Paranormal

Paranormal refers to experiences that lie outside the range of normal experience or scientific explanation. These phenomena are often associated with the occult and include ghosts, extraterrestrial life, UFOs, psychic abilities or extrasensory perception, and cryptids.

Definition

The term "paranormal" has existed in the English language since at least 1920. It is derived from the Latin use of the prefix para meaning "against, counter, outside or beyond the norm". The term is defined as events or phenomena "beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding".

Approach

The scientific community rejects the paranormal due to a lack of empirical evidence. Most scientists believe that the explanations for such events are found in understanding the laws of nature rather than in the supernatural.

Paranormal subjects

Paranormal subjects can be categorized into two main groups: parapsychology and cryptozoology. Parapsychology includes phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis. Cryptozoology refers to the study of creatures, such as Bigfoot, the chupacabra, or Mokele-mbembe, whose existence is not recognized by the scientific community.

Paranormal research

Paranormal research dates back to the late 19th century, with organizations such as the Society for Psychical Research investigating spiritual matters. Modern paranormal investigations use a variety of techniques including the use of digital technology such as digital voice recorders and infrared cameras.

Criticism

Critics, including scientists and skeptics, attribute paranormal phenomena to pseudoscience, hoaxes, delusion, or psychological explanations such as perceptual illusion and hallucination.

See also

• Anomalous phenomena
• Forteana
• List of topics characterized as pseudoscience
• Paranormal television
• Skepticism

References

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External links

• Society for Psychical Research
• James Randi Educational Foundation

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