The subject who claims to have the ability to achieve extrasensory perception is mentioned as psychic.
Psychological is a term that refers to everything that is related to psychological functions and elements. In any case, it is interesting to note that this concept is also usually linked to parapsychology , a discipline based on the analysis of psychological behaviors and phenomena whose characteristics and derivations have not yet been addressed by scientific psychology .
It should be noted that parapsychological investigations contemplate a wide range of methods, among which laboratory research and field work appear. Among the phenomena that he observes and examines, extrasensory perception and telekinesis can be listed, abilities that are attributed to the individuals mentioned as psychics .
Alleged abilities of a psychic
Regarding extrasensory perception, it can be said that it is the ability to collect information through unconventional means, that is, through means not associated with the traditional senses: taste, sight, touch, smell or hearing. The word therefore includes sources of information not supported by the scientific universe.
Telekinesis or telekinesis , on the other hand, considers the possibility of moving objects without requiring the intervention of specific physical means. This idea is linked to levitation , the name by which the prolonged suspension in the air that a certain body or object can achieve is known.
It must be taken into account that parapsychology is not accepted as a science, since it does not make absolute use of the scientific method nor has it promoted theories verifiable by this same procedure. Therefore, it does not equal the level of psychology or the natural sciences.
Levitation is one of the supposed abilities of psychics.
The skepticism
The Canadian magician James Randi created the James Randi Educational Foundation in 1996 , which dedicates all its efforts to unmasking media characters who present themselves as psychics . But the work of this skeptic began long before the existence of his foundation, with numerous appearances in the media and even with the publication of several books.
One of his first targets was the self-proclaimed psychic Uri Geller , who became very famous by making supposed demonstrations of telikinesis and telepathy on television, his specialization being bending metal objects with his mind . James followed this man's work very closely, carefully studying every trick, every movement, and always found a logical explanation for everything he saw.
In the seventies, Uri Geller was invited to " The Tonight Show" in the United States , and Randi ensured that the mentalist's team did not have access to the materials that would be provided for his show , thus preventing utensils from being used previously. manipulated. During the broadcast, Geller , who had no idea of the trap that had been set for him, declared that he felt too much pressure from the host and did not make any demonstration.
Randi against psychics
James Randi has traveled to several countries, revealing the secrets of illusionists of all types and nationalities. In fact, for decades it has offered very important sums of money to anyone capable of performing a paranormal act under certain observation . Interestingly, despite having conducted hundreds of tests, no one has been able to overcome the simple restrictions that applied to the demonstrations.
Without a doubt, the most renowned fraud that this man brought to light was that of Peter Popoff , a healer who claimed to communicate with God to intercede in the recovery of all kinds of evils. In his show, attended by hundreds, he randomly addressed people in the audience and tried to test his powers by mentioning very specific personal information, such as address, family names, and illnesses. During a television appearance, Randi demonstrated that Popoff received this information from his wife and through a wireless intercom . This meant its bankruptcy and disappearance for almost 20 years; After his return, he recovered and even multiplied his former fortune.