain but which transcend its confines. [1][2] [3][4]
The term Psychic is commonly used in reference to the paranormal in
general, but is more accurately applied to phenomena which are said
to involve Psi. [1] People who are said to possess psychic
abilities are referred to as "psychics".
The word itself was coined by French astronomer Camille Flammarion
(1842 1925). Edward William Cox has been credited with
introducing it into the English language. [5]
Contents [hide]
1 Psychical research
2 Skepticism
2.1 James Randi
3 Popular culture
4 Fiction
5 See also
6 Footnotes
7 External links
[edit] Psychical research
Main article: Parapsychology
The rise of modern inquiry into reports of psychical phenomena
coincided with the introduction of modern Spiritualism in 1848 and
the movement's claims of paranormal abilities. Shortly thereafter,
the Society for Psychical Research was founded in Britain (1882)
and the American Society for Psychical Research was founded in the
United States (1885). Spiritualism was so widespread and the
reports of its effects so numerous and impressive that it was
inevitable that scientists would be attracted to the alleged
phenomena. Early psychical researchers concerned themselves with
studying mediums and spiritualist claims. In the early 1900s, a
dissatisfaction with the results of the research and political
disagreements within psychic research organizations led to a new
approach and a new term for the study of psychic phenomena:
parapsychology.[4]
Parapsychology began using the experimental approach to psychic
phenomena in the 1930s under the direction of J. B. Rhine (1895
1980).[4] Rhine popularized the now famous methodology of using
card-guessing and dice-rolling experiments in the laboratory in an
attempt to find a statistical validation of extra-sensory
perception.[4]
In 1957, the Parapsychological Association was formed as the
preeminent society for parapsychologists. In 1969, they became
affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of
Science. That affiliation, along with a general openness to psychic
and occult phenomena in the 1970s, led to a decade of increased
parapsychological research.[4] During this time, other notable
organizations were also formed, including the Academy of
Parapsychology and Medicine (1970), the Institute of Parascience
(1971), the Academy of Religion and Psychical Research, the
Institute of Noetic Sciences (1973), and the International Kirlian
Research Association (1975). Each of these groups performed
experiments on paranormal subjects to varying degrees.
Parapsychological work was also conducted at the Stanford Research
Institute during this time, research which continued till February
2007. [6][4]
In 1979, survey conducted to assess belief in one specific field
associated with psychics (ESP). It covered 1,100 US college
professors and indicated that more than 50% of them believed that
ESP is either an established fact or a likely possibility". Belief
was shown to be highest among those involved in arts and
humanities, but lowest among psychologists. [7]
