ESP

Extrasensory perception (ESP) is a term used to describe purported abilities to obtain information or influence the external world without using standard senses or direct physical interaction. ESP is commonly treated as an umbrella for several proposed phenomena, including telepathy (transferring thoughts between minds), clairvoyance (perceiving distant events or objects), precognition (knowledge of future events), and, in some classifications, psychokinesis (influencing physical systems by mental effort).

The concept entered popular and scientific discourse in the 20th century, with researchers such as J. B. Rhine at Duke University promoting standardized laboratory tests of ESP, notably using Zener cards. This era fostered extensive experimentation and debate within parapsychology. Over time, ESP research expanded to various paradigms, including laboratory tests and field observations, but it remained controversial.

A central issue in ESP research concerns replication and methodological rigor. Critics point to problems such as sensory leakage, experimenter bias, flawed randomization, and publication bias. While some meta-analyses have reported small effects under certain conditions, many scientists argue that the effects are not robust enough to establish ESP as a real, reliable phenomenon. The lack of a plausible mechanism within established physics and biology contributes to ongoing skepticism.

In culture and science, ESP continues to appear in books, media, and discussions about the limits of perception and knowledge. Some governments and organizations have explored related areas such as remote viewing, though results have not produced conclusive, reproducible evidence.

See also: psi phenomena, telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis, parapsychology, ganzfeld experiment.